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R Genet

Publications and source records attributed to R Genet.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Cyclic dipeptide oxidase from Streptomyces noursei. Isolation, purification and partial characterization of a novel, amino acyl alpha,beta-dehydrogenase.

Cyclic dipeptide oxidase is a novel enzyme that specifically catalyzes the formation of alpha,beta-dehydro-Phe (Delta Phe) and alpha,beta-dehydro-Leu (Delta Leu) residues during the biosynthesis of albonoursin, cyclo(Delta Phe-Delta Leu), an antibiotic produced by Streptomyces noursei. It was purified 600-fold with a 30% overall recovery, and consists of the association of a single type of subunit with a relative molecular mass of 21,066 resulting in a large homopolymer of relative molecular mass over 2,000,000. The enzyme exhibits a typical flavoprotein spectrum with maxima at 343.5 and 447.5 nm, the flavin prosthetic group being covalently bound to the protein. The catalytic reaction of the natural substrate cyclo(L-Phe-L-Leu) occurs in a two-step sequential reaction leading first to cyclo(alpha,beta-dehydro-Phe-L-Leu) and finally to albonoursin. Kinetic parameters for the first step were determined (K(m) = 53 microM; k = 0.69 s(-1)). The enzyme was shown to catalyze the conversion of a variety of cyclo(dipeptides) and can be reoxidized at the expense of molecular oxygen by producing H(2)O(2). This reaction mechanism, which differs from those already described for the formation of alpha,beta-dehydro-amino acids, might consist of the transient formation of an intermediate imine followed by its rearrangement into an alpha,beta-dehydro-residue.

Catalysis↗

Captopril inhibits in vitro and in vivo the proliferation of primitive haematopoietic cells induced into cell cycle by cytotoxic drug administration or irradiation but has no effect on myeloid leukaemia cell proliferation.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) has been shown to be involved in the catabolism of the tetrapeptide acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (AcSDKP). As AcSDKP is a physiological inhibitor of haematopoietic stem cell proliferation, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of captopril, one of the specific inhibitors of ACE, on the proliferation of primitive haematopoietic cells. Regenerating bone marrow cells obtained from mice given one injection of cytosine arabinoside (100 mg/kg) as well as SA2 myeloid leukaemia cells were incubated in vitro for 24 h with 10-6 M captopril. Captopril significantly reduced the proportion of high proliferative potential colony-forming cells (HPP-CFC-1) in S-phase, whereas it had no effect on the proportion of SA2 leukaemic colony-forming cells in S-phase. When given in vivo to mice 1 h after 2 Gy gamma-irradiation or cytosine arabinoside (AraC) injection, captopril (100 mg/kg) was shown to prevent HPP-CFC-1 entry into S-phase induced by these cytotoxic treatments. The observed effects correlated with a reduction in ACE degradative activity and an increase in the level of endogenous AcSDKP both in the supernatants of captopril-treated bone marrow cells and in plasma of treated animals. The present findings suggest that AcSDKP might mediate the observed in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of captopril on primitive haematopoietic cell proliferation.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

A comparison of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight and liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry methods for the analysis of crude tarantula venoms in the Pterinochilus group.

The search for novel pharmacological tools in spider venoms involves the need for precise and reproducible species identification methods. As an addition to morphological analysis, we have developed venom fingerprinting by reversed-phase chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) as an efficient and precise venom identification tool. In order to compare the possible use of liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) as an additional venom characterization tool, we have applied both methodologies to the study of several tarantula venom samples in the Pterinochilus murinus group. These species possess highly active venoms yet their taxonomy remains difficult. We demonstrate that both methodologies can be successfully applied to tarantula venom characterization. MALDI-TOFMS and ESI-MS gave similar overall profiles and allowed fine discrimination of samples. At least one venom sample was proven to belong to a completely different venom group. Coupling of ESI-MS with HPLC separation afforded a new dimension in venom analysis, with clear discrimination between components of similar Mr and gave a finer picture of venom composition, number of molecular species and molecular weight distribution.

Animals↗

Efficient solid-phase synthesis of Vpr from HIV-1 using low quantities of uniformly 13C-, 15N-labeled amino acids for NMR structural studies.

The 96-amino acid protein Vpr functions as a regulator of cellular processes involved in the human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) life cycle, including cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M check point, promotion of the HIV-1 preintegration complex for nuclear transport, induction of apoptosis and transcriptional activation of a variety of viral and cellular promoters. Preliminary 1H NMR experiments performed on Vpr fragments showed the presence of several helical regions. However, the assignment of many protons in the amide region of the complete sequence of Vpr proved to be impossible due to the overlap of multiple NOE cross peaks. Moreover, because of its cytotoxicity, it is difficult to produce large quantities of 15N- and 13C-labeled Vpr using molecular biology approaches. Therefore, the solid-phase peptide synthesis of (1-96)Vpr, labeled at 22 selected positions, using recently commercially available uniformly 13C-, 15N-labeled fmoc amino acids, has been optimized to produce large quantities (104 mg, 15% yield) of pure compound, while minimizing the quantity of labeled amino acids used for each coupling. As expected two-dimensional heteronuclear NMR experiments performed with this protein allowed the unequivocal assignments of all the proton signals. This study shows that introduction of few labeled 13C/15N labeled amino acids in selected positions facilitates the determination of structure solution of small protein accessible by solid-phase peptide synthesis, and could allow dynamic studies of their conformational behavior to be carried out.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The effects of desflurane on the nervous system: from spinal cord to muscles.

UNLABELLED: Monitoring of motor pathways via muscle contraction recording is sensitive to anesthetics, particularly volatile anesthetics. However, the specific action sites of these anesthetics on the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system are not well known in humans. Therefore, we studied proximal and distal motor and sensory nerve conduction, neuromuscular junction transmission, and spinal cord excitability (H/M amplitude ratio and F-wave amplitude and persistency) using standard neurophysiological techniques in 10 patients who underwent orthopedic surgery. Muscle potentials evoked by spinal cord stimulation were recorded in five additional patients. Desflurane was introduced to achieve end-tidal concentration of 3.7% and 7.4%, in 50% O2/N2O and in 100% O2. Measurements were obtained before desflurane administration and 20 min after obtaining a stable level of each concentration. Peripheral nerve conduction and neuromuscular function were not significantly affected by desflurane. However, spinal cord excitability was significantly decreased by desflurane administration (H/M ratio 37% +/- 9%, 12% +/- 5%, 7% +/- 4% at desflurane concentration 0.0%, 3.7%, and 7.4% in 100% O2, respectively). Muscle potentials evoked by spinal cord stimulation were abolished by desflurane. These data rule out the possibility that desflurane specifically alters peripheral nerve conduction or synapse transmission at the neuromuscular junction. They demonstrate that desflurane acts preferentially at the level of the spinal motoneuron. IMPLICATIONS: We used neurophysiological techniques to assess the effects of desflurane on spinal cord conduction and excitability, motor and sensory peripheral nerve conduction, and neuromuscular transmission. Our data demonstrate that desflurane acts preferentially at the level of the spinal motoneuron, providing useful information for neurophysiological monitoring and immobilization during surgery and for minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration definition.

Action Potentials↗

Lisinopril, an angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor, prevents entry of murine hematopoietic stem cells into the cell cycle after irradiation in vivo.

The hemoregulatory peptide N-Acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (AcSDKP) has been shown in vivo to inhibit the cycling of murine hematopoietic stem cells triggered into S-phase by either cytotoxic drug administration or irradiation. This property, further confirmed using in vitro models, demonstrates that the peptide has an in vivo protective effect on the hematopoietic system. AcSDKP has been shown to be a physiological substrate of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), which catabolizes the peptide through a dipeptidasic activity. Thus, oral administration of ACE inhibitor to humans has led to an increase in the plasma AcSDKP concentration. In the present paper, we report on the in vivo effect of lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, on the proliferative status of murine hematopoietic stem cells triggered into S-phase by irradiation. Administration of lisinopril (10 mg/kg) 1 hour after irradiation led to a 90 to 100% inhibition of murine plasma ACE activity as observed during the first 4 hours postirradiation. This inhibition was correlated with a 600% increase in the endogenous plasma AcSDKP level and a total suppression at 24 hours of entry of the hematopoietic stem cell into the cell cycle. We discuss the possible role of ACE in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell proliferation through control of the AcSDKP concentration.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

[Signal processing in electromyography: a review].

Automatic analysis of electromyography (EMG), signals, first operated in 1950 with analogic machines, steeply expanded from 1980 when fast computers and worthwhile programs became available. On-line measurement of response area and latency, averaging of low amplitude waves, fast sorting of motor unit potential shape parameters, computation of the "jitter" between two muscle fibers, turns/amplitude and spectral analysis of interferential pattern records, are some examples of programs currently offered in modern EMG machines. Other techniques are still reserved for research purposes: scanning EMG, decomposition of nerve and muscle compound potentials, measurement of the threshold and firing rate of motor units, trace analysis using tracking models. Finally, the credit for artificial intelligence systems (knowledge based systems, fuzzy logic, neuronal networks) is still not clearly stated.

Artifacts↗

L-tryptophan 2',3'-oxidase from Chromobacterium violaceum. Substrate specificity and mechanistic implications.

L-Tryptophan 2',3'-oxidase, an amino acid alpha,beta-dehydrogenase isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum, catalyzes the formation of a double bond between the C alpha and C beta carbons of various tryptophan derivatives provided that they possess: (i) a L-enantiomeric configuration, (ii) an alpha-carbonyl group, and (iii) an unsubstituted and unmodified indole nucleus. Kinetic parameters were evaluated for a series of tryptophan analogues, providing information on the contribution of each chemical group to substrate binding. The stereochemistry of the dehydro product was determined to be a Z-configuration from proton nuclear magnetic resonance assignments. No reaction can be observed in the presence of other aromatic beta-substituted alanyl residues which behave neither as substrates nor as inhibitors and therefore do not compete against this reaction. The enzymatic synthesis of alpha,beta-dehydrotryptophanyl peptides from 5 to 24 residues was successfully achieved without side product formation, irrespective of the position of the tryptophan residue in the amino acid sequence. A reactional mechanism involving a direct alpha,beta-dehydrogenation of the tryptophan side chain is proposed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Facilitation of motor evoked potentials: timing of Jendrassik maneuver effects.

Remote voluntary contraction, such as the classical Jendrassik maneuver (JM), is a procedure routinely used to increase the amplitude of tendon reflexes in the lower limb. In 8 healthy subjects we studied the effects of JM on the motor evoked potentials (MEP) recorded from tibialis anterior muscle, produced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (stimulus output of 5-10% over motor threshold). In this study, JM consisted here of a bilateral violent handgrip, preceding magnetic stimulation from 100 to 50 ms (steps of 100 ms). Compared to the control test, latencies remained unchanged. MEP amplitudes were greatly enhanced with a JM test interval from 200 to 400 ms (170% of control amplitude at 300 ms). We also studied 6 patients with severe alterations of MEPs from tibialis anterior muscle. In each case, JM preceding magnetic stimulation (stimulus output 100%) from 300 ms induced reappearance of response or marked enhancement of amplitude, allowing calculation of central conduction time. Such a technique, which is easy to perform, may be useful in clinical practice to calculate central motor conduction time, where it would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Adult↗

Immunometric assay of BN 52080, a heptapeptide C-terminal analogue of sorbin.

A novel type of enzyme immunometric assay has been developed for a heptapeptide, BN 52080. This compound is a short C-terminal analogue of sorbin and is under clinical evaluation for treatment of chronic diarrhea. In this solid-phase immobilized epitope immunoassay (SPIE-IA), the peptide is first immunologically bound to polyclonal antibodies adsorbed to a solid phase and then, after covalent immobilization with glutaraldehyde, is released from the antibody paratope by NaOH. The peptide linked to the solid phase is further quantified with a tracer consisting of the same antibodies purified by affinity chromatography and coupled to acetylcholinesterase. This assay has a detection limit of 10 pg/ml and is therefore five times more sensitive than competitive enzyme immunoassay using the same antibodies and BN 52080 coupled to acetylcholinesterase as tracer. The assay is specific and allows direct measurement of peptide in human plasma after subcutaneous or intravenous administration of 200 micrograms of BN 52080 to volunteers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Purification and partial characterization of an amino acid alpha,beta- dehydrogenase, L-tryptophan 2',3'-oxidase from Chromobacterium violaceum.

L-Tryptophan 2',3'-oxidase is a novel enzyme that specifically catalyzes the alpha,beta-dehydrogenation of L-tryptophan derivatives. It was extracted from Chromobacterium violaceum and purified 108-fold to apparent homogeneity with a 34% overall recovery. The molecular weight of the native enzyme is approximately 680,000, and its isoelectric point is nearly equal to 4. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the enzyme is composed of two components with molecular weight of approximately 74,000 and 14,000. It also contains a noncovalently bound heme prosthetic group, as judged from a typical spectrum showing maxima at 427, 530, and 560 nm. The catalyzed reaction is completed without side-product formation over a broad pH range comprised between 3 and 8. The enzyme is reoxidized at the expense of molecular oxygen by producing one molecule of H2O2. Kinetic parameters for modification of N-acetyl-L-tryptophanamide were determined (Km = 19.5 microM; kcat = 45.2 s-1). A Hill coefficient of about 1 suggests the absence of any cooperative effect. As inferred from both its kinetic and stability optimal conditions, L-tryptophan 2',3'-oxidase constitutes a promising tool for chemical modification of tryptophanyl side chain in peptides and proteins.

Catalysis↗

The carbanion of nitroethane is an inhibitor of, and not a substrate for, flavocytochrome b2 [L-(+)-lactate dehydrogenase].

Although nitroethane does not bind to the active site of flavocytochrome b2, its anion, ethane nitronate, behaves as a competitive inhibitor, with a Ki of 2.2 mM. No electron transfer can be detected between the nitronate and the enzyme, in contrast with the observations of other workers on D-amino acid oxidase. Propionate is a competitive inhibitor, with a Ki of 28 mM. The significance of these results with respect to the proposed carbanion mechanism and the putative existence of a covalent enzyme-substrate intermediate is discussed.

Alkanes↗

Interactions of antibiotics of the iturin group with human erythrocytes.

The peptidolipid antibiotics, iturin A and bacillomycin L have a disrupting effect on erythrocyte membrane leading to a simultaneous release of K+ ions and hemoglobin. The formation of ghosts is accompanied by a partial solubilisation of lipid components. Binding experiments with radioactive antibiotics show that about 7 X 10(7) molecules of iturin A and 4 X 10(7) molecules of bacillomycin L are bound to one erythrocyte at the concentration giving 100% hemolysis. This concentration is reduced by about 20% after treatment of erythrocytes by phospholipase A2. Scatchard plots show that the affinity for erythrocyte membrane is higher with bacillomycin L than with iturin A. This difference is probably correlated to the differences in their peptide moieties. The substitution of tyrosyl residue leads to a ten-fold increase of the concentrations giving 100% hemolysis, probably due to a low distribution coefficient of derivatives between the membrane and the solvent. This result and the humped Scatchard curves obtained with both antibiotics may be related to the self-association of the compounds in aqueous solutions.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

C-terminal amidation of neuropeptides. Gly-Lys-Arg extension an efficient precursor of C-terminal amide.

Biosynthesis of the C-terminal carboxamide group of peptide hormones was studied using comparatively pGlu-His-Pro-Gly and Glu-His-Pro-Gly-Lys-Arg as putative precursors of the tripeptide, thyroliberin (TRH). Rat hypothalamus granules were found to contain an amide group forming activity which converts both peptide substrates into TRH. Comparison of the rate of conversion of the two substrates indicated that the C-terminal dibasic extension favored a 10-fold increase in the production of amidated peptide. It is suggested that this type of structure may be present in the putative biosynthetic precursor of TRH and that it may provide a better substrate for the enzyme(s) involved in C-terminal amidation.

Animals↗