PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Kister

Publications and source records attributed to J Kister.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Association of unstable hemoglobin variants and heterozygous beta-thalassemia: example of a new variant Hb Acharnes or [beta53(D4) Ala --> Thr].

We report here the functional and structural characterization of Hb Acharnes [beta53(D4) Ala --> Thr], an unstable and electrophoretically silent variant, that was found associated in trans with a beta(0)-thalassemic mutation (IVSI-1 G --> A), in a patient with thalassemia intermedia syndrome. This case is discussed in comparison with other sporadic cases that we have previously investigated, resulting from the co-inheritance of a beta(0)-thalassemic mutation (CD39 C --> T) with two other types of unstable hemoglobins, Hb Köln [beta98(FG5) Val --> Met], and Hb Arta [beta45(CD4) Phe --> Cys]. It may be concluded that, in these associated forms, both the degree of instability of the variant and the altered oxygen binding properties (affecting the degree of tissue hypoxia) are major determinants of their clinical expression.

Child↗

Two hemoglobin variants with an alteration of the oxygen-linked chloride binding: Hb Antananarivo [alpha1(NA1)Val-->Gly] and Hb Barbizon [beta144(HC1)Lys-->Met].

We here report two new, clinically silent, hemoglobin variants in which the structural modification disturbs the oxygen-linked chloride binding. Hb Antananarivo [alpha1(NA1)Val-->Gly] was found during a systematic hematological study in a 24-year-old woman, who originates from Madagascar. Hb Barbizon [beta144 (HC1)Lys-Met] was found in several members of a French family. The oxygen binding properties of Hb Barbizon were similar to those of Hb Antananarivo showing, in vitro, a decreased chloride effect as compared to Hb A. In Hb Barbizon, the replacement of lysine beta144 by a methionine residue decreased from 4 to 2 the excess positive charges in the central cavity, thus leading to a reduction of about half of the chloride effect. For Hb Antananarivo, the mechanism is unclear since there is no difference in the number of positive charges in the central cavity but alterations are likely at the alpha1alpha2 interface.

Adult↗

Modulating the oxygen affinity of human fetal haemoglobin with synthetic allosteric modulators.

Improving the delivery of oxygen to the tissues by decreasing the oxygen affinity of haemoglobin has been a major aim of several laboratories over recent years because this may reduce the consequences of anaemia and/or improve tissue oxygenation in cases of decreased blood perfusion. Within the same context, lowering the oxygen affinity may prove valuable in the application of native or recombinant haemoglobin solutions as a blood substitute. The shift of the oxygen equilibrium curve to the right is obtained by various modulators. Among them, the bezafibrate derivatives are considered as a most interesting group. These principles are of the utmost importance in thalassaemia and other haemoglobinopathies where the beneficial effects of the compensatory synthesis of fetal haemoglobin are diminished by the increased oxygen affinity of this pigment. In this paper we present the results of a study initiated to determine whether a potent oxygen affinity modifier, RSR-4, could satisfactorily decrease the oxygen affinity of fetal haemoglobin, thus improving tissue oxygenation. The experiments were carried out on whole blood and on purified haemoglobin solutions and showed that the effector markedly decreased the oxygen affinity of HbF (from 18.7 to 3.73 mmHg in whole blood). At the same time the cooperativity index (n50) and the oxygen saturation levels remained within normal limits under the conditions of the main experiment. These observations have important implications for the potential application of oxygen affinity modifiers in vivo.

Aniline Compounds↗

A new sickle cell disease phenotype associating Hb S trait, severe pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK Conakry), and an alpha2 globin gene variant (Hb Conakry).

A Guinean woman, heterozygous for haemoglobin (Hb) S, was studied because of episodes of marked anaemia, repeated typical metaphyseal painful crises and haemosiderosis. Her sickling syndrome resulted from the association of Hb S trait with a severe pyruvate kinase deficiency leading to a 2,3-DPG concentration of twice normal levels. Sequence of the PK-R gene revealed an undescribed mutation in the homozygous or hemizygous state within exon 5 (nucleotide 2670 C-->A), leading to the interchange of Ser 130 into Tyr (PK Conakry). In addition, the patient carried a new haemoglobin variant, Hb Conakry [alpha80(F1) Leu-->Val], which seemed to have a mild effect. The high intraerythrocytic 2,3-DPG concentration induced by the PK deficiency resulted in a decreased oxygen affinity which favoured sickling to a level almost similar to that of Hb S/C compound heterozygous patients. This was confirmed by oxygen binding measurements of Hb A/Hb S erythrocytes in which 2,3-DPG content was modified in vitro. Hysteresis between deoxy- and reoxygenation curves, as well as increase in the n(max) value, demonstrated that the extent of HbS polymerization in the propositus was almost the same as that of RBCs from a homozygous sickle cell patient or those of an A/S heterozygous patient with an artificial in vitro increase of 2,3-DPG concentration.

Adult↗

Hb Godavari [alpha 95(G2)Pro-->Thr]: a neutral amino acid substitution in the alpha 1 beta 2 interface that modifies the electrophoretic mobility of hemoglobin.

Hb Godavari [alpha 95(G2)Pro-->Thr] was characterized independently in two families of different ethnic origin. The first case, found in the Netherlands, involved an Indian patient. The second one was identified a few months later in an African family from Mali, living in France. Hb Godavari is the fourth example of a substitution involving neutral residues at position alpha 95(G2). In all these variants the electrophoretic pattern suggested that the structural modification unmasks a charged residue buried in the alpha 1 beta 2 contact area. The oxygen affinity of this abnormal hemoglobin was approximately 10% higher than that of Hb A; in the absence of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, its cooperativity was moderately decreased, suggesting a slightly unstable T state.

Adult↗

Synthesized allosteric effectors of the hemoglobin molecule: a possible mechanism for improved erythrocyte oxygen release capability in hemoglobinopathy H disease.

Patients with the nondeletion genotype of hemoglobinopathy H (HbH or beta4) disease have higher proportions of HbH and more severe tissue hypoxia than patients with the deletion genotype. Because these patients' red blood cells (RBCs) contain mainly two Hb species, HbH and HbA, the high proportion of HbA can be exploited by lowering its oxygen affinity; this would probably increase oxygen delivery to the RBCs and improve the patients' clinical phenotype. Allosteric effectors that induce a low-affinity Hb may be useful in this regard. We investigated the effect of a bezafibrate derivative, RSR-4, on the oxygen affinity of RBCs and purified hemolysates containing HbA and HbH. This allosteric effector crosses RBC membranes and binds reversibly to the alpha-chains of deoxy-Hb, decreasing hemoglobin oxygen affinity. The blood used was obtained from a patient with HbH disease (alphaTSaudi homozygote) whose HbH level was 33.5% as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Oxygen binding studies were performed in RBCs and purified hemolysates. RBCs incubated in the presence of 500 microM RSR-4 (2-[[[(3,5-dichloroanilino)-carbonyl]methyl]phenoxy]-2-methylpropi onic acid) in standard conditions (pH 7.4, 0.14 M NaCl, 37 degrees C) displayed an increase in their P50 value from 14.5 to 35.2 mm Hg. Oxygen binding studies in purified stripped hemolysates (pH 7.2, 0.1 M NaCl, 25 degrees C) showed that addition of both 500 microM RSR-4 and 1 mM of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate (DPG) led to an 11-fold decrease in oxygen affinity, whereas the addition of the natural effector DPG or RSR-4 alone produced a 2.7- and 5.7-fold decrease, respectively. In both cases, the oxygen equilibrium curves (OECs) were biphasic due to the presence of the noncooperative, high-oxygen-affinity HbH (beta4) component. After addition of RSR-4, the lower part of the OEC (corresponding to HbH) was not shifted compared with the upper part (corresponding to HbA). These results were confirmed by kinetic studies of CO recombination. Both experiments demonstrated that RSR-4 does not affect beta4 Hb. Our findings provide an experimental model for lowering the oxygen affinity of HbA in HbH-containing cells and suggest that the oxygen delivery capability of the latter would be thereby improved.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Influence of the A helix structure on the polymerization of hemoglobin S.

Hb S variants containing Lys-beta132 --> Ala or Asn substitutions were engineered to evaluate the consequences of the A helix destabilization in the polymerization process. Previous studies suggested that the loss of the Glu-beta7-Lys-beta132 salt bridge in the recombinant Hb betaE6V/E7A could be responsible for the destabilization of the A helix. The recombinant Hb (rHb) S/beta132 variants polymerized with an increased delay time as well as decreased maximum absorbance and Hb solubility values similar to that of Hb S. These data indicate that the strength of the donor-acceptor site interaction may be reduced due to an altered conformation of the A helix. The question arises whether this alteration leads to a true inhibition of the polymerization process or to qualitatively different polymers. The oxygen affinity of the beta132 mutated rHbs was similar to that of Hb A and S, whereas the cooperativity and effects of organic phosphates were reduced. This could be attributed to modifications in the central cavity due to loss of the positively charged lysine. Since Lys-beta132 is involved in the stabilization of the alpha1-beta1 interface, the loss of the beta132(H10)-beta128(H6) salt bridge may be responsible for the marked thermal instability of the beta132 mutated rHbs.

Biopolymers↗

Recombinant [Phe(beta)63]hemoglobin shows rapid oxidation of the beta chains and low-affinity, non-cooperative oxygen binding to the alpha subunits.

We have engineered alpha2beta2 [Phe63]hemoglobin by changing the highly conserved distal histidine of the beta chains to a phenylalanine. The mutant tetramer binds four high-affinity ligands, such as CO or NO, to the ferrous form, or CN to the oxidized iron; however, it binds only two low-affinity ligands, oxygen and azide. The absorption spectrum of the ferrous deoxy or ferric forms are not normal, displaying an enhanced absorption of the visible band near 560 nm. Half of the autooxidation process, attributed to the mutated beta subunits, is over 1000-fold faster than for Hb A. The mutant Hb exhibits non-cooperative binding of two oxygens with an affinity about fivefold lower than those of HbA valency hybrids (alpha met beta)2. Functional properties of this mutant Hb resemble those of Hb Saskatoon ([Tyr63]Hb) [Suzuki, T., Hayashi, A., Shimizu, A. & Yamamura, Y. (1966) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 127, 280-282]. Flash-photolysis experiments also indicate non-cooperative behaviour: the CO-recombination kinetics were independent of the fraction dissociated. Furthermore, the amplitude of the CO bimolecular phase was the same for the (alpha(CO)metbeta)2 valency hybrid or the (alphaCO betaCO)2 form, suggesting mainly geminate CO-recombination kinetics to the beta chains. EPR and Resonance Raman spectra did not show evidence for a hemichrome, normally considered as a six-coordinated iron with low-spin character. The EPR and resonance Raman spectra for the mutated beta subunits demonstrate the presence of a high-spin compound in the ferric and deoxy ferrous forms. In particular, the ferrous mutated beta subunits are penta-coordinated. The abnormal absorption spectra are possibly due to an interaction between the porphyrin and the phenyl ring in the distal position rather than to direct binding to the iron.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Structural and functional studies of hemoglobin Moabit (alpha 86(F7) Leu-->Arg.

An abnormal hemoglobin fraction was detected on high performance liquid chromatography profile performed for the measurement of glycated hemoglobin in a 55-year-old caucasian patient. The structural and functional studies were performed by standard techniques. Separation of hemoglobins by alkaline electrophoresis and by IEF revealed a slightly more rapid fraction than does Hb S. By acid electrophoresis, no abnormal Hb fraction could be observed. Separation of globin chains by electrophoresis demonstrated an alpha-chain variant and by chromatography, a fraction which eluted between beta and gamma globin chains. Tryptic digests and amino acid analysis have demonstrated a previously described substitution of Leu-->Arg alpha 86(F7).

Blood Protein Electrophoresis↗

Alteration of an intersubunit contact in hemoglobin variants: comparative study of modifications at position alpha 126 Asp (H9).

Four human hemoglobin variants have already been described at position alpha 126 (H9), which is normally occupied by an aspartate: Hb Montefiore (-->Tyr), Hb Tarrant (-->Asn), Hb Fukutomi (-->Val), Hb Sassari (-->His). An additional variant, Hb West One (alpha 126 (H9) Asp-->Gly) is herein described. Aspartate alpha 126 (H9) is involved in a set of hydrogen bonds and salt bridges located at the C-terminal portion of the alpha-chains and of the C-helix of the beta-chains, which are broken in the oxy conformer, providing one of the most important sources of the difference in free energy between the T- and R-state in hemoglobin. A comparative study of four of these alpha 126 Hb variants is presented. An identical degree of alteration of the oxygen binding properties (increased oxygen affinity and decreased cooperativity) was found in all cases, when measured under standard experimental conditions (pH 7.2, 0.1 M NaCl). In contrast, the effect of L345 (a derivative of bezafibrate, which is a specific alpha-chain binding effector) on oxygen binding to Hb differed from one variant to another. When a bulky Tyr or His residue occupied the alpha 126 (H9) position, little effect of L345 was observed. Conversely, when this position was occupied by a residue of smaller size (Gly or Asn), normal heterotropic effects were observed. Molecular graphic modelling indicates that two classes of three-dimensional structure modifications may occur.

Allosteric Site↗

Hb Bruxelles, deletion of Phebeta42, shows a low oxygen affinity and low cooperativity of ligand binding.

Functional studies of partially purified hemoglobin (Hb) Bruxelles, Phebeta42 (CD1) --> 0 indicate a major shift in the allosteric equilibrium toward the deoxy (T state) conformation. While Hb A shows a roughly symmetrical oxygenation curve with maximum cooperativity near half-saturation, Hb Bruxelles shows mainly properties of the low affinity (T state) form. The oxygen equilibrium curves for purified (>80%) Hb Bruxelles show little cooperativity and a P50 (without 2,3-diphosphoglycerate) about twice that of Hb A. The low cooperativity for Hb Bruxelles is partially compensated by an increase in oxygen affinity of the deoxy conformation and a lower 2,3-diphosphoglycerate effect. The beta chains of normal Hb have consecutive phenylalanine residues at positions 41 and 42. DNA sequencing studies of Hb Bruxelles showed a deletion of the codon TTT, which corresponds to residue Phe42. The CO rebinding kinetics after flash photolysis show mainly the slow phase, characteristic of CO binding to the deoxy conformation. In phosphate buffer at pH 7, the slow phase dominates even at low photolysis levels, where the main reaction is ligand binding to the triply liganded form. This indicates a switchover point, from the deoxy to oxy conformation, occurring beyond three ligands for Hb Bruxelles. There are few natural mutants that show a change in the oxygen affinity and cooperativity as large as that observed for Hb Bruxelles.

Adult↗

Hb Montefiore (126(H9)Asp-->Tyr). High oxygen affinity and loss of cooperativity secondary to C-terminal disruption.

Hb Montefiore was found, in the heterozygous state, in a Puerto Rican female who had a slightly elevated total Hb level. Structural analysis revealed that Asp-alpha126 was replaced by Tyr. Hb Montefiore migrates close to HbF (at pH 8.6) and accounts for 20.3% of the hemolysate. Oxygen binding of red blood cells revealed a 40% decrease in the P50 (pH 7.4) and a low n value of 1.6 (normal: 2.6). Depletion of red blood cell 2,3-DPG did not change the results. Stripped Hb Montefiore at pH 7.2 showed an 8-fold reduction in P50 (0.6 versus 4.6 mm Hg) and very low cooperativity (n = 1.2 versus 2.9 for the control). Heterotopic effectors, as 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and inositol hexaphosphate had a normal effect and in addition, they increased cooperativity. The chloride ion effect and the Bohr effect were moderately reduced. A bezafibrate derivative (L345), known to bind alpha126, increases the P50 of HbA by 9-fold, but only by 1. 5-fold that of Hb Montefiore. Combining these functional studies with intrinsic fluorescence and Resonance Raman spectroscopy, we interpret the very low n value and the high oxygen affinity for Hb Montefiore as a result of both a destabilized T state that switches to R upon ligand binding and a deoxy T state that binds ligands with higher affinity than that of deoxy HbA. Hb Montefiore still binds ligands cooperatively, but the difference in ligand binding properties of the two quaternary states has been drastically reduced.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Functional studies and polymerization of recombinant hemoglobin Glu-alpha2beta26(A3) --> Val/Glu-7(A4) --> Ala.

In hemoglobin (Hb) S the hydrophobic mutated residue Val-beta6(A3) (donor site) closely interacts with the hydrophobic side groups of Phe-beta85(F1) and Leu-beta88(F4) (EF pocket, acceptor site) of a neighboring tetramer, resulting in decreased solubility and polymerization of the deoxy-Hb. The beta6(A3) residue is followed by two charged residues Glu-beta7(A4) and Lys-beta8(A5). This cluster has no attraction for the hydrophobic EF pocket. We have modified the beta7(A4) residue next to the donor site Val-beta6(A3), replacing the charged Glu by a hydrophobic Ala-(rHb betaE6V/E7A). The single mutant Glu-beta7 --> Ala-(rHb betaE7A) was also engineered. Both rHbs exhibit a heat instability and an increased oxygen affinity compared to Hb A and Hb S. There was a concentration dependence of the ligand binding properties (1-300 microM in heme) indicating an increased amount of dimers relative to Hb A. The deoxy form of rHb betaE6V/E7A polymerizes in vitro, with a decreased rate of polymer formation relative to Hb S, while the single mutant betaE7A does not polymerize in the same experimental conditions. The Glu-beta7(A4) --> Ala substitution does not increase the hydrophobic interaction between donor and acceptor site. We speculate that the loss of the normal saline bridge between Glu-beta7(A4) and Lys-beta132(H10) leads to an increased flexibility of the A helix and may account for the difference of the polymerization for this Hb S mutant.

Alanine↗

Hemoglobin Debrousse (beta 96[FG3]Leu-->Pro): a new unstable hemoglobin with twofold increased oxygen affinity.

Hemoglobin Debrousse (beta 96[FG3]Leu-->Pro) is a new unstable variant, with high oxygen affinity responsible, in the steady state, for an apparently well-compensated chronic hemolytic anemia. The functional properties of this variant are due to the replacement of a leucine residue which is involved in the hydrophobic environment of the proximal side of the heme. This electrophoretically neutral hemoglobin was found as a de novo case in a 6-year-old girl suffering from severe anemia with hemolysis and transient aplastic crisis, following infection by parvovirus B19.

Adult↗