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Carbohydrate structure analysis of batroxobin, a thrombin-like serine protease from Bothrops moojeni venom.

The carbohydrate side chains of batroxobin were liberated from tryptic glycopeptides by treatment with peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase F, pyridylaminated and separated by two-dimensional HPLC. Neutral oligosaccharide derivatives obtained after desialylation were characterized by methylation analysis, liquid secondary-ion mass spectrometry, digestion with exoglycosidases and endoglycosidases and, in part, by acetolysis, whereas sialic acid constituents were identified by reverse-phase HPLC after conjugation with 1,2-diamino-4,5-methylene-dioxybenzene. The overall glycosylation status of the protein was studied by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The results revealed that batroxobin is heterogeneously glycosylated carrying predominantly diantennary, partially incomplete complex-type glycans in addition to hybrid-type species. Most glycans were core-fucosylated at C6 of the innermost GlcNAc. As a characteristic feature, galactose was completely replaced by GalNAc beta 4-substituents in complex-type antennae, the GlcNAc-residues of which were, in part, fucosylated at C3. Furthermore, evidence was obtained that suggested the presence of a novel type of glycoprotein-N-glycan comprising two GalNAc beta 4GlcNAc beta 4GlcNAc beta 2Man-antennae. Sialic acid residues represented a mixture of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and N-acetyl-4-O-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu4,5Ac2), which were exclusively linked to C3 of subterminal GalNAc. A precise assignment of these sialic acid derivatives to distinct oligosaccharide structures or antennae, however, was not carried out. Finally, MALDI-TOF-MS demonstrated that both potential N-glycosylation sites of batroxobin are substituted by carbohydrate chains. In conclusion, our studies revealed that this snake venom glycoprotein is characterized by a unique oligosaccharide pattern partly comprising novel structural elements.

Animals↗

Molecular mechanism of kininogen deficiency in brown Norway Katholiek rats.

1. The Brown Norway (B/N) Katholiek rat is a mutant strain of plasma kininogen deficiency. The plasma of B/N-Katholiek rats was shown to contain only 3-5% of high-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight kininogens (HK and LK) of the normal level by specific RIA, and 30% of prekallikrein was detected by amidase activity. However, HK antigen in the liver microsomal fraction of B/N-Katholiek rats was about 60% of that of normal rats. 2. In this paper we compare and discuss synthesis and secretion of HK and LK by primary cultures of livers of deficient and normal rats. The deficient hepatocytes could synthesize HK and LK in the same way as normal cells but could not secrete mature forms of HK and LK in the medium. Examination of the subcellular localization of the mutant HK in the hepatocytes showed that a larger amount of mutant HK antigen, compared to normal rats, was found in the 10,000 g fraction, which is rich in lysosomes, suggesting that the mutant HK may be transported to the lysosomes. 3. We also analyzed sequence of the HK cDNA of B/N-Katholiek and B/N-Kitasato rats and found a point mutation of G to A at nucleotide 487, which locates at the heavy chain region of HK and LK. 4. We constructed five expression plasmids to transfect COS-1 cells to examine HK secretion. COS-1 cells transfected with the plasmids containing the G to A transition could not secrete and retained HK, while those cells transfected with the plasmids containing normal G released HK into the medium. 5. These results indicate that a point mutation G to A at nucleotide 487, resulting in an amino acid transition from alanine (163) to threonine, is responsible for the defective secretion of HK and LK by the liver of B/N-Katholiek rats. We also discuss other cases of secretion defect of plasma proteins reported in the literature.

Animals↗

Purified horseshoe crab factor G. Reconstitution and characterization of the (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan-sensitive serine protease cascade.

Horseshoe crab hemocyte lysate responds to (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans, initiating an enzymatic cascade, which culuminates in clot formation. We have purified to homogeneity the serine protease zymogen factor G, which is directly activated by (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans and which initiates the hemolymph clotting cascade. Factor G is a heterodimeric protein composed of two noncovalently associated subunits alpha (72 kDa) and beta (37 kDa). In the presence of (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans such as curdlan and paramylon, factor G is autocatalytically activated to an active serine protease named factor G. This activation is accompanied by limited proteolysis of both subunits: the 72-kDa subunit alpha is cleaved to 55-kDa and 17-kDa fragments, and the 37-kDa subunit beta is shortened to 34 kDa. Longer incubations with (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans result in cleavage of the 55-kDa fragment to 46 kDa and the 34-kDa fragment to 32 kDa, with concomitant loss of amidase activity. Reconstitution experiments using purified proteins participating in the hemolymph clotting cascade demonstrate that factor G is capable of activating proclotting enzyme directly, resulting in the conversion of coagulogen to coagulin gel. Thus, purified factor G is shown to be the primary initiator of the (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan-sensitive coagulation pathway in the horseshoe crab hemocyte lysate.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Nonoxidative enzymes in the metabolism of insecticides.

Two major classes of enzymes, i.e., hydrolases and transferases, comprise all the nonoxidative enzymes, and together these enzymes catalyze a wide variety of biotransformations of insecticides. The hydrolytic enzymes involved in insecticide metabolism are carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1), arylesterase alkylamidase, and DFPase (EC 3.8.2.1). Recent experimental evidence suggests that carboxylesterase enzyme(s), formerly known to hydrolyze malathion-type insecticides, can also catalyze hydrolysis of a variety of diversified insecticidal esters such as benzilic acid derivatives, carbanilate compounds, and pyrethroids. These organophosphate-sensitive esterases, with the exception of the enzyme which hydrolyzes malathion, are all present in microsomes. Similarly, the action of amidases now extends to those insecticidal compounds of their intermediates which contain an aminoformyl (N-CHO) moiety. Arylesterase and DFPase catalyze the P-anhydride bond cleavage of the leaving group, a major hydrolytic pathyway for organophosphate insecticides. Transferal enzymes which are presently know to metabolize insecticidal organophosphates are GSH-S-alkyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.12) and GSH-S-aryltransferase (EC 2.5.1.13). These enzymes cleave P-O-R (R = alkyl) or P-0-X (X = aromatic), with subsequent transfer of the R or X group to glutathione. Regarding the other conjugating enzymes, UDP-glucuronyltransferase (EC 2.4.L.17), UDP-glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.35), and arylamine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.5), much work is needed to understand their interactions with insecticidal compounds. There is some evidence that arylsulfotransferase (EC 2.8.2.1) MAY PLAY A PROMINENT ROLE IN THE CONJUGATIVE MECHANISMS OF INSECTS.

Amidohydrolases↗

Xaa-Pro-dipeptidyl-aminopeptidase from Lactococcus lactis catalyses kinetically controlled synthesis of peptide bonds involving proline.

Xaa-Pro-dipeptidyl-aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.14.5) from Lactococcus lactis (PepX) was used, for the first time, as a catalyst in kinetically controlled synthesis of peptide bonds involving proline. PepX had amidase and esterase activities in addition to peptidase activity. Thus amide and ester derivatives of X-Pro peptides could be employed as acyl donors. PepX showed a broad specificity for the residue in position P'1, accepting a large variety of amino acid amides, esters, peptides as well as free amino acids as nucleophiles. This also indicated that it was not necessary to protect the C-terminus of the nucleophile. The major factors controlling yield, e.g. pH, an excess of nucleophile, ionic strength and type of carboxyl protecting and activating groups, were evaluated. Under optimum reaction conditions (pH 8.5, high excess of nucleophile over acyl donor and moderate ionic strength) the selectivity of the reaction ranged from 5 to 99% depending on the structure of the nucleophile and the acyl donor. Our work contributes to the elucidatation of the mechanism of aminolysis reactions catalysed by an aminopeptidase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Nonoxidative enzymes in the metabolism of insecticides.

Two major classes of enzymes, i.e., hydrolases and transferases, comprise all the nonoxidative enzymes, and together these enzymes catalyze a wide variety of biotransformations of insecticides. The hydrolytic enzymes involved in insecticide metabolism are carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1), arylesterase (EC 3,1.1.2), alkylamidase, and DFPase (EC 3.8.2.1). Recent experimental evidence suggests that carboxylesterase enzymes(s), formerly known to hydrolyze malathion-type insecticides, can also catalyze hydrolysis of a variety of diversified insecticidal esters such as benzilic acid derivatives, carbanilate compounds, and pyrethroids. These organo-phosphate-sensitive esterases, with the exception of the enzyme which hydrolyzes malathion, are all present in microsomes. Similarly, the action of amidases now extends to those insecticidal compounds or their intermediates which contain an aminoformyl (N--CHO) moiety. Arylesterase and DFPase catalyze the P--anhydride bond cleavage of the leaving group, a major hydrolytic pathway for organophosphate insecticides. Transferal enzymes which are presently known to metabolize insecticidal organophosphates are GSH-S-alkyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.12) and GSH-S-aryltransferase (EC 2.5.1.13). These enzymes cleave P--O--R (R = alkyl) or P--O--X (X = aromatic), with subsequent transfer of the R or X group to glutathione. Regarding the other conjugating enzymes, UDP-glucuronyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.17), UDP-glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.35), and arylamine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.5), much work is needed to understand their interactions with insecticidal compounds. There is some evidence that arylsulfotransferase (EC 2.8.2.1) may play a prominent role in the conjugative mechanisms of insects.

Amidohydrolases↗

Intramolecular charge heterogeneity in purified major histocompatibility class II alpha and beta polypeptide chains.

Major histocompatibility (MHC) class II antigens are heterodimeric cell surface glycoproteins consisting of an alpha and a beta chain. Although one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of purified MHC class II antigens shows a single diffuse band for each chain, multiple spots of identical molecular size were observed for each chain when analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis. The basis of this heterogeneity has not been clearly defined and has been predicted partially to be due to glycosylation and/or phosphorylation of the mature protein. To investigate the role of the three N-linked oligosaccharides of the alpha and beta chains in determining the isoelectric point of each chain, affinity-purified MHC class II antigens from human and rat sources were deglycosylated using asparagine amidase. The complete enzymatic removal of all three N-linked oligosaccharides was confirmed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as well as by four different lectin-linked Western blot analyses. Two-dimensional gel analysis of the deglycosylated molecules shows no significant difference from the fully glycosylated chains. We have expressed truncated forms of the HLA DR2 chains which lack the transmembrane and cytoplasmically exposed regions in Escherichia coli. Two-dimensional electrophoresis of these single chains also reveal multiple banding patterns. The two-dimensional banding patterns described are unaffected by exposure to acidic or basic conditions, increased gel running time in the first dimension, treatment of the proteins with alkaline phosphatase to remove any potential phosphorylation, or preincubation in the presence of iodoacetamide. Multiple forms of recombinant alpha and beta chains were also observed in Tris-glycine-urea gels which merged into a single band in the presence of SDS. In addition, partially fractionated bands from preparative isoelectric focusing gels, when refocused, showed an identical number of multiple spots spanning the same range of isoelectric points. These results together suggest that each polypeptide chain of MHC class II antigens may exist in multiconformational forms, and the observed charge heterogeneity is independent of glycosylation and phosphorylation of the proteins.

Animals↗

[Histochemistry of amino acid naphthylamidases].

For the correct intracellular localization of amino acid naphthyl-amidases freeze-dried cryostat sections or aldehyde fixed tissue blocks followed by washing in buffer or sugar solution are suitable. Among various amino acid 2-naphthylamides and diazonium salts L-Leucin-4-methoxynaphthylamide and Fast Blue B "pure" (Serva) respectively can be recommended for the histochemical demonstration of these enzymes. In situ the intestinal and renal brush border represent the only cellular structure which actually contain naphthylamidases. By means of alpha,-L-glutamic acid 2-naphthylamide as substrate the glomerula of the kidney also react indicating that further binding sites must exist for amino acid naphthylamidases.

Aminopeptidases↗

Biosynthesis of oligosaccharides in intact Golgi preparations from rat liver. Analysis of N-linked glycans labeled by UDP-[6-3H]N-acetylglucosamine.

During short incubations of a Golgi apparatus-enriched subcellular fraction from rat liver with UDP-[3H]GlcNAc, label is efficiently transferred to endogenous acceptors. Most of the macromolecular radioactivity is specifically released by peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase, indicating that it is mainly associated with N-linked oligosaccharides. The glycoprotein acceptors are resistant to proteases unless detergent is added in amounts greater than the critical micellar concentration. This shows that the acceptors are within the lumen of intact compartments, which have the correct topological orientation expected for the Golgi apparatus in intact cells. Structural characterization of the radiolabeled N-linked oligosaccharides shows a variety of distinct neutral and anionic species. The neutral chains include bi-, tri-, and tetra-antennary molecules with terminal beta-[3H] GlcNAc residues. In vitro sialylation shows that some of the tetra-antennary chains have beta 1,3-linked Gal residues on their unlabeled antennae. An unknown modification appears to block the action of beta-galactosidase on these galactosylated oligosaccharides. Chasing the labeling reaction with a mixtures of UDP-Gal, CMP-Neu5Ac, and adenosine 3'-phosphate,5'-phosphosulfate causes an increase in the percent of radiolabeled anionic oligosaccharides. Most of the negative charge is due to sialic acid (Sia), and some appears to be in phosphodiester-linked [3H]GlcNAc. The sialylated oligosaccharides are a mixture of bi-, tri-, and tetra-antennary species with 1-3-Sia residues, and some of the [3H]GlcNAc residues are directly covered with unlabeled Gal and Sia residues. This in vitro approach should recapitulate reactions that occur in the biosynthesis of N-linked oligosaccharides in the Golgi apparatus of the intact cell. Since the conditions during labeling do not permit inter-compartmental transport, the oligosaccharides produced should represent the biosynthetic capabilities of individual Golgi compartments. Evidence is presented for a functional association of GlcNAc transferases I, II, and alpha-mannosidase II, with separation from GlcNAc transferase IV and/or V. The structures also indicate co-compartmentalization of several GlcNAc transferase(s) with beta-galactosyltransferase(s) and sialyltransferase(s). The compartmental organization of the Golgi apparatus is discussed in light of these findings.

Animals↗

Biosynthesis of oligosaccharides in intact Golgi preparations from rat liver. Analysis of N-linked glycans labeled by UDP-[6-3H]galactose, CMP-[9-3H]N-acetylneuraminic acid, and [acetyl-3H]acetyl-coenzyme A.

When a rat liver Golgi apparatus-enriched subcellular fraction is incubated with UDP-[3H]Gal, CMP-[3H] Neu5Ac, or [acetyl-3H]acetyl (Ac)-CoA, label is efficiently transferred to endogenous acceptors, which are resistant to added proteases, unless detergent is added at a sufficiently high concentration. Thus, the acceptors are within the lumen of intact compartments of correct topological orientation, which are likely to be similar to those of the Golgi apparatus in the intact cell. In each case, approximately 90% of the macromolecular radioactivity is specifically released by peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase digestion, as labeled N-linked oligosaccharides. Label from UDP-[3H]Gal is transferred to several distinct N-linked oligosaccharides, and many of these carry sialic acid (Sia) residues. This amount increases if the transfer reaction is chased with CMP-Neu5Ac. A major fraction of the [3H]Gal is directly "covered" with Sia residues, indicating that at least a portion of the beta-galactosyltransferase(s) are co-localized with one or more sialyltransferases. The majority of the [3H]Gal is found in a beta 1,3-linkage, rather than the more common beta 1,4-linkage. The N-linked oligosaccharides labeled by CMP-[3H] Neu5Ac carry labeled Sia residues in either alpha 2,3 or alpha 2,6 linkage, and showed a range of charge distribution. The transferred [3H]Neu5Ac is not O-acetylated even when Ac-CoA is added at saturating concentrations, implying that the sialyltransferases and the O-acetyltransferase(s) are not functionally co-localized. However, approximately 20% of label released from N-linked oligosaccharides by sialidase does not co-migrate with authentic Neu5Ac in high performance liquid chromatography analysis, indicating that transferred [3H] Neu5Ac is modified by unknown enzymes in the Golgi. Most of the [3H]acetate transferred from [acetyl-3H] Ac-CoA to N-linked oligosaccharides is on Sia residues that are exclusively alpha 2,6-linked, and is enriched on tri- and tetra-antennary chains that do not appear to carry any 2,3-linked Sia residues. These data indicate a restricted substrate preference of the O-acetyltransferase(s). About one-quarter of the [3H]acetate transferred is sialidase-resistant, indicating either transfer to monosaccharides other than sialic acid, or to sialidase-resistant sialic acids. While most of these sialidase-resistant oligosaccharides remain negatively charged, about 10% are neutralized by sialidase, confirming transfer of [3H]acetate to monosaccharides other than sialic acid.

Acetyl Coenzyme A↗

Structural and functional analysis of the human vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor glycosylation. Alteration of receptor function by wheat germ agglutinin.

The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor from the human melanoma cell line IGR39 has been shown to be a 60-kDa glycoprotein. Using serial lectin affinity chromatography, as well as specific glycosidases, we demonstrate that VIP receptor-linked carbohydrates are predominantly tri- or tetraantennary sialylated N-linked oligosaccharides, 27% of which are fucosylated, and some may have terminal galactose residues. Treatment of 125I-VIP receptor complexes with peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase revealed the presence of at least three N-linked carbohydrate chains/receptor polypeptide. To investigate the functional role of the carbohydrate moiety, 125I-VIP binding to IGR39 cell membranes was tested in the presence of soluble lectins. Among the lectins tested, only wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) was found to markedly inhibit VIP binding in a dose-dependent manner. Binding data indicated that the presence of the lectin led to a 3-fold increase in Kd value, from 0.15 to 0.44 nM, without any change in the number of available binding sites. The potent inhibitor of WGA binding, N,N',N"-triacetylchitotriose, completely reversed the effect of the lectin. On the other hand, VIP binding inhibition persisted even after neuraminidase treatment, suggesting that sialic acids were not directly involved. Furthermore, WGA inhibition was not abolished although most, if not all, VIP receptor oligosaccharides were converted to high mannose type structures by treating IGR39 cells with deoxymannojirimycin. Finally, whereas the pharmacological profile of VIP receptor was virtually identical, the presence of WGA greatly reduced the VIP-stimulated cAMP in IGR39 cells, indicating that the lectin alters the ability of the receptor to interact with the adenylate cyclase system.

Binding, Competitive↗

Purification and characterization of a potent 70-kDa thiol lysyl-proteinase (Lys-gingivain) from Porphyromonas gingivalis that cleaves kininogens and fibrinogen.

We isolated an enzyme from a major periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis (also called Bacteroides gingivalis), that is capable of initially increasing the coagulant activity of high molecular weight kininogen (HK), releasing bradykinin from HK and low molecular weight kininogen (LK), and destroying the light chain (coagulant portion) of HK. This enzyme, a membrane-bound thiol proteinase that preferentially cleaves the P1-Lys position of tripeptide substrates, is also able to rapidly render fibrinogen nonclottable. We will refer to this enzyme as lys-gingivain because of its origin from P. gingivalis, its classification as a thiol proteinase, and its action as a lysyl-amidase. The activity of lys-gingivain is enhanced by beta-mercaptoethanol, and the enzyme has a molecular mass of 68-70 kDa, a pH optimum of 7.4, and is not inactivated by plasma protease inhibitors. The second-order rate constant for the destruction of the coagulant activity of the HK light chain (surface-binding domain) at 23 degrees C is 2.3 x 10(7) M-1 s-1, and, for cleavages that render fibrinogen unclottable, is 2.05 x 10(6) M-1 s-1. These data suggest that lys-gingivain is a very potent proteinase that would be fully functional in anaerobic periodontal crevices and might participate in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Lys-gingivain appears to be the most potent kininogenase and fibrase to be described to date.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Binding of anisoylated Lys-plasminogen streptokinase activator complex to cells in culture.

Anisoylated Lys-plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (APSAC) was purified from Eminase by chromatography on Superose-12. Purified APSAC did not significantly deacylate within 4 h at 4 degrees C in solution as determined by hydrolysis of D-Val-L-leu-L-lys-p-nitroanilide HCl (S-2251). At 37 degrees C, maximum amidase activity developed in 120 min; epsilon-amino-n-caproic acid (EACA) did not affect the apparent rate of APSAC deacylation but stabilized the streptokinase-plasmin(ogen) complex (SkPl) which formed. APSAC bound to C6 glioma cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in culture. Binding as completely inhibited by EACA suggesting an essential role for the plasminogen kringle domains. Cell-associated APSAC deacylated to form active SkPl which hydrolyzed S-2251 and D-Val-Leu-Lys-7-amino-4-methyl coumarin. The rate of APSAC deacylation was increased when the APSAC was cell-associated. APSAC that was initially bound to C6 cells or HUVECs also activated 125I-plasminogen. This activity may have reflected cell-associated APSAC or APSAC but dissociated into solution. Plasmin was recovered bound to cells and in solution. These studies demonstrate that APSAC associates with cell-surfaces and retains activity. In the circulation, cell-surfaces may provide a significant pharmacologic compartment for intravenously administered APSAC.

Acylation↗

Monosaccharide and oligosaccharide analysis of proteins transferred to polyvinylidene fluoride membranes after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

We have developed an intermediate method toward the complete carbohydrate analysis of proteins, which should be universally applicable to all proteins and independent of sample matrix. Using only Coomassie Blue-stained proteins which have been electroblotted onto polyvinylidene fluoride membranes, we report a strategy for: (i) determining unequivocally whether a protein is glycosylated; (ii) obtaining a complete monosaccharide composition; (iii) oligosaccharide mapping which separates most forms according to size, charge and isomerity; and (iv) sequentially releasing and analyzing specific classes of oligosaccharides with endoglycosidases. The method was shown to be applicable to a variety of well characterized soluble glycoproteins and to the membrane-bound protein, the gastric H+, K(+)-ATPase. The monosaccharide composition of the H+,K(+)-ATPase revealed the absence of N-acetylneuraminic or N-glycolylneuraminic acids and a monosaccharide composition which indicated O-linked sugar chains. Oligomannosidic/hybrid and biantennary oligosaccharides were sequentially released and analyzed from one electroblotted band of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator using endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H and endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F2, respectively. Sialylated polylactosamine structures were identified and quantified by analyzing high performance liquid chromatography profiles of oligosaccharides first released by peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase and then treated with endo-beta-galactosidase, using a single, stained band of recombinant erythropoietin. This recombinant erythropoietin was found to contain eight times more tetrasialylated oligosaccharides than previously reported (Sasaki, H., Bothner, B., Dell, A., and Fukuda, M. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 12059-12076); 47% of released oligosaccharides were identified as polylactosamine structures.

Animals↗

Glycoprotein biosynthesis in the alg3 Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant. II. Structure of novel Man6-10GlcNAc2 processing intermediates on secreted invertase.

Alg3 yeast mutants synthesize endoglycosidase H-resistant oligosaccharides whose precursor for elongation is Man1 alpha-->2Man1 alpha-->2Man1 alpha-->3(Man1 alpha-->6)Man1 beta-->4GlcNAc2 (Verostek, M.F., Atkinson, P.H., and Trimble, R. B. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 5547-5551). To characterize alg3 glycan elongation in vivo, oligosaccharides on alg3,sec18 invertase synthesized and secreted at 26 degrees C were released with peptide-N4-N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl asparagine amidase and purified by Bio-Gel P-4 chromatography. Large (Man > 30GlcNAc2) and intermediate (Man5-10GlcNAc2) sized oligosaccharides were pooled separately, and the smaller ones were exchanged with 2H2O for one- and two-dimensional DQF-COSY 1H NMR analyses at 500 MHz. Although there was no detectable substitution of the terminal alpha 1,6-core-linked mannose, addition of alpha 1,6-, alpha 1,2-, and alpha 1,3-mannoses to the alpha 1,3-linked core branch of a majority of the Man5 precursor was analogous to core-filling reactions seen on wild type invertase glycans (Trimble, R.B., and Atkinson, P.H. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 9815-9824). Two additional types of oligosaccharide structures were found; those which retained glucose and those consistent with mannan elongation. Glucose retention appeared to be due to inefficient trimming from minor glucosylated intermediates, while mannan elongation was by extension of a new alpha 1,6-linked branch from the alpha 1,3-core-linked residue as seen in wild-type core oligosaccharides (Hernandez, L.M., Ballou, L., Alvarado, E., Gillece-Castro, B.L., Burlingame, A.L., and Ballou, C. E. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 11849-11856) or mnn1,mnn2,mnn10 processing intermediates (Ballou, L., Alvarado, E., Tsai, P-k., Dell, A., and Ballou, C.E. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 11857-11864). Thus, the alpha 1,6-linked branch additions which form Man9GlcNAc2-PP-dolichol from Man5GlcNAc2-PP-dolichol appear to provide important structural information enabling efficient recognition by the endoplasmic reticulum-glucosyltransferases forming oligosaccharide-lipid as well as the glucosidases involved in early trimming reactions, but the alg3 mutant documents that they are unnecessary for normal yeast mannan elongation.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

An acidic kininogenase in rat ventricular myocardium.

BACKGROUND: Canine ventricles have been reported to contain a cathepsin D-like kininogenase, which might confer protection on the heart during ischaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and levels of a similar kininogenase in normal and ischaemic rat hearts. METHODS: Aqueous extracts of rat ventricles were tested for the ability to release bradykinin-like immunoreactivity from human low-molecular-weight kininogen and high-molecular-weight kininogen at acidic pHs. The enzymes involved were separated using gel filtration followed by the testing of fractions for cleavage of D-Val-Leu-Arg-pNA and low-molecular-weight kininogen. Extracts from normal and ischaemic ventricles were compared for the ability to release bradykinin-like immunoreactivity from low-molecular-weight kininogen. Kinin levels in mixed venous blood were compared before and after ischaemia. By assessing their effect on isolated oestrous rat uteri and on protease inhibitors, further characterization of acidic kininogenases in the extracts was performed. RESULTS: Extracts of rat ventricles released bradykinin-like immunoreactivity only from low-molecular-weight kininogen. Using the isolated oestrous rat uterus, gel filtration and protease inhibitors, the enzyme involved was identified as a cathepsin D-like enzyme with an optimum pH of 4.7 and a molecular weight of 42.8 +/- 4.9 kDa. It is an arginine amidase and releases bradykinin-like immunoreactivity from low-molecular-weight kininogen. Ischaemia reduced the amount of bradykinin-like immunoreactivity released by the ventricular extract (P < or = 0.05) and increased levels of free kinin in venous blood from the right atrium. CONCLUSION: Rat ventricles contain a cathepsin D-like acidic protease that cleaves low-molecular-weight kininogen to release bradykinin-like immunoreactivity. The acidic protease may protect the heart during ischaemia.

Animals↗

The mode of hydrolysis of a glycan portion of Micrococcus lysodeikticus cell walls by endo-N-acetylglucosaminidase or endo-N-acetylmuramidase isolated from crude barley beta-amylase.

Micrococcus lysodeikticus cell walls were digested with a pI 6.8 endo-N-acetylglucosaminidase or a pI 9.5 endo-N-acetylmuramidase. The digests were further treated with a N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidase of Flavobacterium L-11 enzyme to remove the peptide portion. The products were fractionated by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography, and the glycan portion of fractions were analyzed for their average amino sugar chain lengths. The following results were obtained. 1. The glycan portion of the main products in the pI 6.8 enzyme digest consisted of (-N-acetylmuramic acid-N-acetyl-glucosamine-)2-3. 2. The glycan moiety of the pI 9.5 enzyme digest was mainly composed of (-N-acetylglucosamine-N-acetylmuramic acid-)3-4. 3. The glycosidic linkages around the muramic acid 6-phosphate residues which linked to a special structure through a phosphodiester bond were rather refractory to the glycosidase action of both pI 6.8 and 9.5 enzymes.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

[Utility of pyrrolidonyl-arylamidase detection for typing Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria].

Detection of pyrrolidonyl-aryl-amidase activity (PYR) is an important tool to identify gram-positive cocci, such as staphylococci, enterococci, streptococci, and other related genera. However, only few studies evaluating its usefulness with gram-negative rods have been published. Thus, a prospective study including 542 and 215 unique clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative gram-negative rods, respectively, was undertaken. Strains were identified by conventional methods. PYR test was performed using a commercial kit, according to the manufacturer recommendations. Positive results were uniformly obtained for the PYR test with the following species: Citrobacter spp, Klebsiella spp, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter agglomerans group, Serratia marcescens and S. odorifera. On the other hand, negative results were uniformly displayed by E. coli (including inactive E. coli), Protease group, Salmonellia spp, Shigella spp, Acinetobacter spp, Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia and Flavobacterium spp. Variable results were shown in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas (xanthomonas) malthophilia, Kluyvera cryocrescens, and Enterobacter cloacae. PYR test proved to be a reliable and simple tool to rapidly distinguish certain species belonging to Enterobacteriaceae (ie. Citrobacter freundii from Salmonella spp, and inactive E. coli from K. ozaenae). Further studies, including a wide diversity of species, are required to assess usefulness of the PYR test for the identification of non-fermentative gram-negative rods.

Aminopeptidases↗