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Biomedical subjects

S E Severin

Publications and source records attributed to S E Severin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Isolation and characterization of AFP-binding proteins from tumor and fetal human tissues.

The AFP receptor (rAFP) was discovered in embryonal and tumor tissues with a high level of proliferation. The AFP-binding protein (AFPbp) possibly containing the AFP-receptor (rAFP) was isolated from human embryos and human breast cancer tissue using affinity chromatography on an AFP-Sepharose column. The similarity of molecular weight, subunit composition, and immunological characteristics was shown for embryonal and tumor AFPbp using immunoblotting, gel-filtration, and PAAG electrophoresis. Judging from Superose-12 gel-filtration data, the protein molecular weight made up to 320-380 kDa. The presence of an IgG-binding site was detected in embryonal and tumor AFPbp by Western blot analysis.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Isolation of the transferrin receptor from human placenta.

The transferrin receptor (TFR) has been detected in tissues characterised by a high degree of proliferation. We have developed a procedure for isolating TFR from human placental tissues by affinity chromatography on transferrin-Sepharose. Using gel filtration and electrophoresis in 7% PAAG, it has been shown that the molecular mass of the protein is 180 kDa. The protein has a subunit structure and is made up of two identical subunits, 90 kDa each. The constant for the protein binding to transferrin is equal to 5 x 10(-9) M. The yield of the protein isolated by the novel procedure exceeds 5-fold that obtained by previously described methods.

Chromatography, Affinity↗

Antitumor activity of conjugates of the oncofetal protein alpha-fetoprotein and phthalocyanines in vitro.

The several conjugates of aluminium and cobalt complexes of phthalocyanines with human alpha-fetoprotein have been synthesized. Their cytotoxic activity against tumor cells and human peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied. The experimental data demonstrate that the cytotoxic activity of alpha-fetoprotein-phthalocyanine conjugates against three types of tumor cells of various origin is much higher (for aluminium and cobalt complexes more than 1000 and 50 times, respectively) in comparison with phthalocyanines themselves. The application of phthalocyanines as conjugates with alpha-fetoprotein makes it possible to markedly enhance the selective toxicity of phthalocyanines against human tumor cells.

Aluminum↗

Antitumor activity of conjugates of the oncofetal protein alpha-fetoprotein and phthalocyanines in vitro.

The several conjugates of aluminium and cobalt complexes of phthalocyanines with human alpha-fetoprotein have been synthesized. Their cytotoxic activity against tumor cells and human peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied. The experimental data demonstrate that the cytotoxic activity of alpha-fetoprotein-phthalocyanine conjugates against three types of tumor cells of various origin is much higher (for aluminium and cobalt complexes more than 1000 and 50 times, respectively) in comparison with phthalocyanines themselves. The application of phthalocyanines as conjugates with alpha-fetoprotein makes it possible to markedly enhance the selective toxicity of phthalocyanines against human tumor cells.

Aluminum↗

The effect of phosphorylation on pyruvate dehydrogenase.

Phosphorylation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase component (E1) of the muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) by E1-kinase inhibits substrate conversion both in oxidative and non-oxidative reactions. Circular dichroism spectra were used to monitor the effect of phosphorylation on the following stages of the process: holoform formation from apo-E1 and thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), substrate binding and active site deacetylation. It has been shown that phosphorylation of E1 reduces its affinity for TPP and prevents holo-E1 interaction with pyruvate. Phosphorylated and dephosphorylated PDC convert 2-hydroxyethyl-TPP in similar ways involving half of their active sites; all active sites of E1 function in the presence of deacetylating agents. The data obtained suggest that the phosphorylation and substrate binding sites interact with each other.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

[Cyclic AMP-specific nucleotide phosphodiesterase from the insoluble fraction of the human brain].

The cAMP-specific cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) from pellet fraction of human brain has been identified. Two alternative methods for isolation and purification of the enzyme are presented. The first method consists of three chromatographic steps (separation on the DEAE-Toyopearl column followed by gel filtrations on AcA-34 and G3000 SW columns) and results in purification of several forms of PDE. One of those is weakly inhibited by cGMP and is insensitive to Ca(2+)-calmodulin or cyclic nucleotides. The second procedure consisting of the chromatographic separation on blue agarose and DEAE-TSK-5PW ion-exchange resin leads to an isolation of several peaks of cAMP-specific PDE. Both methods produce different cAMP-specific forms of PDE with molecular masses ranging from 36 to 47 kDa. These forms differ in kinetic properties (Km = 2.0-7.3 microM, Ki = 1480-5300 microM for cGMP). However, the KicGMP/KmcAMP ratio remains constant for all the peaks of the cAMP-specific enzyme.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Alpha-fetoprotein-mediated targeting of anti-cancer drugs to tumor cells in vitro.

An oncofetal protein, human alpha-fetoprotein, was selected as a vector molecule for targeted delivery of antitumor substances. Conjugates of alpha-fetoprotein with doxorubicin, daunomycin, calichemicin, carboxyphosphamide, bleomycetin, chlorbutin, cis-platinum, methotrexate were synthesized. All conjugates displayed a highly selective antitumor cytotoxic activity towards human cell cultures. The optimal alpha-fetoprotein:cytotoxic compound ratio was shown to be 1:3 - 1:5. The results obtained serve as a basis for creating antitumor preparations of a new generation, which are highly selective to tumor cells owing to receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

[The effect of phosphorylation on catalytic function of muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase complex].

It has been shown that phosphorylation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex from pigeon breast muscle by endogenous ATP-dependent protein kinase suppresses the substrate conversion in the pyruvate: acceptor oxidoreductase reactions and nonoxidative reactions monitored by pyruvate decline in the absence of CoA and NAD. To identify the catalytic step blocked by phosphorylation, CD spectroscopy was used which revealed the appearance and decay of the charge transfer complex between component E1 and thiamine pyrophosphate during the enzymatic reaction. Phosphorylation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex while lowering the affinity for thiamine pyrophosphate does not preclude the formation of holo-E1 but inhibits its interaction with pyruvate. Phosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase, like the dephosphorylated enzyme, reacts with 2-hydroxyethyl thiamine pyrophosphate in half of the active sites. In the presence of deacylating agents (CoA or dithiothreitol) all the sites are reactive. A conclusion is drawn that the alternating functioning of the active centers is preserved in reductive acetylation of the acceptor substrates by phospho-E1.

Animals↗

[Discovery of carnosine and anserine. Some of their properties].

The history of discovery of carnosine and anserine is reviewed with special reference to the structure and distribution of the dipeptides in various tissues during ontogenesis. The state of the dipeptides in muscle cells, their metabolism and role in muscle activity are considered. The properties of carnosine and anserine phosphoric esters are described, and their putative role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is discussed. The membranotropic activity of carnosine and anserine is demonstrated.

Animals↗

Synapsin I phosphorylated by Ca2+, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II is able to self-degrade.

Phosphorylation of the neurospecific protein synapsin I (SI) by various cellular protein kinases was studied. The analysis of functional properties of phosphosynapsins showed that in the case of PK II-mediated modification of the protein, it becomes capable of self-degradation. The latter process was found to be specific and did not appear to be characteristic of the phosphoforms emerging after the protein modification by PK C or PK A. A possible involvement of the process in the regulation of neurotransmitter secretion is discussed.

Animals↗

Proteolytic fragment of protein kinase C (kinase M) phosphorylates in vitro phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate.

Limited tryptic proteolysis of homogeneous protein kinase C induces the formation of a catalytically active fragment of 50 kDa (kinase M) which, unlike native PK C acquires the ability to phosphorylate PIP. Both ATP and GTP were found to be capable of serving as phosphate donors in this process. Incubation of purified kinase M with a preparation of rat brain membrane fraction enhanced the level of phosphorylation of PIP in the presence and in the absence of exogenous PIP. A scheme of the interrelationship of phosphoinositide metabolism and the proteolytic processing of protein kinase C is proposed.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Polyphosphoinositides as activators of PKC-dependent synapsin I phosphorylation.

The effect of PIP2 and diacylglycerol (products of polyphosphoinositide turnover) on the activation level of phosphorylation of the human brain neurospecific protein SI by PKC from the same source was studied. The apparent activation constant of the phosphorylation process was shown to decrease in the presence of PIP2 from 1.1 micrograms/ml for PI and from 0.8 micrograms/ml to 0.6 microgram/ml for PS; the value of 0.4 microgram/ml in the latter case was detected merely after the addition of DOG into the reaction mixture. Polyphosphoinositides are suggested to play a role in activating PKC-mediated phosphorylation of SI in nerve terminals.

Humans↗

Ca(2+)-dependent phosphorylation of synapsin I as a possible regulatory mechanism of neurosecretion.

Phosphorylation of homogeneous synapsin I isolated from human brain by Ca2+, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) from the same source was studied. The inhibitory effect of calmodulin on this process was demonstrated. The kinetics of activation of synapsin I phosphorylation by acidic phospholipids, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol, in the absence and presence of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate and diacylglycerol was compared. The proteolytic effect of degradation of the synapsin I molecule phosphorylated by Ca2+, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II was revealed. No proteolysis of synapsin phosphorylated under similar conditions either by protein kinase C or cAMP-dependent protein kinase was detected. In view of the process specificity, the physiological significance of the observed effect is suggested. The inter-relationship between two ways of neurosecretion regulation is discussed: an earlier known, conventional way, mediated by synapsin I phosphorylation by Ca2+, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and another one, mediated by synapsin I phosphorylation by protein kinase C. The modulating role of polyphosphoinositides in the PK C-dependent way of regulation is considered.

Brain↗

[Study of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by circular dichroism].

A comparative study of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and its pyruvate dehydrogenase component was carried out by using the circular dichroism method. It was found that the spectral properties of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex are determined by those of its first component: i) the spectrum of the thiamine pyrophosphate-free pyruvate dehydrogenase complex displayed the main characteristics of the pyruvate dehydrogenase component; ii) the appearance of the charge transfer complex band during thiamine pyrophosphate saturation was revealed for the both proteins; iii) in both cases the charge transfer complex band disappeared after the interaction of the holoform with pyruvate and reappeared after the addition of dithiothreitol used as a deacetylating reagent. Coenzyme A in the same reaction selectively deacetylated the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (but not its pyruvate dehydrogenase component). The spectral dynamics of pyruvate dehydrogenase reflects the functional changes in the enzyme active centers during the catalytic act. The similarity of the spectral behaviour of pyruvate dehydrogenase within the complex structure and in the isolated state provides support for the earlier proposed mechanism of the pyruvate dehydrogenase action and ensures a methodological basis for its direct investigation within the complex structure.

Acetylation↗

Nerve growth factor stimulates protein kinase C translocation in PC12 cells.

The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the activity and intracellular localization of protein kinase C (PKC) in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells was studied. By using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence method and phorbol ester binding, NGF was found to induce PKC translocation from the cytoplasm into the cell membrane. This process was accompanied by an increase in the protein kinase activity in the membrane fraction. Translocation was completely blocked by H-7, a protein kinase inhibitor potentiating the neurite-stimulating activity of NGF.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Phosphorylation of the skeletal muscle AMP-deaminase by protein kinase C.

Protein kinase C catalyzes phosphorylation of the rat skeletal muscle AMP-deaminase in the presence of calcium ions and phosphatidylserine. At the same time, the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase fails to phosphorylate AMP-deaminase. Ca2+, phosphatidylserine-dependent phosphorylation decreases three-fold (from 0.6 to 0.2 mM) the Km value and does not affect Vmax. Protein kinase C-induced phosphorylation of AMP-deaminase, besides ADP-ribosylation, is suggested to be involved in regulating the AMP-deaminase activity in vivo.

AMP Deaminase↗

The histidine-containing dipeptides, carnosine and anserine: distribution, properties and biological significance.

The biological significance of histidine-containing dipeptides discovered within the composition of nitrogenous extracts of skeletal muscles at the beginning of this century is still open to question. The present investigation is concerned with the analysis of distribution and metabolism of these compounds with special reference to their effects on functional activity of membrane-linked enzymatic systems, stability of cellular membranes, muscle contractibility, etc. The proposed hypothesis on stabilizing properties of carnosine and related substances on biological membranes is based on the ability of the dipeptides to interact with lipid peroxidation products and active oxygen species and to prevent membrane damage. This remarkable antioxidative effect of carnosine reflects the high therapeutic value of this compound as an anti-inflammatory drug and a prominent tool in wound healing.

Alanine↗