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Biomedical subjects

H Mizuguchi

Publications and source records attributed to H Mizuguchi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The substrate activation process in the catalytic reaction of Escherichia coli aromatic amino acid aminotransferase.

Aromatic amino acid aminotransferase is active toward both aromatic and dicarboxylic amino acids, and the mechanism for this dual substrate recognition has been an issue in the enzymology of this enzyme. Here we show that, in the reactions with aromatic and dicarboxylic ligands, the pK(a) of the Schiff base formed between the coenzyme pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and Lys258 or the substrate increases successively from 6.6 in the unliganded enzyme to approximately 8.8 in the Michaelis complex and to >10.5 in the external Schiff base complex. Mutations of Arg292 and Arg386 to Leu, which mimic neutralization of the positive charges of the two arginine residues by the ligand carboxylate groups, increased the Schiff base pK(a) by 0.1 and 0.7 unit, respectively. In contrast to these moderate effects of the Arg mutations, the cleavage of the Lys258 side chain of the Schiff base, which was brought about by preparing a mutant enzyme in which Lys258 was changed to Ala and the Schiff base was reconstituted with methylamine, produced the Schiff base pK(a) value of 10.2, that being 3.6 units higher than that of the wild-type enzyme. The observation indicates that the Schiff base pK(a) in the enzyme is lowered by the torsion around the C4-C4' axis of the Schiff base and suggests that the pK(a) is mainly controlled by changing the torsion angle during the course of catalysis. This mechanism, first observed for the reaction of aspartate aminotransferase with aspartate [Hayashi, H., Mizuguchi, H., and Kagamiyama, H. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 15076-15085], does not require the electrostatic contribution from the omega-carboxylate group of the substrate, and can explain why in aromatic amino acid aminotransferase the aromatic substrates can increase the Schiff base pK(a) during catalysis to the same extent as the dicarboxylic substrates. This is the first example in which the torsion pK(a) coupling of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate Schiff base has been demonstrated in pyridoxal enzymes other than aspartate aminotransferase, and suggests the generality of the mechanism in the catalysis of aminotransferases related to aspartate aminotransferase.

Bacterial Proteins↗

A novel nonviral vector based on vesicular stomatitis virus.

Here we report a simple and efficient method for nonviral gene transfer using liposomes which have envelope protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) on their surface (VSV-liposomes). We prepared VSV-liposome by fusing simple liposomes with VSV particles. The density of VSV-liposome fusion products was intermediated between that of liposomes and that of VSV particles. Furthermore, VSV-liposome fusion products included both viral proteins and lipids from liposomes, and were confirmed to be fusion products, but not adsorptive products, by the resonance energy transfer fusion assay. To evaluate whether these particles can efficiently introduce their internal contents into the cytoplasm of mammalian cells, we examined the delivery of fragment A of diphtheria toxin (DTA) by VSV-liposomes into the cytoplasm of FL cells. We found that VSV-liposomes encapsulating DTA were highly cytotoxic to the cells, while empty VSV-liposomes and plain liposomes encapsulating DTA were not, suggesting that VSV-liposomes delivered DTA into cytoplasm. Consistent with this, the cells cultured with plasmid DNA entrapped in VSV-liposomes and coding for firefly luciferase showed significant luciferase expression, whereas cells culture with plasmid DNA in plain liposomes and plasmid DNA-cationic liposomes complex did not. Thus, VSV-liposomes function as a simple and efficient nonviral vector for the delivery of DNA.

Gene Transfer Techniques↗

On the mechanism of plasmin-induced platelet aggregation. Implications of the dual role of granule ADP.

Plasmin-induced platelet aggregation has been considered to be a cause of reocclusion after thrombolytic treatment with plasminogen activators. However, little is known regarding the mechanism and regulation of plasmin-induced platelet aggregation. In this study, we demonstrated that plasmin causes the degranulation of platelets, and that ADP released from granules plays a crucial role in the induction of platelet aggregation. This conclusion is supported by results showing that both ADP antagonists and ADPase can inhibit the effect of plasmin on platelets. We also demonstrated that pretreatment of platelets with ADP makes the platelets more sensitive to plasmin, and plasmin-induced platelet aggregation is, therefore, observed at lower concentrations where no aggregation occurs in quiescent platelets. In other words, it is thought that ADP potentiates the plasmin-induced aggregation. The effect of ADP was inhibited by N(6)-[2-(methylthio)-ethyl]-2-(3,3, 3-trifluoropropyl)thio-5'-adenylic acid, monoanhydride with dichloromethylenebisphosphonic acid (AR-C69931), a selective antagonist for the P2T(AC) subtype of P2 receptor, but not by the P2Y1 receptor-selective antagonist adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (A3P5PS). The P2X1 receptor agonist alpha, beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate (alpha,beta-MeATP) did not mimic the action of ADP. These data indicate that ADP potentiates plasmin-induced platelet aggregation via the P2T(AC) receptor. In addition, epinephrine, a typical G(i) agonist against platelets, could potentiate the plasmin-induced platelet aggregation, suggesting that the signal via the G(i) protein is involved in potentiating the plasmin-induced platelet aggregation, ADP is secreted from platelet granules, and concomitantly works in conjunction with plasmin in a P2T(AC) receptor-mediated manner.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Long-term replication of Epstein-Barr virus-derived episomal vectors in the rodent cells.

Plasmids containing the origin of replication, oriP, of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and EBV nuclear antigen-1 genes replicate extrachromosomally in primate cells. However, these plasmids have been believed not to replicate in rodent cells. We demonstrate here that these plasmids can replicate in some types of rodent cells over a long period. This result should offer not only the new insight into the mechanisms of species-specific replication of EBV, but also the possibility that an EBV-based vector can be used for gene transfer experiments in non-primate cells and an animal experiment regarding human gene therapy.

3T3 Cells↗

IRES-dependent second gene expression is significantly lower than cap-dependent first gene expression in a bicistronic vector.

The internal ribosome entry site (IRES) has been widely used to coexpress heterologous gene products by a message from a single promoter. However, little is known about the efficiency of IRES-dependent second gene expression in comparison with that of first gene expression. This study was undertaken to characterize the relative expression of IRES-dependent second gene in a bicistronic vector, which was derived from the 5' untranslated regions of the encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). IRES-dependent second gene expression was compared with cap-dependent first gene expression in several cultured cell lines and in mouse liver in vivo. The expression of the IRES-dependent second gene ranged from 6 to 100% (in most cases between 20 and 50%) that of the first gene. Second gene expression in a plasmid without the IRES was 0.1-0.8% (with some exceptions) that of the first gene. These findings have important implications for the use of IRES, i.e., care should be taken regarding the decreased capacity of IRES-dependent downstream gene expression as well as in determining which gene should be positioned as the first or second gene in a bicistronic vector.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Growth inhibition of human leukemia HL-60 cells by an antisense phosphodiester oligonucleotide encapsulated into fusogenic liposomes.

We report here the antisense effect of phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotide (D-ODN) using fusogenic liposomes (FL) as its carrier. FL has envelope proteins of the Sendai virus within its membrane and introduces its contents directly and efficiently into cytosol by means of the virus-cell fusion mechanism. Using antisense (AS) D-ODN 15-mer complementary to the c-myc proto-oncogene mRNA, including the translation initiation codon site, we analyzed the growth of HL-60 cells by [3H]-thymidine uptake. AS-ODNs encapsulated in FL inhibited the growth by about 70% that of the control HL-60 cells at 2.48 microM. In contrast, sense and scramble D-ODNs encapsulated in FL showed no effect of the growth of HL-60 cells at the same concentration. Even at 50 microM, free form D-ODNs did not show any effect. These results suggest that FL is potentially a useful delivery vehicle for oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, and that D-ODN may be a likely candidate for oligodeoxynucleotides when an efficient delivery system is used.

Base Sequence↗

[Technique for constructing recombinant adenovirus vectors and application for next generation vectors].

Recombinant adenovirus vectors have been used extensively to deliver foreign genes to a variety of cell types in vitro and in vivo. One problem with the use of adenovirus vectors has been the difficulty of constructing new vectors. In this review, we introduce not only a simple in vitro ligation method that is quick and efficient for generating new vectors, but also a method by which to construct vectors containing genetically modified fiber proteins for achieving targeted gene transfer and expression. The system described here should offer a powerful tool for the construction of recombinant adenovirus vectors for human gene therapy.

Adenoviridae↗

Acid-base chemistry of the reaction of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase and dopa analyzed by transient and steady-state kinetics: preferential binding of the substrate with its amino group unprotonated.

Transient and steady-state kinetic analysis of the reaction of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate- (PLP-) dependent enzyme, with its substrate dopa was carried out at various pH. The association of AADC and dopa to form the Michaelis complex and the subsequent transaldimination reaction to form the dopa-PLP Schiff base (external aldimine) were followed with a stopped-flow spectrophotometer. Combined with the steady-state k(cat) value, we could present a minimum mechanism for the reaction of AADC and dopa. In the mechanism, the association of the aldimine-protonated form of the enzyme (EH(+)) and the alpha-amino-group-unprotonated form of the substrate (S) is the main route leading to the Michaelis complex. In addition, the association of EH(+) and the alpha-amino-group-protonated form of the substrate (SH(+)) to form a Michaelis complex EH(+).SH(+) was also found as a minor route. The pK(a) of the alpha-amino group of dopa was expected to be decreased in the Michaelis complex, promoting the conversion of EH(+).SH(+) to EH(+).S, the species that directly undergoes transaldimination to form the external aldimine complex. The association of EH(+) and S had been identified as a minor route for the reaction of aspartate and aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), which has an unusually low pK(a) value of the aldimine and can use the aldimine-unprotonated form (E) of the enzyme for adsorbing the prevalent species SH(+) [Hayashi and Kagamiyama (1997) Biochemistry 36, 13558-13569]. The present study implies that, in most PLP enzymes that have a high pK(a) value of the aldimine like AADC, S preferentially binds to the enzyme (EH(+)). The minor route of EH(+) + SH(+) in AADC may be related to the flexibility of the protein in the Michaelis complex, and a simulation analysis showed that the presence of this route decreases the k(cat) value while increasing the k(cat)/K(m) value. It also suggested that AADC has evolved to suppress the minor route to the extent necessary to obtain the maximal k(cat) value at neutral pH.

Amination↗

A switch in the kinase domain of rat testis 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase.

The bifunctional enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase plays an essential role in the regulation of glucose metabolism by both producing and degrading Fru-2,6-P(2) via its distinct catalytic activities. The 6-PF-2-K and Fru-2,6-P(2)ase active sites are located in separate domains of the enzyme. The kinase domain is structurally related to the superfamily of mononucleotide binding proteins that includes adenylate kinase and the G-proteins. We have determined three new structures of the enzymatic monomer, each with a different ligand in the ATP binding site of the 6-PF-2-K domain (AMP-PNP, PO(4), and water). A comparison of these three new structures with the ATPgammaS-bound 6-PF-2-K domain reveals a rearrangement of a helix that is dependent on the ligand bound in the ATP binding site of the enzyme. This helix motion dramatically alters the position of a catalytic residue (Lys172). This catalytic cation is analogous to the Arg residue donated by the rasGAP protein, and the Arg residue at the core of the GTP or GDP sensing switch motion seen in the heterotrimeric G-proteins. In addition, a succinate molecule is observed in the Fru-6-P binding site. Kinetic analysis of succinate inhibition of the 6-PF-2-K reaction is consistent with the structural findings, and suggests a mechanism for feedback inhibition of glycolysis by citric acid cycle intermediates. Alterations in the 6-PF-2-K kinetics of several proteins mutated near both the switch and the succinate binding site suggest a mode of communication between the ATP- and F6P binding sites. Together with these kinetic data, these new structures provide insights into the mechanism of the 6-PF-2-K activity of this important bifunctional enzyme.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

A simple method for constructing E1- and E1/E4-deleted recombinant adenoviral vectors.

We previously developed a two-plasmid in vitro ligation method that did not require a recombination step to produce new recombinant E1- or E1/E3-deleted adenoviral vectors. In this study, we have modified the system to improve the simplicity of vector construction and, in addition, to allow for production of an E1/E4-deleted vector.

Adenoviridae↗

Effects of tiadenol and di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate on the metabolism of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine in the liver of rats: comparison with clofibric acid.

Metabolic changes induced by 2,2'-(decamethylenedithio)diethanol (tiadenol) and di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) in rat liver were compared with changes induced by p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (clofibric acid). Treatment of rats with either tiadenol or DEHP increased the hepatic contents of PtdCho and PtdEtn, as was observed with clofibric acid treatment. The administration of tiadenol, DEHP, or clofibric acid slightly, but significantly, increased, in common, the activity of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase, a key enzyme for the synthesis de novo of PtdCho, and suppressed the activity of PtdEtn N-methyltransferase. With regard to the enzymes involved in the synthesis of PtdEtn, the three peroxisome proliferators enhanced the activity of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) decarboxylase and markedly decreased the activity of CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase. Treatment of rats with the three compounds markedly increased, in common, the content and the proportion of the molecular species of PtdCho containing oleic acid (18:1), but considerably decreased the proportion of the molecular species of PtdCho containing linoleic acid (18:2) in the liver, resulting in a striking decrease in the concentration of the molecular species of PtdCho containing 18:2 in the serum. The present study suggests that the administration of peroxisome proliferators to rats increases the contents of hepatic PtdCho and PtdEtn for hepatomegaly and proliferation of organelles by the same mechanism, irrespective of their chemical structures.

Animals↗

Alterations by perfluorooctanoic acid of glycerolipid metabolism in rat liver.

The effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) feeding on hepatic levels of glycerolipids and the underlying mechanism were investigated. Feeding of rats with 0.01% of PFOA in the diet for 1 week caused an increase in the contents of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn), phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and triglyceride (TG), which were 2.2, 2.4, 2.4, 1.6 and 5.2 times over control, respectively, on the basis of whole liver. The activities of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, diacylglycerol kinase and PtdSer decarboxylase were significantly increased upon PFOA feeding, whereas the activities of CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase and PtdEtn N-methyltransferase were decreased. On the other hand, the activity of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase was not increased by PFOA. Upon PFOA feeding, hepatic level of 16:0-18:1 PtdCho was markedly increased and, by contrast, the levels of molecular species of PtdCho which contain 18:2 were decreased, resulting in the reduced concentration of molecular species of serum PtdCho containing 18:2. The increase in the level of hepatic 16:0-18:1 PtdCho seemed to be due to 3-fold increase in the activities of both delta9 desaturase and 1-acylglycerophosphocholine (1-acyl-GPC) acyltransferase. The mechanism by which PFOA causes the accumulation of glycerolipids in liver was discussed.

Animals↗

Reaction mechanism of fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. A mutation of nucleophilic catalyst, histidine 256, induces an alteration in the reaction pathway.

A bifunctional enzyme, fructose-6-phosphate,2-kinase/fructose 2, 6-bisphosphatase (Fru-6-P,2-kinase/Fru-2,6-Pase), catalyzes synthesis and degradation of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2). Previously, the rat liver Fru-2,6-Pase reaction (Fru-2,6-P2 --> Fru-6-P + Pi) has been shown to proceed via a phosphoenzyme intermediate with His258 phosphorylated, and mutation of the histidine to alanine resulted in complete loss of activity (Tauler, A., Lin, K., and Pilkis, S. J. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 15617-15622). In the present study, it is shown that mutation of the corresponding histidine (His256) of the rat testis enzyme decreases activity by less than a factor of 10 with a kcat of 17% compared with the wild type enzyme. Mutation of His390 (in close proximity to His256) to Ala results in a kcat of 12.5% compared with the wild type enzyme. Attempts to detect a phosphohistidine intermediate with the H256A mutant enzyme were unsuccessful, but the phosphoenzyme is detected in the wild type, H390A, R255A, R305S, and E325A mutant enzymes. Data demonstrate that the mutation of His256 induces a change in the phosphatase hydrolytic reaction mechanism. Elimination of the nucleophilic catalyst, H256A, results in a change in mechanism. In the H256A mutant enzyme, His390 likely acts as a general base to activate water for direct hydrolysis of the 2-phosphate of Fru-2,6-P2. Mutation of Arg255 and Arg305 suggests that the arginines probably have a role in neutralizing excess charge on the 2-phosphate and polarizing the phosphoryl for subsequent transfer to either His256 or water. The role of Glu325 is less certain, but it may serve as a general acid, protonating the leaving 2-hydroxyl of Fru-2,6-P2.

Animals↗

Crystal structure of the H256A mutant of rat testis fructose-6-phosphate,2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. Fructose 6-phosphate in the active site leads to mechanisms for both mutant and wild type bisphosphatase activities.

Fructose-6-phosphate,2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (Fru-6-P, 2-kinase/Fru-2,6-Pase) is a bifunctional enzyme, catalyzing the interconversion of beta-D-fructose- 6-phosphate (Fru-6-P) and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2) at distinct active sites. A mutant rat testis isozyme with an alanine replacement for the catalytic histidine (H256A) in the Fru-2,6-Pase domain retains 17% of the wild type activity (Mizuguchi, H., Cook, P. F., Tai, C-H., Hasemann, C. A., and Uyeda, K. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 2166-2175). We have solved the crystal structure of H256A to a resolution of 2. 4 A by molecular replacement. Clear electron density for Fru-6-P is found at the Fru-2,6-Pase active site, revealing the important interactions in substrate/product binding. A superposition of the H256A structure with the RT2K-Wo structure reveals no significant reorganization of the active site resulting from the binding of Fru-6-P or the H256A mutation. Using this superposition, we have built a view of the Fru-2,6-P2-bound enzyme and identify the residues responsible for catalysis. This analysis yields distinct catalytic mechanisms for the wild type and mutant proteins. The wild type mechanism would lead to an inefficient transfer of a proton to the leaving group Fru-6-P, which is consistent with a view of this event being rate-limiting, explaining the extremely slow turnover (0. 032 s-1) of the Fru-2,6-Pase in all Fru-6-P,2-kinase/Fru-2,6-Pase isozymes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Target-cell specificity of fusogenic liposomes: membrane fusion-mediated macromolecule delivery into human blood mononuclear cells.

Fusogenic liposome, a unique vector prepared by fusing ultraviolet-inactivated Sendai virus and liposome, is known to efficiently deliver content into various animal cells through membrane fusion. In this study, we examined the target-cell specificity of fusogenic liposome (FL)-mediated macromolecule delivery into human blood cells using diphtheria toxin fragment A (DTA) as a probe. Among the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), FL was able to deliver its encapsulates into CD14+ monocytes and CD4-/CD8- T-cells, but not into CD19+ B-lymphocytes, CD4+ T-cells or CD8+ T-cells. The susceptibility of human leukemia cell lines to FL was similar to that of PBMC; the order of the reactivity was U937 (monoblastic leukemia)>MOLT4, Jurkat (T-lymphoma)>Daudi, BALL1 (B-lymphoma)>K562 (erythroblastic leukemia). Interestingly, FL showed similar binding activity to all of these leukemia cell lines. These findings indicate that, among blood cells, monocytes, monoblastic leukemia cells, CD4-/CD8- T-cells and T-lymphoma cells are preferable targets for FL-mediated macromolecule delivery. This is the first demonstration of the existence of non-permissive cells against FL. Our results also suggest that some molecules on target-cells other than the binding targets of SV-derived protein may participate in fusion between FL and cells.

Diphtheria Toxin↗

Fusion of sendai virus with liposome depends on only F protein, but not HN protein.

Sendai virus is able to fuse with liposomes even without virus receptors. To determine the roles of envelope protein, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) protein, in Sendai virus-liposome fusion, we treated the virus with proteases and examined its fusion with liposomes and the conditions of HN and F protein. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting analysis showed that the virus treated with 150 units/ml of trypsin, which inactivated selectively hemolysis activity, maintained intact HN, F and partially digested F (32 kDa) protein, while virus treated with 15,000 units/ml of trypsin, which inactivated both hemolysis and neuraminidase activity, had only a 15-kDa digested HN protein and completely digested F protein. The former fused with liposomes, but the latter did not. In the virus treated with chymotrypsin, which lost both hemolysis and neuraminidase activity, F protein was intact, while HN protein was degraded to 15 kDa; in this case the virus fused with liposomes. As the virus with 15-kDa HN protein fused with liposomes and that with 20-kDa protein did not, HN protein does not appear to play any role in virus-liposome fusion. The virus that fused with liposomes had intact F protein. We conclude that Sendai virus-liposome fusion is strongly dependent on the presence of intact F protein, but not HN protein.

Blotting, Western↗