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Diastereoisomeric resolution of a pronucleotide using solid phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography: application to a stereoselective decomposition kinetic in cell extracts.

A stereospecific HPLC methodology has been developed for the diastereoisomeric resolution of a mononucleotide prodrug in cell extracts. This method involves the use of solid phase extraction on a C18 cartridge. Diastereoisomers and internal standard resolutions were performed on a cellulose based chiral column (Chiralcel OD-H) used in the normal phase mode. The method was validated in terms of specificity, recovery, linearity (diasteroisomers mixture concentration: 3-60 micromol L(-1)), precision and accuracy and detection limit (1.67 and 1.33 micromol L(-1) for first and second eluted diastereoisomer). This method was applied to the determination of the apparent rate constants of disappearance and half-lives of each stereoisomers. This permits to conclude to the stereoselectivity of the enzymatic activity involved in the decomposition pathway of 2.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Saccharomyces cerevisiae SUP53 tRNA gene transcripts are processed by mammalian cell extracts in vitro but are not processed in vivo.

We describe the results of our studies of expression of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae amber suppressor tRNA(Leu) gene (SUP53) in mammalian cells in vivo and in cell extracts in vitro. Parallel studies were carried out with the wild-type (Su-) tRNA(Leu) gene. Extracts from HeLa or CV1 cells transcribed both tRNA(Leu) genes. The transcripts were processed correctly at the 5' and 3' ends and accurately spliced to produce mature tRNA(Leu). Surprisingly, when the same tRNA(Leu) genes were introduced into CV1 cells, only pre-tRNAs(Leu) were produced. The pre-tRNAs(Leu) made in vivo were of the same size and contained the 5'-leader and 3'-trailer sequences as did pre-tRNAs(Leu) made in vitro. Furthermore, the pre-tRNAs(Leu) made in vivo were processed to mature tRNA(Leu) when incubated with HeLa cell extracts. A tRNA(Leu) gene from which the intervening sequence had been removed yielded RNAs that also were not processed at either their 5' or 3' termini. Thus, processing of pre-tRNA(Leu) in CV1 cells is blocked at the level of 5'- and 3'-end maturation. One possible explanation of the discrepancy in the results obtained in vivo and in vitro is that tRNA biosynthesis in mammalian cells involves transport of pre-tRNA from the site of its synthesis to a site or sites where processing takes place, and perhaps the yeast pre-tRNAs(Leu) synthesized in CV1 cells are not transported to the appropriate site.

Animals↗

Assaying Bcr-Abl kinase activity and inhibition in whole cell extracts by phosphorylation of substrates immobilized on agarose beads.

There is a current and increasing demand for simple, robust, nonradioactive assays of protein tyrosine kinase activity with applications for clinical diagnosis and high-throughput screening of potential molecularly targeted therapeutic agents. One significant challenge is to detect and measure the activity of specific kinases with key roles in cell signaling as an approach to distinguish normal cells from cancer cells and as a means of evaluating targeted drug efficacy and resistance in cancer cells. Here, we describe a method in which kinase substrates fused to glutathione-S-transferase and immobilized on glutathione agarose beads are phosphorylated, eluted, and then assayed to detect kinase activity. The activity of recombinant, purified c-Abl kinase or Bcr-Abl kinase in whole cell extracts can be detected with equivalent specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Similarly, inhibition of recombinant c-Abl or Bcr-Abl in cells or cell extracts by imatinib mesylate and other Bcr-Abl targeted kinase inhibitors is readily assayed. This simple kinase assay is sufficiently straightforward and robust for use in clinical laboratories and is potentially adaptable to high-throughput assay formats.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Determination of pyrimidine deoxynucleoside triphosphates in leukaemia cell extracts containing 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine triphosphate.

Deoxynucleoside 5'-triphosphates (dNTPs) can be determined in cell extracts by high performance liquid chromatography after prior selective degradation of ribonucleoside 5'-triphosphates with sodium periodate and methylamine. When the method is used for the evaluation of deoxynucleoside triphosphates in 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine triphosphate (ara-CTP)-containing cell extracts, an additional peak coeluting with thymidine triphosphate (dTTP) is observed. This peak is due to the formation of a carboxylic acid derivative of ara-CTP by periodate oxidation, and it can lead to considerable overestimation of dTTP. Formation of this peak can be avoided by using alkaline reaction conditions (pH 7.5) and by changing the sequence of addition of the reagents used in the periodation procedure. By employing this modified protocol, cellular dNTP and ara-CTP levels can be monitored in extracts of leukaemic blasts during cytosine arabinoside treatment in two separate HPLC runs.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Isoniazid inhibition of mycolic acid synthesis by cell extracts of sensitive and resistant strains of Mycobacterium aurum.

Isonicotinic acid hydrazide (isoniazid; INH) inhibition of mycolic acid synthesis was studied by using cell extracts from both INH-sensitive and -resistant strains of Mycobacterium aurum. The cell extract of the INH-sensitive strain was inhibited by INH, while the preparation from the INH-resistant strain was not. This showed that the INH resistance of mycolic acid synthesis was not due to a difference in drug uptake or the level of peroxidase activity (similar in both extracts). As INH did not induce accumulation of any labeled intermediates, it is postulated that the drug acts either on production of labeled chain elongation precursors of mycolic acids or an early step of this elongation. The level of inhibition was not changed by addition of NAD or nicotinamide; thus, INH does not act on mycolic acid synthesis as an NAD antimetabolite. Benzoic or acetic acid hydrazides and known or postulated metabolites of INH (i.e., the corresponding acid, aldehyde, or alcohol) were not inhibitors of cell-free mycolic acid synthesis; the complete structure of INH was required, as already known for inhibition of mycobacterial culture growth. Extracts prepared from INH-treated cells showed reduced mycolic acid synthesis, and the inhibition level was not modified by either extensive dialysis or pyridoxal phosphate. This latter molecule efficiently antagonized INH action by reacting rapidly with INH, as shown by differential spectroscopy. Moreover, pyridoxal phosphate did not release inhibition of INH-treated extracts. It is proposed that INH may covalently react with an essential component of the mycolic acid synthesis system.

Cell-Free System↗

Observing the growth of individual actin filaments in cell extracts by time-lapse atomic force microscopy.

High-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied to directly observe the dynamic assembly of single actin filaments in HeLa cell extracts in vitro. The F-actin filaments established a dynamic network and formed different types of junctions and branches. The connections of this network were X-, Y- or T-shaped. It was found that the actin filaments were densely covered by endosomes and vesicles from the cell extract, which are thought to stabilize their structures. Using time-lapse AFM, the growth, shrinkage, branching and the interaction of actin filaments with endosomes could be characterized. Our results indicate that the majority of F-actin filaments are static in HeLa extract and that only a minor fraction of filaments undergo dynamic changes. Furthermore, the AFM imaging approach not only provides unique insights into the assembly and dynamics of actin networks; it also builds an avenue to study in vitro assays of complex biological systems.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

A serum-sensitive, sialyltransferase-deficient mutant of Neisseria gonorrhoeae defective in conversion to serum resistance by CMP-NANA or blood cell extracts.

A stable, sialyltransferase-deficient mutant of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain F62 totally defective in CMP-NANA-dependent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sialylation was isolated by insertion mutagenesis with transposon Tn 1545-delta 3 and screened for unlabelled colonies following incubation with CMP-14C-NANA. In contrast to the parental strain which became serum resistant on incubation with CMP-NANA or blood cell extracts, the mutant, JB1, remained serum sensitive. French press extracts of strain F62 catalysed LPS sialylation, but corresponding extracts of the mutant were inactive. Five LPS components were detected by SDS-PAGE in the parental strain. Five components of the same Mr were also found in the mutant. Three identical components were detected by Western blotting using MAb 3F11, which recognizes the Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc groups in the conserved LPS components of F62 which can be sialylated. The mutant, JB1, is therefore deficient in the sialyltransferase that is essential for both LPS sialylation and conversion of serum-sensitive gonococci to serum resistance by either CMP-NANA or blood cell extracts. No evidence was obtained for an LPS sialylation pathway by blood cell extracts that is independent of CMP-NANA.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Improvement of Escherichia coli cell-free system by utilization of cell extract having additional property. Problems and countermeasures.

In the Escherichia coli cell-free system, the modification of cell extract can be achieved by preparation of the strains carrying additional property or those being induced with a certain gene expression prior to harvesting. In this study, we analyzed the cell-free system with S30 extract containing T7 RNA polymerases (S30 extract-T7pol) prepared from E. coli BL21(DE3) strain, which includes T7 RNA polymerase from extrinsic genes by IPTG induction, as a model for the improvement of the cell-free system. The fact that a significant degree of mRNA degradation was observed in the cell-free system with S30 extract-T7pol indicates the increase of ribonuclease activity was an unfavorable influence derived from the cell-extract modification process. We also showed that this influence was settled by the addition of an effective ribonuclease inhibitor, such as copper (II) ion, to the reaction mixture.

Copper↗

Lack of excision of 4HAQO adducts from DNA by cell extracts that excise pyrimidine dimers.

A substrate of DNA containing 4HAQO adducts, suitable for studies of excision repair, was prepared by reacting calf thymus DNA with [3H]monoacetyl-4HAQO. A crude HeLa cell extract was prepared by the method of Mortelmans et al (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 73, 2757, 1976). The cell extract would specifically excise pyrimidine dimers from UV-irradiated DNA but would not release 4HAQO adducts in an acid soluble form. This result points to different initial steps in the excision repair process for these two forms of damage even though much of the repair mechanism is common to both.

4-Hydroxyaminoquinoline-1-oxide↗

Male germ cell extracts contain proteins binding to the conserved 3'-end of mouse p68 RNA helicase mRNA.

The 3'-untranslated regions of human and mouse p68 RNA helicase mRNA are highly conserved, suggesting a functional role of the nucleic acid sequence itself in regulation of p68 RNA helicase expression. Secondary structure evaluations revealed no indications for a predominant folding pattern within the 3'-UTR. To test the potential of the 3'-sequence to serve as a target for specific binding proteins, gel shift assays were performed. In vitro-synthesized RNA was incubated with cytoplasmic as well as nuclear extracts from mouse male germ cells. Evidence was obtained that such specific proteins exist in germ cell extracts. Photo-crosslinking experiments suggested that a 30 kDa protein was involved in these binding events.

Animals↗

Specific synthesis of 5,5'-dicapsaicin by cell suspension cultures of capsicum annuum var. annuum (chili Jalapeño chigol) and their soluble and NaCl-extracted cell wall protein fractions.

HPLC-UV, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and (1)H-(1)H COSY analyses revealed that exogenous capsaicin was specifically converted into 5,5'-dicapsaicin by both cell suspension cultures of Capsicum annuum var. annuum (chili Jalapeño chigol) and their soluble and NaCl-extracted cell wall protein fractions under oxidative conditions. In cell suspension cultures 5,5'-dicapsaicin was found only in biomass of capsaicin-fed cultures. This compound has not been detected before either in fresh fruits or in in vitro cultures of Capsicum. The transformation of capsaicin by different protein fractions revealed that most of the enzymatic activity was located in the NaCl-extracted, or ionic cell wall bound, protein, and that it was strictly dependent on H(2)O(2). These results might in part explain some previously described features of capsaicin production by in vitro cultures of Capsicum. The implications of the results regarding the catabolism of capsaicinoids are discussed.

Capsaicin↗

Nucleosome assembly of simian virus 40 DNA in a mammalian cell extract.

We report here a mammalian cell-free system that can support chromatin assembly. Effective nucleosome assembly in HeLa cell extracts occurred at 125 to 200 mM KCl or potassium glutamate. At this physiological K+ ion concentration, two types of chromatin assembly were observed. The first was interfered with by Mg2+. Other cations such as Mn2+, Ca2+, Fe3+, and spermidine also inhibited this type of nucleosome assembly. The second type of assembly occurred in the presence of Mg2+ and at least equimolar ATP. However, even in the presence of ATP, excess Mg2+ inhibited assembly and promoted catenation of DNA; these effects could be circumvented by excess ATP, GTP, EDTA, or polyglutamic acid. The critical DNA concentration for optimum assembly in both pathways suggested a stoichiometric association of histones with DNA. The spacing of nucleosomes formed by both types of assembly on linear and circular DNA was reasonably regular, but chromatin assembled in the presence of ATP and Mg2+ was more stable.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of JNK activity in cell extracts.

A colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the measurement of kinase activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) in cell extracts is described. The assay involves passive immobilisation of the substrate GST-cJun on the surface of a microtiter plate, selection of JNK protein kinases directly in substrate-coated wells, kinase reaction, and detection of substrate phosphorylation by a phosphoepitope-specific antibody. The ability of this assay to selectively measure JNK activity relies on the high-affinity interaction between JNKs and c-Jun. Accordingly, we found that JNKs could be captured on the microtiter plate surface through binding to the immobilised GST-cJun. Moreover, JNKs retained the specificity of their interaction with and phosphorylation of c-Jun with respect to the dependence on both intact docking domain and the dimerisation state of c-Jun. This novel procedure represents a marked improvement on conventional radioactive assays in terms of sensitivity, accuracy of evaluation, low time consumption, high throughput and amenability to automation. It is expected to be useful forthe acceleration and facilitation of JNK activity measurement in cell extracts, in particular for large-scale screening of clinical samples.

3T3 Cells↗

Microinjection of human cell extracts corrects xeroderma pigmentosum defect.

Cultured fibroblasts of patients with the DNA repair syndrome xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) were injected with crude cell extracts from various human cells. Injected fibroblasts were then assayed for unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) to see whether the injected extract could complement their deficiency in the removal of u.v.-induced thymidine dimers from their DNA. Microinjection of extracts from repair-proficient cells (such as HeLa, placenta) and from cells belonging to XP complementation group C resulted in a temporary correction of the DNA repair defect in XP-A cells but not in cells from complementation groups C, D or F. Extracts prepared from XP-A cells were unable to correct the XP-A repair defect. The UDS of phenotypically corrected XP-A cells is u.v.-specific and can reach the level of normal cells. The XP-A correcting factor was found to be sensitive to the action of proteinase K, suggesting that it is a protein. It is present in normal cells in high amounts, it is stable on storage and can still be detected in the injected cells 8 h after injection. The microinjection assay described in this paper provides a useful tool for the purification of the XP-A (and possibly other) factor(s) involved in DNA repair.

Cell Extracts↗

Characteristics of 16-dehydroprogesterone reductase in cell extracts of the intestinal anaerobe, Eubacterium sp. strain 144.

16-Dehydroprogesterone reductase (16-DHPR) activity was present in cell extracts of Eubacterium sp. strain 144 only when the organism was grown in the presence of steroids containing a delta 16-17 double bond and C-20-ketone. Cells grown with 16-dehydropregnenolone contained 16-DHPR activity but lacked delta 4-5-3-keto steroid reductase activity. Pyruvate or sodium dithionite served as electron donors for 16-DHPR and both reactions required methyl viologen as an electron carrier. Neither NADH nor NADPH, with or without flavin nucleotides, were used by 16-DHPR. Enzyme activity was detected in the cytoplasmic fraction (40%) and membrane fraction (20%) of crude cell extracts, but 40% of the activity was unaccounted for following ultracentrifugation. 16-DHPR activity was unaffected by pH in potassium phosphate buffer over the range 5.0 to 8.5, but was inhibited by Tris-HCl above pH 7.0. 16-DHPR activity was inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents, but inhibitors of electron transport reactions or metal chelators did not affect the enzyme.

Cell Membrane↗

Evidence for the presence of kinetin in DNA and cell extracts.

In contrast to the current view that kinetin (N6-furfuryladenine) is an unnatural and synthetic compound, we have detected it in commercially available DNA, in freshly extracted cellular DNA from human cells and in plant cell extracts by two independent methods. First, we discovered that N6-furfuryladenine has electrochemical properties that can be applied for monitoring this modified base by a HPLC/UV/EC method. Second, we have confirmed electrochemical assignments by mass-spectrometric analysis. A pathway of kinetin formation is proposed in which the formation of furfural by oxidative damage of the deoxyribose moiety of DNA is followed by its reaction with adenine residues to form N6-furfuryladenine. Since this modification can lead to mutations, the odd DNA base has to be removed by repair enzymes.

Adenine↗

Identification of an activity in B-cell extracts that selectively impairs the formation of an immunoglobulin mu s poly(A) site processing complex.

The immunoglobulin mu heavy-chain transcription unit is differentially expressed during B-cell development, producing mRNAs that encode secreted (mu s) and membrane-bound (mu m) forms of the heavy-chain polypeptide. Whereas the mu s mRNA and the mu m mRNA are produced in approximately equal abundance in B cells, an increase in the utilization of the mu s poly(A) site contributes to the production of the mu s mRNA as the predominant form in a plasma cell. Previous experiments have demonstrated a correlation between the formation of a stable complex on a poly(A) site and the relative function of the poly(A) site. We have thus investigated the parameters determining the interaction of these factors with the immunoglobulin poly(A) sites. Assays of complex formation involving the two immunoglobulin poly(A) sites by using HeLa cell activities revealed the formation of stable complexes with no apparent difference between the mu s site and the mu m site. In contrast, the mu s-specific complex was markedly less stable when a B-cell extract was used. Fractionation of B-cell extracts has revealed an activity that specifically destabilizes the mu s polyadenylation complex, suggesting that the function of this poly(A) site may be regulated by both positive- and negative-acting factors.

Animals↗

Evidence for a factor required for transcriptional stimulation by the chimeric acidic activator GAL-VP16 in HeLa cell extracts.

We provide biochemical evidence for the existence of a transcriptional intermediary factor (TIF) in HeLa whole-cell extracts (WCE) that is distinct from the basic transcription factors and that is required for transcriptional stimulation by the chimeric acidic activator GAL-VP16. We have fractionated HeLa WCE by heparin-agarose chromatography. Of transcriptionally active fractions eluting in a step between 0.24 and 0.6 M KCl, the initial fractions are refractory to GAL-VP16 stimulation, whereas subsequent fractions are strongly stimulated by the activator. Aliquots of GAL-VP16-responsive fractions efficiently complement refractory fractions for transcriptional stimulation. Aliquots of responsive fractions are also far more efficient than those of refractory fractions in overcoming transcriptional inhibition that is brought about by high concentrations of GAL-VP16. Experiments performed with heat-treated WCE support the idea that HeLa cells contain a TIF that is essential for GAL-VP16 stimulation, but that is not required for basal transcription. Addition of recombinant yeast or human transcription factor TFIID (rTFIIDY and rTFIIDH, respectively) to a WCE heated at 48 degrees C for 15 min restores basal transcription, but in neither case is the reconstituted system activated by GAL-VP16. However, a 45 degrees C heat-treated WCE reconstituted with either rTFIIDH or rTFIIDY is stimulated by GAL-VP16, suggesting that a HeLa TIF can be selectively inactivated by heating at 48 degrees C, but not at 45 degrees C. Interestingly, a TFIID fraction partially purified from HeLa cell extracts, but not rTFIIDH, efficiently relieves transcriptional inhibition by GAL-VP16, suggesting that there may be an association between TIF(s) and TFIID and, moreover, that TIF(s) may be the direct target of the acidic domain of GAL-VP16. In summary, our results support the existence of a TIF that is not essential for basal transcription but that is required to mediate the stimulatory activity of the acidic activator GAL-VP16.

Biological Factors↗