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Biosynthesis of vitamin B12: structure of precorrin-6x octamethyl ester.

13C-labeled precorrin-6x is biosynthesized by cell-free protein preparations from Pseudomonas denitrificans in separate experiments using delta-amino[5-13C]levulinic acid and the corresponding delta-amino[4-13C]- and delta-amino[3-13C]levulinic acid-labeled forms in conjunction with S-[methyl-13C]adenosylmethionine for the latter two experiments. These labeled precorrin-6x samples, as their octamethyl esters, are studied by a range of NMR techniques. In addition, nuclear Overhauser effect difference measurements are made on unlabeled precorrin-6x ester to determine connectivities. The structure 6a so established for precorrin-6x ester (i) confirms the results reported in the preceding paper that precorrin-6x has a ring-contracted macrocycle, still carries the C-12 acetate residue, and stands at the oxidation level of a dehydrocorrin; (ii) reveals the unexpected methylation at C-11 not C-12, leading to a structure with separated chromophores; and (iii) implies that methyl migration from C-11 to C-12 occurs when precorrin-6x is converted into hydrogenobyrinic acid. Proposals for the biosynthesis of the corrin macrocycle of hydrogenobyrinic acid and vitamin B12 are made.

Cell-Free System↗

Destruction of erythroleukaemic cells by photoactivation of endogenous porphyrins.

Selective destruction of Friend erythroleukaemic cells (FELC) was potentiated by stimulation of endogenous porphyrin synthesis followed by light sensitization. Endogenous porphyrin biosynthesis in FELC was induced by supplementation of 5-amino levulinic acid (5-ALA) at a concentration of 5 X 10(-4) M. The main accumulated product, after 4 days culture, was uroporphyrin, while after 8 days culture the cells were loaded with protoporphyrin, up to 1.5 micrograms 10(-7) cells. Photoirradiation of the cells for 2 min, accumulating endogenous porphyrins, induced cardinal deformations and cell disintegration in greater than 95% of the cells, as examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photodynamic destruction effects were dependent on cultivation time with 5-ALA. Flow cytometry analysis showed an immediate expansion of cell volume subsequent to irradiation, presumably a consequence of water influx. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of photosensitized cells after different time intervals of culture in 5-ALA medium, revealed initial damage to mitochondria and water influx into the nuclear envelope, after 2 days. After 3-4 days in culture the water influx phenomenon was pronounced, chromatin condensation took place and slight rupture of the outer membrane was detected. Cells photosensitized after 5-6 days of culture were completely disintegrated leaving a nuclear remnant and an enormously swollen nuclear envelope. The culture time dependence of the process, showed an interrelationship between the photodynamic effect and porphyrin accumulation sites in cellular compartments. The study presents a specific method for erythroleukaemic cell inactivation.

Aminolevulinic Acid↗

Thermophilic fermentation of hydrolysates: the effect of inhibitors on growth of thermophilic bacteria.

Lignocellulosic biomass has great potential as a cheap feedstock in biological processes to produce biofuels or chemicals; however, dilute acid pretreatment at high temperatures produces undesirable compounds. Toxicity tests were done with inhibitors in standard media, to predict the growth-limiting effects on thermophilic strains. The 22 inhibitors included furfural, levulinic acid, acetic acid, and cinnamaldehyde. Neutralizing reagents and additional treatment steps have been tested.

Acrolein↗

Biological formation of 5-aminolevulinic acid by photosynthetic bacteria.

In this study, 7 stains of Rhodopseudomonas sp. were selected from 36 photosynthetic bacteria stains storied in our laboratory. Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain 99-28 has the highest 5-aminolevulinic acid(ALA) production ability in these 7 strains. Rhodopseudomonas sp. 99-28 strain was mutated using ultraviolet radiation and a mutant strain L-1, which ALA production is higher than wild strain 99-28 about one times, was obtained. The elements affecting ALA formation of strain 99-28 and L-1 were studied. Under the optimal condition( pH 7.5, supplement of ALA dehydratase(ALAD) inhibitor, levulinic acid(LA) and precursors of ALA synthesis, glycine and succinat, 3000 Ix of light density), ALA formation of mutant L-1 was up to 22.15 mg/L. Strain L-1 was used to treat wastewater to remove COD(Cr) and produce ALA. ALA production was 2.819 mg/L, 1.531 mg/L, 2.166 mg/L, and 2.424 mg/L in monosodium glutamate wastewater(MGW), succotash wastewater(SW), brewage wastewater(BW), and citric acid wastewater(CAW) respectively. More than 90% of COD(Cr) was removed in four kinds of wastewater. When LA, glycin and succinate were supplied, ALA production was dramatically increased, however, COD(Cr) could hardly be removed.

Aminolevulinic Acid↗

Characterization of the late steps of microbial heme synthesis: conversion of coproporphyrinogen to protoporphyrin.

Cell-free extracts of various cytochrome-containing, heterotrophic microorganisms were examined for ability to convert coproporphyrinogen to protoporphyrin. Extracts of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas denitrificans readily accumulated large amounts of protoporphyrin when assayed under aerobic conditions. However, protoporphyrin did not accumulate under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions of assay or in the presence of various supplements in extracts of the aerobe Micrococcus lysodeikticus, the facultative anaerobe Staphylococcus aureus, or the anaerobe Vibrio succinogenes. Protoporphyrin also accumulated when extracts of E. coli and P. denitrificans were incubated aerobically with the early heme precursor, delta-amino levulinic acid (ALA). This protoporphyrin accumulation was markedly stimulated by the iron chelator, o-phenanthroline. Extracts of S. aureus and M. lysodeikticus accumulated coproporphyrin, but not protoporphyrin when incubated with ALA. The enzyme system in extracts of E. coli which converts coproporphyrinogen to protoporphyrin under aerobic conditions of assay was also partially characterized. This conversion was stimulated by the iron chelator, o-phenanthroline, the respiratory inhibitor, cyanide, and the reducing agent, thioglycolate. Dialysis of the extract did not diminish enzyme activity. Certain alternate electron acceptors and nitrite caused a marked inhibition of the conversion. These results indicate that this late step in heme synthesis, the conversion of coproporphyrinogen to protoporphyrin, can be readily demonstrated in extracts of some, but not all, cytochrome-containing bacteria and that the aerobic conversion in E. coli exhibits many characteristics similar to those demonstrated for the aerobic conversion previously studied in liver mitochondria.

Aerobiosis↗

Studies on porphyrin biosynthesis in erythrocytes after incubation with delta-aminolaevulinic acid in patients with acute leukemia.

Biosynthesis of porphyrins in erythrocytes after incubation with delta-aminolevulinic acid was studied by the method of IDELSON in a control group of 30 healthy males and females as well as in 13 patients (7 females and 6 males) followed up during the initial stage, in remission and relapse of acute leukemia. The total amount of synthesized porphyrins was increased at the onset and in relapse as compared with healthy controls on account of the increased biosynthesis of coproporphyrin. Reversely, the amount of synthesized porphobilinogen and protoporphyrin was decreased. During the initial stage and in relapse of acute leukemia the percentage of residual delta-amino-levulinic acid displayed no significant differences while the percentage of disappeared delta-aminolevulinic acid was increased. During the stage of remission an activation of biosynthesis of porphyrins and porphobilinogen was observed as compared with the controls. The changes established are possibly associated with the pathogenesis of the anaemic syndrome in patients with acute leukemia at the initial stage, in remission and relapse.

Adult↗

High resolution crystal structure of a Mg2+-dependent porphobilinogen synthase.

Common to the biosynthesis of all known tetrapyrroles is the condensation of two molecules of 5-aminolevulinic acid to the pyrrole porphobilinogen catalyzed by the enzyme porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS). Two major classes of PBGS are known. Zn2+-dependent PBGSs are found in mammals, yeast and some bacteria including Escherichia coli, while Mg2+-dependent PBGSs are present mainly in plants and other bacteria. The crystal structure of the Mg2+-dependent PBGS from the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa in complex with the competitive inhibitor levulinic acid (LA) solved at 1.67 A resolution shows a homooctameric enzyme that consists of four asymmetric dimers. The monomers in each dimer differ from each other by having a "closed" and an "open" active site pocket. In the closed subunit, the active site is completely shielded from solvent by a well-defined lid that is partially disordered in the open subunit. A single molecule of LA binds to a mainly hydrophobic pocket in each monomer where it is covalently attached via a Schiff base to an active site lysine residue. Whereas no metal ions are found in the active site of both monomers, a single well-defined and highly hydrated Mg2+is present only in the closed form about 14 A away from the Schiff base forming nitrogen atom of the active site lysine. We conclude that the observed differences in the active sites of both monomers might be induced by Mg2+-binding to this remote site and propose a structure-based mechanism for this allosteric Mg2+in rate enhancement.

Allosteric Site↗

Effects of iron deficiency on heme biosynthesis in Rhizobium japonicum.

The effects of iron deficiency on heme biosynthesis in Rhizobium japonicum were examined. Iron-deficient cells had a decreased maximum cell yield and a decreased cytochrome content and excreted protoporphyrin into the growth medium. The activities of the first two enzymes of heme biosynthesis, delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase (EC 2.3.1.37) and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase (EC 4.2.1.24), were diminished in iron-deficient cells, but were returned to normal levels upon addition of iron to the cultures. The addition of iron salts, iron chelators, hemin, or protoporphyrin to cell-free extracts did not affect the activity of these enzymes. The addition of levulinic acid to iron-deficient cultures blocked protoporphyrin excretion and also resulted in high delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase activities. These results suggest the possibility that rhizobial heme biosynthesis in the legume root nodule may be affected by the release of iron from the host plant to the bacteroids.

5-Aminolevulinate Synthetase↗

Biosynthesis of poly(4-hydroxybutyric acid) by recombinant strains of Escherichia coli.

The aim of this study was the production of the homopolyester poly(4-hydroxybutyric acid) (poly(4HB)) with recombinant strains of Escherichia coli. Wild-type strains and other widely used non-recombinant strains of E. coli are not able to produce polyhydroxyalkanoic acids (PHA) as storage compounds and cannot utilize 4-hydroxybutyric acid as sole carbon source. Accordingly, hybrid plasmids of pBluescript vectors were constructed which harbored the Alcaligenes eutrophus PHA synthase gene (phaC) and the Clostridium kluyveri orfZ putatively encoding a 4-hydroxybutyric acid-coenzyme A transferase. A 3.5-kb genomic SmaI/ApaI fragment from A. eutrophus, which comprises phaC, and a 1.8-kb genomic ApaI/EcoRI fragment from C kluyveri, which contained orfZ, were inserted into the SmaI and EcoRI sites of the vectors pKS- and pSK-, respectively. The two resulting plasmids pSKSE5.3 and pKSSE5.3 comprising phaC and orfZ colinear or antilinear to lacZ, respectively, were transformed into E. coli XL1-Blue. Recombinant strains synthesized the homopolyester poly(4HB), when the cells were cultivated in Luria-Bertani broth and if glucose and 4-hydroxybutyric acid were provided as carbon sources. If glucose was omitted, a copolyester of 3-hydroxybutyric acid and 4-hydroxybutyric acid was accumulated. The homopolyester poly(4HB) was also accumulated during cultivation of these strains in M9 mineral salts medium containing glucose plus 4-hydroxybutyric acid as carbon sources. Poly(4HB) could amount up to approximately 80% (w/w) of the cell dry matter if E. coli XL1-Blue harboring pKSSE5.3 was cultivated in M9 mineral salts medium and if the cultures were not sufficiently supplied with oxygen. 4HB was also incorporated into PHA if gamma-butyrolactone was used as carbon source. If levulinic acid, 4-hydroxyvaleric acid or gamma-valerolactone were used as carbon sources, only very low amounts of PHA were accumulated which did not contain 4-hydroxyalkanoic acids as constituents.

4-Butyrolactone↗

New affinity resin for purification of cap-binding proteins.

Cap binding proteins, which recognize the cap structure present at 5' termini of RNA polymerase II transcripts, have been routinely isolated and purified using affinity resins with mononucleotide cap analogs attached. Here we present a new methodology in which dinucleotide cap analog, m7GpppG, has been linked to the EAH-Sepharose. The method is based on derivatization of 2',3'-cis diol of the second nucleotide within the cap structure, with levulinic acid, and subsequent coupling of resulted acetal through its carboxylic group with aminohexyl-agarose.

Carrier Proteins↗

Degradation of 3-methylpyridine and 3-ethylpyridine by Gordonia nitida LE31.

Cells of Gordonia nitida LE31 grown on 3-methylpyridine degraded 3-ethylpyridine without a lag time and vice versa. Cyclic intermediates were not detected, but formic acid was identified as a metabolite. Degradation of levulinic acid was induced in cells grown on 3-methylpyridine and 3-ethylpyridine. Levulinic aldehyde dehydrogenase and formamidase activities were higher in cells grown on 3-methylpyridine and 3-ethylpyridine than in cells grown on acetate. These data indicate that 3-methylpyridine and 3-ethylpyridine were degraded via a new pathway involving C-2-C-3 ring cleavage.

Actinomycetales↗

Production, purification, and characterization of a Mg2+-responsive porphobilinogen synthase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

During tetrapyrrole biosynthesis the metalloenzyme porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) catalyzes the condensation of two molecules of 5-aminolevulinic acid to form the pyrrole porphobilinogen. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PBGS was synthesized in Escherichia coli, and the enzyme was purified as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase (GST). After removal of GST, a molecular mass of 280 000 +/- 10 000 with a Stokes radius of 57 A was determined for native PBGS, indicating a homooctameric structure of the enzyme. Mg2+ stabilized the oligomeric state but was not essential for octamer formation. Alteration of N-terminal amino acids changed the oligomeric state and reduced the activity of the enzyme, revealing the importance of this region for oligomerization and activity. EDTA treatment severely inhibited enzymatic activity which could be completely restored by the addition of Mg2+ or Mn2+. At concentrations in the micromolar range Co2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ partially restored EDTA-inhibited enzymatic activity while higher concentrations of Zn2+ inhibited the enzyme. Pb2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+ did not restore activity. A stimulatory effect of monovalent ions was observed. A Km of 0.33 mM for ALA and a maximal specific activity of 60 micromol h-1 mg-1 at the pH optimum of 8.6 in the presence of Mg2+ and K+ were found. pH-dependent kinetic studies were combined with protein modifications to determine the structural basis of two observed pKa values of approximately 7.9 (pKa1) and 9.5 (pKa2). These are postulated respectively as ionization of an active site lysine residue and of free substrate during catalysis. Some PBGS inhibitors were characterized. Finally, we succeeded in obtaining well-ordered crystals of P. aeruginosa PBGS complexed with the substrate analogue levulinic acid.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Ugi reaction in aqueous solutions: a simple protocol for libraries production.

A reaction between levulinic acid, isocyanides and primary amines has been examined in distilled water and in surfactants solutions. It is demonstrated that the reaction gives good results at the different concentrations including one well above the solubility limit. A simple and eco-friendly protocol for libraries production is described.

Amines↗

Study of the lipoprotein pattern among workers exposed to lead.

Occupational exposure to lead fumes constitutes a serious problem in Egypt, since a considerable number of workers might be involved in its deleterious effect. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of lead exposure on the lipoprotein pattern of exposed workers. The study has been carried out in a plant manufacturing lead batteries. It consists of 89 workers exposed to lead and 25 control subjects. Fasting blood samples were collected for the determination of serum lipoprotein pattern and their cholesterol and phospholipid content. Levels of lead in blood and delta amino levulinic acid in urine have been determined as biological indices of lead exposure. Lead exposure caused mainly a cumulative effect on the cholesterol and phospholipid content of lipoproteins since only workers exposed for more than 10 years showed significant changes. These changes might be referred to the effect of lead exposure on liver and/or on trace metal metabolism.

Humans↗

Apo forms of cytochrome c550 and cytochrome cd1 are translocated to the periplasm of Paracoccus denitrificans in the absence of haem incorporation caused either mutation or inhibition of haem synthesis.

An apo form of cytochrome c550 can be detected by immunoblotting cell-free extracts of a mutant of Paracoccus denitrificans that is deficient in c-type cytochromes. This apoprotein is found predominantly in the periplasm, the location of the holocytochrome in the wild-type organism, indicating that translocation of the polypeptide occurs in the absence of haem attachment. The polypeptide molecular weight, as judged by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, is indistinguishable from that of the holoprotein and the chemically prepared apoprotein; this suggests that the N-terminal signal sequence is removed in the mutant as in the wild-type organism. In the presence of levulinic acid, an inhibitor of haem biosynthesis, apocytochrome c550 and aponitrite reductase (cytochrome cd1) accumulated in the periplasm of wild-type cells. Synthesis of these apoproteins was blocked by chloramphenicol. Thus in P. denitrificans the synthesis of these polypeptides is neither autoregulated nor regulated by the availability of haem. That the apoproteins appear in the periplasm argues against the possibility of polypeptide/haem co-transport from cytoplasm to periplasm. These observations are related to, and contrasted with, the biosynthesis of c-type cytochromes in eukaryotic cells.

Apoenzymes↗

Immunochemical analysis of respiratory-chain components of micrococcus luteus (lysodeikticus).

Membrane-bound antigens of the respiratory chain of Micrococcus luteus were analyzed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis after growth of the organism in the presence of 59Fe, the flavin adenine dinucleotide-flavin mononucleotide precursor D-[2-14C]riboflavin, or the heme precursor 5-amino-[4-(14)C]levulinic acid. Using zymograms and procedures of selective extraction in conjunction with autoradiography, it was possible to resolve and partially characterize a number of antigens. Succinate dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.99.1) was shown to possess covalently bound flavin and nonheme iron and was possibly present as a complex with cytochrome. Three other dehydrogenases, namely, NADH dehydrogenase, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.99.3), and malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37), contained flavin in noncovalent linkage, the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase also possessing nonheme iron. Four other discrete antigens (or antigen complexes) containing both iron and heme centers also resolved, as were two minor immunogens possessing iron as the sole detectable prosthetic group.

Counterimmunoelectrophoresis↗

Enzymatic and non-enzymatic degradation of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolyesters produced by Alcaligenes sp. MT-16.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3HB-co-3HV), copolyesters with a variety of 3HV contents (ranging from 17 to 60 mol%) were produced by Alcaligenes sp. MT-16 grown on a medium containing glucose and levulinic acid in various ratios, and the effects of hydrophilicity and crystallinity on the degradability of the copolyesters were evaluated. Measurements of thermo-mechanical properties and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflectance revealed that the hydrophilicity and crystallinity of poly(3HB-co-3HV) copolyesters decreased as 3HV content in the copolyester increased. When the prepared copolyester film samples were non-enzymatically hydrolysed in 0.01 N NaOH solution, the weights of all samples were found to have undergone no changes over a period of 20 weeks. In contrast, the copolyester film samples were degraded by the action of extracellular polyhydroxybutyrate depolymerase from Emericellopsis minima W2. The overall rate of weight loss was higher in the films containing higher amounts of 3HV, suggesting that the enzymatic degradation of the copolyester is more dependent on the crystallinity of the copolyester than on its hydrophilicity. Our results suggest that the degradability characteristics of poly(3HB-co-3HV) copolyesters, as well as their thermo-mechanical properties, are greatly influenced by the 3HV content in the copolyesters.

Acyltransferases↗