Positive regulation of melanin pigmentation by two key substrates of the melanogenic pathway, L-tyrosine and L-dopa

1988 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-296
Author(s):  
A. Slominski ◽  
G. Moellmann ◽  
E. Kuklinska ◽  
A. Bomirski ◽  
J. Pawelek
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Tyrosinase Activity ◽  
Pigment Cells ◽  
Positive Regulation ◽  
Melanin Pigmentation ◽  
Subcellular Organelles ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Tyrosine D ◽  
Hamster Melanoma

We describe results demonstrating the positive regulation of melanogenesis by two substrates of the melanogenic pathway. We have found that L-tyrosine and L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa), whose metabolic fates are affected by the activity of that pathway, can also act as its regulators. In living pigment cells, tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1), a crucial and rate-limiting enzyme of melanogenesis, acts in subcellular organelles known as melanosomes. Melanin is laid down only in these organelles. We demonstrate that supplementing Ham's F-10 medium with additional L-tyrosine or L-dopa during the culture of amelanotic Bomirski hamster melanoma cells results in a rapid increase in melanin formation, which is not simply due to greater availability of substrate. There is a rapid increase in tyrosinase activity and a large scale synthesis of melanosomes. The effects of L-tyrosine and L-dopa are prevented by the addition of cycloheximide. The actions of L-tyrosine and L-dopa are specific in that under similar conditions D-tyrosine, D-dopa, N-acetyl-L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan and L-valine have little or no effect. The two substrates, L-tyrosine and L-dopa, appear to act through related but distinct mechanisms. Our findings provide an example of a little-known phenomenon: regulation of a differentiated eukaryotic phenotype through positive control by substrates in the pathway.

scholarly journals The Dynamics of Subunit Rotation in a Eukaryotic Ribosome

Biophysica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-221
Author(s):  
Frederico Campos Freitas ◽  
Gabriele Fuchs ◽  
Ronaldo Junio de Oliveira ◽  
Paul Charles Whitford
Keyword(s):  
Free Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Subunit ◽  
Free Energy Barrier ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Molecular Flexibility ◽  
Subunit Rotation ◽  
Biological Kinetics ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Reversible Rotation

Protein synthesis by the ribosome is coordinated by an intricate series of large-scale conformational rearrangements. Structural studies can provide information about long-lived states, however biological kinetics are controlled by the intervening free-energy barriers. While there has been progress describing the energy landscapes of bacterial ribosomes, very little is known about the energetics of large-scale rearrangements in eukaryotic systems. To address this topic, we constructed an all-atom model with simplified energetics and performed simulations of subunit rotation in the yeast ribosome. In these simulations, the small subunit (SSU; ∼1 MDa) undergoes spontaneous and reversible rotation events (∼8∘). By enabling the simulation of this rearrangement under equilibrium conditions, these calculations provide initial insights into the molecular factors that control dynamics in eukaryotic ribosomes. Through this, we are able to identify specific inter-subunit interactions that have a pronounced influence on the rate-limiting free-energy barrier. We also show that, as a result of changes in molecular flexibility, the thermodynamic balance between the rotated and unrotated states is temperature-dependent. This effect may be interpreted in terms of differential molecular flexibility within the rotated and unrotated states. Together, these calculations provide a foundation, upon which the field may begin to dissect the energetics of these complex molecular machines.

scholarly journals Tyrosinase Nanoparticles: Understanding the Melanogenesis Pathway by Isolating the Products of Tyrosinase Enzymatic Reaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 734
Author(s):  
Paul K. Varghese ◽  
Mones Abu-Asab ◽  
Emilios K. Dimitriadis ◽  
Monika B. Dolinska ◽  
George P. Morcos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Catalytic Activity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Magnetic Beads ◽  
Enzymatic Reaction ◽  
Oculocutaneous Albinism ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Hill Kinetics ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Human Tyrosinase

Human Tyrosinase (Tyr) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the melanogenesis pathway. Tyr catalyzes the oxidation of the substrate L-DOPA into dopachrome and melanin. Currently, the characterization of dopachrome-related products is difficult due to the absence of a simple way to partition dopachrome from protein fraction. Here, we immobilize catalytically pure recombinant human Tyr domain (residues 19–469) containing 6xHis tag to Ni-loaded magnetic beads (MB). Transmission electron microscopy revealed Tyr-MB were within limits of 168.2 ± 24.4 nm while the dark-brown melanin images showed single and polymerized melanin with a diameter of 121.4 ± 18.1 nm. Using Hill kinetics, we show that Tyr-MB has a catalytic activity similar to that of intact Tyr. The diphenol oxidase reactions of L-DOPA show an increase of dopachrome formation with the number of MB and with temperature. At 50 °C, Tyr-MB shows some residual catalytic activity suggesting that the immobilized Tyr has increased protein stability. In contrast, under 37 °C, the dopachrome product, which is isolated from Tyr-MB particles, shows that dopachrome has an orange-brown color that is different from the color of the mixture of L-DOPA, Tyr, and dopachrome. In the future, Tyr-MB could be used for large-scale productions of dopachrome and melanin-related products and finding a treatment for oculocutaneous albinism-inherited diseases.

scholarly journals Drawing Reproducible Conclusions from Observational Clinical Data with OHDSI

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Hripcsak ◽  
Martijn J. Schuemie ◽  
David Madigan ◽  
Patrick B. Ryan ◽  
Marc A. Suchard
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Common Data Model ◽  
Administrative Claims ◽  
Open Approach ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Software Models

Summary Objective: The current observational research literature shows extensive publication bias and contradiction. The Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) initiative seeks to improve research reproducibility through open science. Methods: OHDSI has created an international federated data source of electronic health records and administrative claims that covers nearly 10% of the world’s population. Using a common data model with a practical schema and extensive vocabulary mappings, data from around the world follow the identical format. OHDSI’s research methods emphasize reproducibility, with a large-scale approach to addressing confounding using propensity score adjustment with extensive diagnostics; negative and positive control hypotheses to test for residual systematic error; a variety of data sources to assess consistency and generalizability; a completely open approach including protocol, software, models, parameters, and raw results so that studies can be externally verified; and the study of many hypotheses in parallel so that the operating characteristics of the methods can be assessed. Results: OHDSI has already produced findings in areas like hypertension treatment that are being incorporated into practice, and it has produced rigorous studies of COVID-19 that have aided government agencies in their treatment decisions, that have characterized the disease extensively, that have estimated the comparative effects of treatments, and that the predict likelihood of advancing to serious complications. Conclusions: OHDSI practices open science and incorporates a series of methods to address reproducibility. It has produced important results in several areas, including hypertension therapy and COVID-19 research.

Mutations affecting development of the zebrafish inner ear and lateral line

Development ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 241-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.T. Whitfield ◽  
M. Granato ◽  
F.J. van Eeden ◽  
U. Schach ◽  
M. Brand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Lateral Line ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sensory System ◽  
Semicircular Canals ◽  
Abnormal Development ◽  
Pigment Cells ◽  
Otic Vesicle ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Complementation Groups

Mutations giving rise to anatomical defects in the inner ear have been isolated in a large scale screen for mutations causing visible abnormalities in the zebrafish embryo (Haffter, P., Granato, M., Brand, M. et al. (1996) Development 123, 1–36). 58 mutants have been classified as having a primary ear phenotype; these fall into several phenotypic classes, affecting presence or size of the otoliths, size and shape of the otic vesicle and formation of the semicircular canals, and define at least 20 complementation groups. Mutations in seven genes cause loss of one or both otoliths, but do not appear to affect development of other structures within the ear. Mutations in seven genes affect morphology and patterning of the inner ear epithelium, including formation of the semicircular canals and, in some, development of sensory patches (maculae and cristae). Within this class, dog-eared mutants show abnormal development of semicircular canals and lack cristae within the ear, while in van gogh, semicircular canals fail to form altogether, resulting in a tiny otic vesicle containing a single sensory patch. Both these mutants show defects in the expression of homeobox genes within the otic vesicle. In a further class of mutants, ear size is affected while patterning appears to be relatively normal; mutations in three genes cause expansion of the otic vesicle, while in little ears and microtic, the ear is abnormally small, but still contains all five sensory patches, as in the wild type. Many of the ear and otolith mutants show an expected behavioural phenotype: embryos fail to balance correctly, and may swim on their sides, upside down, or in circles. Several mutants with similar balance defects have also been isolated that have no obvious structural ear defect, but that may include mutants with vestibular dysfunction of the inner ear (Granato, M., van Eeden, F. J. M., Schach, U. et al. (1996) Development, 123, 399–413,). Mutations in 19 genes causing primary defects in other structures also show an ear defect. In particular, ear phenotypes are often found in conjunction with defects of neural crest derivatives (pigment cells and/or cartilaginous elements of the jaw). At least one mutant, dog-eared, shows defects in both the ear and another placodally derived sensory system, the lateral line, while hypersensitive mutants have additional trunk lateral line organs.

scholarly journals Outdoor Large-Scale Cultivation of the Acidophilic Microalga Coccomyxa onubensis in a Vertical Close Photobioreactor for Lutein Production

Processes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan-Luis Fuentes ◽  
Zaida Montero ◽  
María Cuaresma ◽  
Mari-Carmen Ruiz-Domínguez ◽  
Benito Mogedas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Lutein Content ◽  
Acidic Waters ◽  
Large Scale Cultivation ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Lutein Production

The large-scale biomass production is an essential step in the biotechnological applications of microalgae. Coccomyxa onubensis is an acidophilic microalga isolated from the highly acidic waters of Río Tinto (province of Huelva, Spain) and has been shown to accumulate a high concentration of lutein (9.7 mg g−1dw), a valuable antioxidant, when grown at laboratory-scale. A productivity of 0.14 g L−1 d−1 was obtained by growing the microalga under outdoor conditions in an 800 L tubular photobioreactor. The results show a stable biomass production for at least one month and with a lutein content of 10 mg g−1dw, at pH values in the range 2.5–3.0 and temperature in the range 10–25 °C. Culture density, temperature, and CO2 availability in highly acidic medium are rate-limiting conditions for the microalgal growth. These aspects are discussed in this paper in order to improve the outdoor culture conditions for competitive applications of C. onubensis.

scholarly journals Phenol Content and Antioxidant and Antiaging Activity of Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius L.)

Cosmetics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamel Zemour ◽  
Amina Labdelli ◽  
Ahmed Adda ◽  
Abdelkader Dellal ◽  
Thierry Talou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Seed Oil ◽  
Carthamus Tinctorius ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Safflower Seed ◽  
Total Phenol Content ◽  
Genotypic Differences ◽  
Safflower Oil ◽  
Phenol Content

The phenol content of vegetable oil and its antioxidant activity are of primary interest for human health. Oilseed species are considered important sources of these compounds with medicinal effects on a large scale. Total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of safflower oil were previously studied. Nevertheless, there is no report on genotypic differences and antiaging activity of safflower oil. The aim of this study was to determine the TPC, diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and antiaging activity on three respective accessions from Syria, France, and Algeria of seed oil of safflower grown under semi-arid conditions during 3 consecutive years (2015, 2016, and 2017). The results showed that phenol content as well as antioxidant and antiaging activity varied according to both genotype and years. In 2017, the mean value of TPC in oil seed was two times higher than in 2015 and 2016. Moreover, accessions presented different TPC values depending on the year. The highest antioxidant activity was observed among accessions in 2017 compared to 2015 and 2016. As expected, a positive correlation was found between TPC and antioxidant activity. The inhibition in the collagenase assay was between 47% and 72.1% compared to the positive control (83.1%), while inhibition in the elastase assay of TPC ranged from 32.2% to 70.3%, with the positive control being 75.8%. These results highlight the interest of safflower oil as a source of phenols with valuable antioxidant and antiaging activity, and uses for cosmetics.

scholarly journals Advances in the Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia coli for the Manufacture of Monoterpenes

Catalysts ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Si-si Xie ◽  
Lingyun Zhu ◽  
Xin-yuan Qiu ◽  
Chu-shu Zhu ◽  
Lv-yun Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Metabolic Flux ◽  
Process Development ◽  
Pathway Engineering ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Large Scale Production ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Dependent Pathway

Monoterpenes are commonly applied as pharmaceuticals and valuable chemicals in various areas. The bioproduction of valuable monoterpenes in prokaryotic microbial hosts, such as E. coli, has progressed considerably thanks to the development of different outstanding approaches. However, the large-scale production of monoterpenes still presents considerable limitations. Thus, process development warrants further investigations. This review discusses the endogenous methylerythritol-4-phosphate-dependent pathway engineering and the exogenous mevalonate-dependent isoprenoid pathway introduction, as well as the accompanied optimization of rate-limiting enzymes, metabolic flux, and product toxicity tolerance. We suggest further studies to focus on the development of systematical, integrational, and synthetic biological strategies in light of the inter disciplines at the cutting edge. Our review provides insights into the current advances of monoterpene bioengineering and serves as a reference for future studies to promote the industrial production of valuable monoterpenes.

Enhanced biogas recovery by applying post-digestion in large-scale centralized biogas plants

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Angelidaki ◽  
A. Heinfelt ◽  
L. Ellegaard
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Biogas Production ◽  
Stable Process ◽  
Particulate Material ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Biogas Plants ◽  
Temperature Levels ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Digestion Step

The main objective of this study was to investigate the degradation efficiency of centralized biogas plants and provide guidance for the design of more efficient digester and post-digestion systems. These centralized biogas plants in Denmark digest manure together with organic waste from the food industry to generate biogas, which is used for electricity and thermal energy. A total of 20 such plants are currently active in Denmark, most of which were included in the investigation. From the plants, samples were obtained from various steps of the process. Samples were analysed and the residual biogas potential determined by batch post-digestion at various temperature levels. Results were correlated with plant characteristics and production statistics in order to judge the efficiency of various digestion concepts. A simplified model based on a two-step biogas production process was developed and experimental data were used to determine kinetic constants. Experimental results and analysis combined with model simulations showed that the residual biogas potential in the main digestion step effluent is originating mainly from undegraded particulate matter in the biomass. For thermophilic plants 93% of the residual biogas potential was originating from particulate matter and 88% for the mesophilic biogas plants. This indicates that the residual biogas potential is mainly due to insufficient retention time in the main digestion step for hydrolysis of particulate material and that the hydrolysis step is the methane yield limiting factor, while conversion of soluble material such as VFA is the rate limiting factor critical for achieving a stable process.

Pathology and Ultrastructural Characteristics of a Hypomelanotic Variant of Transplantable Hamster Melanoma With Elevated Tyrosinase Activity

1987 ◽  
Vol 89 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Bomirski ◽  
Teresa Wrzolkowa ◽  
Maria Arendarczyk ◽  
Marta Bomirska ◽  
Elizabeth Kuklinska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tyrosinase Activity ◽  
Ultrastructural Characteristics ◽  
Hamster Melanoma

THE MELANOGENIC RESPONSE TO TESTOSTERONE IN SCROTAL EPIDERMIS: EFFECTS ON TYROSINASE ACTIVITY AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS

1976 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 435-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Wilson ◽  
Eugene Spaziani
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Tyrosinase Activity ◽  
Melanin Synthesis ◽  
Testosterone Treatment ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Inhibitor Of Protein Synthesis ◽  
Rate Limiting

ABSTRACT Pigmentation of the scrotum of the black-pelted rat, as expressed through melanocyte melanogenic activity, is controlled by androgens. Castration decreased in vitro incorporation of [14C] tyrosine into melanin. Testosterone pre-treatment for 4 days increased melanin radioactivity over castrate controls; the increment in vitro was prevented by an inhibitor of protein synthesis (cycloheximide) added to the incubation. However, cycloheximide only partially blocked melanin synthesis when added to tissue from animals hormone treated for 6 days in vivo, and was ineffective in tissue from intacts. Bulk protein synthesis in vitro (incorporation of [14C] tyrosine or -leucine) was not affected by castration or testosterone treatment but was uniformly inhibited by cycloheximide. The data suggest that new synthesis of specific protein in vitro was necessary for initial hormone-stimulation of melanogenesis, but with longer exposure to hormone sufficient protein was pre-synthetized in vivo to permit melanogenesis during incubation with the inhibitor. Radioautographs of epidermis incubated with [14C] tyrosine showed grains concentrated over macromolecular aggregates in melanocytes, a pattern not altered by cycloheximide. Though available for incorporation into general tissue protein. [14C] tyrosine was apparently incorporated preferentially into melanin by melanocytes. DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) added to incubations in cofactor amounts did not affect decreased melanin synthesis after castration and appears, therefore, not to be rate limiting in that decrease. Tissue uptake of free [14C] tyrosine or — leucine during incubation was lower than normal in castrate epidermis; uptake was elevated by testosterone treatment. Concentrations appeared sufficient in all preparations to suggest that availability is not rate limiting for synthesis of melanin or protein; however, a possible influence on amino acid permeability for melanocytes remains undetermined. Tyrosinase activity was present in both particulate and cytosol fractions of epidermis but decreased significantly after castration only in the cytosol. Testosterone increased particulate activity after 4 days and soluble activity after 9 days of treatment. These and findings above are consistent with a model that tyrosinase is synthesized and incorporated into melanosome structure within 4 days testosterone treatment; with longer treatment synthesis may then exceed that required for melanosome assembly and tyrosinase appears in the soluble milieu.

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