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G Carrea

Publications and source records attributed to G Carrea.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Evidence for an essential lysyl residue in phospholipase D from Streptomyces sp. by modification with diethyl pyrocarbonate and pyridoxal 5-phosphate.

Diethyl pyrocarbonate inactivated phospholipase D from Streptomyces PMF with second-order rate constants of 0.7 M-1 s-1 at pH 6.1 or 222 M-1 s-1 at pH 8.3 and 25 degrees C, and modified 5 His residues per enzyme molecule. The His residues, however, were not essential for activity because: (a) the second-order rate constants for reaction of diethyl pyrocarbonate with the His residues of the enzyme, which were 1.4 M-1 s-1 at pH 6.1 or 7.2 M-1 s-1 at pH 8.3 and 25 degrees C, differed, both at low and high pH values, from the inactivation rates, and (b) the reversal of His modification by hydroxylamine was not accompanied by recovery of activity. As demonstrated by dinitrophenylation experiments carried out on the treated enzyme, diethyl pyrocarbonate also modified up to 20 Lys residues per enzyme molecule. Other amino acid residues and the conformation and hydrodynamic volume of the enzyme were not modified. The involvement of a Lys residue in enzyme activity was confirmed through experiments with pyridoxal 5-phosphate which inactivated phospholipase D, after NaBH4 reduction, with a second-order rate constant of 3.5 M-1 s-1 at pH 8.5 and 15 degrees C. The inactivation took place with concomitant modification of 4 Lys residues, only one of which was found to be essential using the kinetic method of Tsou (Tsou, C.-L. (1962) Sci. Sin. 11, 1535-1538). Dicaproyl phosphatidylcholine markedly protected the enzyme against inactivation by DEP or PLP, and this strongly suggests that the essential Lys residue is located in or near the substrate binding site.

Binding Sites↗

Enzyme reactions in a multicompartment electrolyzer with isoelectrically trapped enzymes.

UNLABELLED: The possibility of performing bioconversions under an electric field is here reported. A system is described by which the enzyme is trapped by an isoelectric mechanism between two zwitterionic membranes having pI values encompassing the isoelectric point of the enzyme. The enzyme is loaded into a multicompartment electrolyzer and kept operating under an electric field, which will continuously harvest the reaction product. Since, under focusing conditions, all buffering ions will vacate the reaction chamber at steady state, the buffering ion is trapped into the enzyme chamber by using amphoteric buffers co-isoelectric with the enzyme. As an example of such "isoelectrically immobilized' reactor, the enzyme beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is blocked into an isoelectric trap delimited by a pI 8.0 and a pI 6.5 membranes. 100 mM histidine (pI 7.47) is co-immobilized by the same isoelectric mechanism into the enzyme chamber. The dehydrocholic acid substrate (3,7,12-trioxo-5 beta-cholanoic acid) and reduced co-factor (NADH) are continuously infused into the enzyme chamber and the product (3 beta-hydroxy-7,12-dioxo- 5 beta-cholanoic acid, a compound of pharmaceutical interest) and the oxidized co-factor (NAD+) collected, separately, into the two neighbouring chambers at the anodic side. ADVANTAGES: in a soluble form, the enzyme maintains the reaction kinetics of the free soluble form. Additionally, the reaction product and exhausted co-factor can be recovered by electrophoretic transport.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Fourier-transform infrared conformational study of bovine insulin in surfactant solutions.

To obtain conformational data on the monomeric form of insulin, which is believed to be the physiologically active form of the hormone, insulin in sodium dodecyl sulfate solution was studied by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and circular dichroism, and results were compared with those obtained with des(B23-30) octapeptide insulin (DOI) and dimeric insulin in buffer. The FTIR amide I band (1600-1700 cm-1) was examined, and a quantitative evaluation of the secondary structure fractions of the various conformations showed less of a beta-sheet component for both insulin in SDS and DOI in buffer than for insulin in buffer, corresponding to a lack of monomers binding to form dimers. At the concentrations used for FTIR (> or = 2 mg/mL), the CD spectra of insulin in SDS and DOI in buffer were qualitatively identical but different from that of insulin in buffer, which is associated at these concentrations. The CD spectrum pattern of insulin in very dilute solution (80 nM), where it is prevalently monomeric, is very similar to that of monomeric insulin in SDS, which suggests that the conformation of the hormone in the two cases is very similar.

Animals↗

Purification and properties of two phospholipases D from Streptomyces sp.

Two enzymes with phospholipase D activity were purified from Streptomyces strains (PMF and PM43) by column chromatography on Fractogel TSK CM-650(S), Sephadex G-100 and Fractogel EMD DEAE-650(M). The purified preparations were found to be homogeneous by SDS-PAGE, capillary electrophoresis and analytical gel filtration. The molecular masses, assessed by MALDI-MS spectrometry, were 53.864 kDa for PMF and 54.147 kDa for PM43. The isoelectric point was 9.1 for both enzymes. The enzymes were most active at around 60 degrees C and stable between pH 4 and 9 and below 50 degrees C. The pH optima were between 4 and 6 for PMF and between 6 and 7 for PM43. Both phospholipases displayed high transphosphatidylation activity but PMF was more selective than PM43.

Enzyme Stability↗

Effects of chloride on the kinetics and stereochemistry of chloroperoxidase catalyzed oxidation of sulfides.

At pH 3, chloride dramatically influenced both the Km of chloroperoxidase (CPO) for methyl p-tolyl sulfide, which decreased, and its activity, which increased. The Km value changed from 75 microM in the absence of chloride to < or = 1.2 microM in > or = 0.9 mM chloride, and the kcat from 53 s-1 in 0 to 1750 s-1 in 50 mM halide. The kcat/Km value at 0.9 mM chloride was 414 microM -1s-1 compared to 0.7 microM-1s-1 in the absence of the halide. At pH 5, the activating effect was less pronounced. Chloride also acted as inhibitor versus hydrogen peroxide. The data are consistent with a reaction mechanism in which, on hand, chloride competes with hydrogen peroxide for the native enzyme and, on the other hand, activates sulfide oxidation by binding to CPO Compound I to give a CPO-chlorinating intermediate (EOCl-). However, contrary to what happened in the absence of chloride, where the oxidation was enantioselective and an oxygen atom of H2O2 was incorporated in the sulfoxide (from experiments with 18O-labeled H2O2), in the presence of the halide the oxidation was not enantioselective and there was no incorporation of oxygen from H2O2. The data suggest that sulfide oxidation takes place through an enzyme-generated freely dissociable oxidized halogen intermediate formed by the interaction of EOCl- with Cl-.

Chloride Peroxidase↗

Determination of total vitamin C in fruits by capillary zone electrophoresis.

A simple capillary zone electrophoretic (CZE) method is described for the rapid determination of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid, the physiologically active forms of vitamin C, in fruits. The electrophoretic run was accomplished in 9 min on a coated capillary column using 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Total ascorbic acid was determined by first reducing the dehydroascorbic acid to ascorbic acid by treatment with DL-homocysteine. This reaction was complete in 15 min and total ascorbic acid determination was performed immediately. The data obtained by CZE were in good agreement with HPLC data.

Ascorbic Acid↗

Mechanism of enantioselective oxygenation of sulfides catalyzed by chloroperoxidase and horseradish peroxidase. Spectral studies and characterization of enzyme-substrate complexes.

The binding of a series of alkyl aryl sulfides to chloroperoxidase (CPO) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) has been investigated by optical difference spectroscopy, circular dichroism, paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy, and NMR relaxation measurements. The data are consistent with binding of the sulfides in the distal side of the heme pocket with CPO and near the heme edge with HRP. A linear correlation between the binding constants of para-substituted sulfides to CPO and the Taft sigma I parameter suggests that these substrates act as donors in donor-acceptor complexes involving some residue of the protein chain. Spectral studies during turnover show that high enantioselectivity in the CPO-catalyzed oxidation of sulfides results from a reaction pathway that does not involve the accumulation of compound II enzyme intermediate.

Catalysis↗

H-NMR studies of native and fragmented subtilisin Carlsberg.

NMR studies have been carried out on subtilisin Carlsberg in order to identify the sharp resonances observed in the proton spectra of the enzyme dissolved in aqueous solution. NMR spectra, obtained with the combination of spin-echo and selective excitation sequences, from both the native and inactivated protein, enabled us to assign sharp signals to subtilisin fragments derived from enzymatic autolysis (monitored by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography), rather than to mobile segments of the intact protein.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Microdialysis and luminescent probe: analytical and clinical aspects.

Immobilized enzymes are widely used in the clinical laboratory to assay several analytes and enzymes. The use of immobilized enzymes makes these reagents recoverable, disposable and in most cases increases their stability and catalytic activity. In conjunction with bioluminescent enzymes (firefly and bacterial luciferases) and chemiluminescent catalyst (peroxidase) we set up high-sensitive flow sensors based on the use of nylon tube coil or epoxy methacrylate column as solid support. For in-vivo determination a suitable microdialysis probe inserted directly into brain or blood allows continuous measurement of extracellular lactate levels by means of a bioluminescent flow detector system. This procedure performs more measurements in the same time interval than other systems (HPLC), e.g. to give a detailed description of the effects of ischemia, or other pathological events, on lactate concentration in the brain.

Animals↗

Enantioselective oxidations of sulfides catalyzed by chloroperoxidase.

The chloroperoxidase-catalyzed and horseradish peroxidase catalyzed oxidations of sulfides by tert-butyl and other peroxides have been investigated. The former metal enzyme afforded the corresponding sulfoxides having R absolute configuration in up to 92% enantiomeric excess (ee), whereas the latter gave racemic products. The various factors that control the enantioselectivity of the oxygenation have been examined.

Chloride Peroxidase↗

Circular dichroism and proteolysis of human beta-endorphin in surfactant and lipid solutions.

The influence of micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, lysophosphatidylcholine and dodecylphosphorylcholine on the content and stability of the ordered structure of human beta-endorphin and its 12-26 fragment has been investigated. The structure was determined by far-ultraviolet circular dichroism and the stability by the resistance of the polypeptide to proteolysis with trypsin and chymotrypsin, monitored by HPLC. The alpha-helix inducing effects of the amphipathic compounds were in the order anionic greater than zwitterionic greater than cationic. The protection against proteolysis was very marked, especially for trypsin, and it was proportional to the alpha-helix inducing potential of amphipathic compounds. However, the lower resistance to proteolysis of the highly structured 12-26 fragment suggests that factors other than secondary structure may be responsible for the resistance to proteolysis.

Cetrimonium↗

Coenzymatic properties of low molecular-weight and macromolecular N6-derivatives of NAD+ and NADP+ with dehydrogenases of interest for organic synthesis.

The catalytic activity, expressed as Km and Vmax values, of 16 enzymes of practical interest with the macromolecular coenzymes poly(ethylene glycol)-N6-(2-aminoethyl)-NAD+ and poly(ethylene glycol)-N6-(2-aminoethyl)-NADP+ and their low molecular weight precursors N6-(2-aminoethyl)-NAD+ and N6-(2-aminoethyl)-NADP+, was investigated. The enzymes examined are of direct interest for organic synthesis (i.e. alcohol dehydrogenase from yeast, horse liver, or Thermoanaerobium brockii, lactic dehydrogenase, and several hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases) or are used for the regeneration of NAD+, NADP+, NADH, or NADPH (i.e. glutamate dehydrogenase from liver or Proteus, formate dehydrogenase, glucose dehydrogenase, and malic enzyme). The cycling efficiency of poly(ethylene glycol)-N6-(2-aminoethyl)-NADP+ was examined with coupled-enzymes or coupled-substrates systems. Poly(ethylene glycol)-N6-(2-aminoethyl)-NAD+ and, even more so, poly(ethylene glycol)-N6-(2-aminoethyl)-NADP+ were excellent coenzymes with several dehydrogenases. In addition, the coenzymatic properties of N6-(3-sulfonatopropyl)-NAD+, an NAD+ derivative carrying a strong anionic group, were compared with those of the newly synthesized N6-(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium propyl)-NAD+, an NAD+ derivative carrying a strong cationic group. It was expected that the presence of the sulfonic or quaternary ammonium group would enhance the residence time of the coenzyme inside continuous-flow reactors if membranes with anionic or cationic groups, respectively, were used.

Indicators and Reagents↗

Bioluminescent flow sensor for the determination of L-(+)-lactate.

The amount of L-lactate in biological fluids (serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid) was determined by monitoring the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) produced by immobilised lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), with bacterial bioluminescent enzymes immobilised on a separate nylon coil. The LDH catalysed the reaction of L-lactate with NAD; this reaction took place in a nylon coil that preceded the coil for the bioluminescent detection. The co-immobilisation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with LDH improved the lactate transformation by 117-183%. The response was linear from 0.1 to 50 micron mol l(-1) at 25 degrees C for the LDH - ALT reactor. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 5% and the recoveries ranged from 93 to 106%. The results agreed well with those obtained with a spectrophotometric method and with the normal reference values.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Enzymatic synthesis of [4R-2H]NAD (P)H and [4S-2H]NAD(P)H and determination of the stereospecificity of 7 alpha- and 12 alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

The stereospecifically labeled coenzymes [4R-2H]NADH, [4R-2H]NADPH and [4S-2H]NAD(P)H were synthesized enzymatically in high yield and high isotopic purity (greater than or equal to 95%) with 2HCOO2H/formate dehydrogenase, (CH3)2C2HOH/alchol dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobium brockii and [1-2H]glucose/glucose dehydrogenase, respectively. This set of deuterated coenzymes was used to determine the stereospecificity of the previously unstudied 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli (NAD-dependent) and 12 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Clostridium group P (NADP-dependent). H-NMR and EI-MS of the nicotinamide moiety after enzymatic oxidation of deuterated NAD(P)H with dehydrocholic acid as substrate showed that both dehydrogenases are B-sterospecific.

Clostridium↗

Coupled reactions for the determination of analytes and enzymes based on the use of luminescence.

Immobilized enzymes are widely used in the clinical laboratory in the assay of several analytes and enzymes. The use of immobilized enzymes makes these reagents recoverable and re-usable, and in most cases increases their stability and catalytic activity. In conjunction with bioluminescent enzymes (firefly and bacterial luciferases) and chemiluminescent catalyst (peroxidase) we set up high-sensitive flow methods based on the use of nylon tube coil or epoxy methacrylate column as solid support. All the NAD(P)/NAD(P)H-dependent dehydrogenases (bacterial luciferase), ATP-dependent enzymes (firefly luciferase) and oxidases producing H2O2 (peroxidase) can be immobilized and a large variety of analytes have been sensitively measured. As an alternative format we also reported a dry chemistry method in which all the enzymes, substrates and cofactors are ready to use, supported on dry cellulose disks. Methodological problems such as flow conditions, stability, pH, ionic strength and analytical performances are also reported.

Animals↗

Synthesis and application of water-soluble macromolecular derivatives of the redox coenzymes NAD(H), NADP(H) and FAD.

During the past 15 years, the development of strategies to apply the catalytic potential of redox coenzyme-requiring enzymes has been a subject of intensive study; the main purpose of which has been to cut the cost of coenzyme to an economically acceptable level. One approach has been the utilization of isolated coenzyme-dependent enzyme systems with simultaneous enzymatic coenzyme regeneration (recycling). This has been used in conjugation with ultrafiltration reactor technology (enzyme membrane reactor), with coenzyme concentration being kept at a catalytic level. The concept implies confinement (immobilization) and practically 100% retention of both enzymes and coenzymes being dissolved in homogeneous solution within the reactor space that is closed off by an ultrafiltration membrane through which low-molecular-weight reactants (substrates and products) can freely pass. Since the problem of retaining nearly 100% native coenzymes of relatively low molecular weight by ultrafiltration membranes has not been satisfactorily solved, active macromolecular coenzyme derivatives are required. In this review, the syntheses, properties and merits of water-soluble macromolecular derivatives of NAD(H), NADP(H) and FAD are considered with respect to their biotechnological application.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Denaturation by urea and renaturation of 20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase studied by high-performance size exclusion chromatography.

The denaturation by urea and renaturation of 20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, a tetrameric enzyme consisting of four identical subunits, were followed by high-performance size exclusion chromatography to detect intermediates in the processes. During the denaturation process no intermediate form (structured monomers or dimers) between the tetramer and the denatured monomer was observed. During the renaturation process, carried out either with or without NADH, high molecular weight aggregates, native tetramers, and low molecular weight intermediates were evidenced and quantified. The contemporaneous measurement of recovery of activity unambiguously demonstrated that the tetrameric structure is essential for enzymatic activity.

20-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗