PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Dimerization”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

A new isoleucine substitution of Val-20 in transthyretin tetramers selectively impairs dimer-dimer contacts and causes systemic amyloidosis.

The most frequent form of inherited amyloidoses is associated with mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene coding for 127-amino acid residues of four identical, noncovalently linked subunits that form a pair of dimers in the plasma protein complex. Amyloid fibrils containing the variant and to a lesser extent the wild-type form of the TTR molecule are deposited in various organs, including peripheral nerves and the myocardium, with polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy as major clinical manifestations. So far, more than 40 distinct amino acid substitutions distributed throughout the TTR sequence over 30 positions have been found to be correlated with an increased amyloidogenicity of TTR. Most of these amyloidogenic amino acid substitutions are suspected to alter the conformation and stability of the monomer. Here we identify and characterize by protein and DNA analysis a novel amyloidogenic Val-20 to Ile mutation in a German three-generation family. The index patient suffered from severe amyloid cardiomyopathy at the age of 60. Conformational stability and unfolding behavior of the Ile-20 monomer in urea gradients was found to be almost indistinguishable from that of wild-type TTR. In contrast, tetramer stability was significantly reduced in agreement with the expected change in the interactions between the two opposing dimers via the side chain of Ile-20. Our observations provide strong evidence for the view that amyloidogenic amino acid substitutions in TTR facilitate the conversion of tetrameric TTR complexes into those conformational intermediates of the TTR folding pathway that have an intrinsic amyloidogenic potential.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Camelliin B and nobotanin I, macrocyclic ellagitannin dimers and related dimers, and their antitumor activity.

Camelliin B and nobotanin I, dimeric hydrolyzable tannins of a new class having macrocyclic structures, were isolated from Camellia japonica and Heterocentron roseum, respectively. Nobotanin G and H of the structures related to nobotanin I, were also obtained from H. roseum. Camelliin B and also woodfordin C, a macrocyclic dimer from Woodfordia fruticosa, exhibited marked host-mediated antitumor activities.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Woodfordin C, a macro-ring hydrolyzable tannin dimer with antitumor activity, and accompanying dimers from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers.

Three new dimeric hydrolyzable tannins, woodfordins A, B and C, along with seven known hydrolyzable tannins, including oenothein B, a dimer exhibiting marked host-mediated antitumor activity, were isolated from an Indonesian crude drug, Sidowayah [dried flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz (Lythraceae)]. The structures of the new tannins were elucidated based on chemical and spectral evidence. Woodfordin C, having a macro-ring structure, was also found to exhibit a significant antitumor activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

In vitro analysis of microtubule assembly of isotypically pure tubulin dimers. Intrinsic differences in the assembly properties of alpha beta II, alpha beta III, and alpha beta IV tubulin dimers in the absence of microtubule-associated proteins.

Microtubule assembly of different beta tubulin isotypes in the presence of 4 M glycerol and 6 mM magnesium ion demonstrates significantly different characteristics. alpha beta II and alpha beta IV assembled faster and to a greater extent than did unfractionated phosphocellulose-purified tubulin (PC-tubulin). Microtubule assembly from alpha beta III showed a distinctive delay in nucleation, proceeded at a slower rate than those of the other beta tubulin isotypes, and had the highest critical concentration. However, treatment of beta tubulin isotypes with subtilisin to remove the C-terminal domain of the tubulin dimer abolished these differences in microtubule assembly pattern and enhanced self-assembly. The kinetic analysis of microtubule elongation of different beta tubulin isotypes also showed significant differences. Elongation of alpha beta III from microtubule seeds had a lower apparent K alpha and a lower apparent Kd than did alpha beta II and alpha beta IV. The dynamic behaviors of different beta tubulin isotypes were qualitatively similar to each other and fit the dynamic instability model. However, microtubules formed from alpha beta III appeared to be less dynamic than microtubules formed from other beta tubulin isotypes. Our results suggest that the beta III isotype might have a different conformation than do the other beta tubulin isotypes. The distinctive nucleation and elongation behaviors of the alpha beta III dimers demonstrated in vitro may have a significant influence on microtubule functions in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Induction and repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in the Escherichia coli tRNA gene tyrT: Fis protein affects dimer induction in the control region and suppresses preferential repair in the coding region of the transcribed strand, except in a short region near the transcription start site.

We analysed induction and repair of UV induced pyrimidine dimers in the Escherichia coli tRNA gene tyrT. In wild-type (WT) log or stationary phase different patterns of induction occurred in the three Fis binding sites and the core promoter -35 sequence of the control region: this was absent in fis- cells. In stationary WT cells, slow, similar rates of repair occurred throughout the non-transcribed strand (NTS). Faster repair occurred in the NTS control region in WT log phase. NTS repair in fis- cells was similar, except the control region differed less between phases. Heterogeneous repair occurred along the transcribed strand (TS). In the control region repair was faster than in the NTS. Repair in the TS coding region changed between growth phases or if repair took place in different media. When irradiated log phase WT cells were in rich medium, two TS domains were evident: a fast-repaired domain within 31 nucleotides from the transcription start site; and a more slowly repaired domain composed of the rest of the TS. A sharp gradient existed in the small domain with very fast repair at the beginning and diminished repair towards the end. Fast transcription coupled repair (TCR) in the small domain was absent in the TS large domain, where repair was similar to the NTS and to the entire TS in mfd- cells. In similarly treated stationary phase WT cells, TCR occurred in the large domain. Depletion of Fis reinstates TCR to a lesser extent, whilst a substitution of five nucleotides at the Fis binding sites in the upstream activating sequence reinstates TCR. Reinstatement of TCR was also achieved by incubating irradiated WT cells in minimal salt medium without the required amino acid. Our results suggest that Fis indirectly suppresses preferential repair in the TS large domain by stimulating transcription.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Polypyrimidine/polypurine sequence in plasmid DNA enhances formation of dimer molecules in Escherichia coli. Dimerization of plasmid DNA in Escherichia coli.

Formation of dimer molecules of a recombinant plasmid, pTIR10, which carries a pyrimidine/purine-biased stretch occurs about 6-fold more efficiently than for the control plasmid pUC19 in Escherichia coli strain JM107. Since pyrimidine/purine-biased sequences have a potential to form unusual DNA structures, this observation suggests that the inserted sequence affects the replication process of plasmid DNA, probably by forming a triple helix under physiological conditions.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Synthesis of dimeric lactose and dimeric (sialyl) Lewis(X) glycolipids.

To investigate structural requirements for the homophilic interaction between carbohydrates on planar model membranes, divalent derivatives with enforced proximity between the two carbohydrate epitopes (lactose, Lewis(X), and sialyl Lewis(X)) were synthesized by use of a dimeric membrane anchor as scaffold.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗
PubMed2000

The dimer contact area of sorghum NADP-malate dehydrogenase: role of aspartate 101 in dimer stability and catalytic activity.

During thioredoxin-mediated activation of chloroplastic NADP-malate dehydrogenase, a homodimeric enzyme, the interaction between subunits is known to be loosened but maintained. A modeling of the 3D structure of the protein identified Asp-101 as being potentially involved in the association between subunits through an electrostatic interaction. Indeed, upon site-directed substitution of Asp-101 by an asparagine, the mutated enzyme behaved mainly as a monomer. The mutation strongly affected the catalytical efficiency of the enzyme. The now available 3D structure of the enzyme shows that Asp-101 is protruding at the dimer interface, interacting with Arg-268 of the neighbouring subunit.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed2003

Probing the function, conformational plasticity, and dimer-dimer contacts of the GluR2 ligand-binding core: studies of 5-substituted willardiines and GluR2 S1S2 in the crystal.

Numerous naturally occurring and synthetic alpha-amino acids act as agonists on (S)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole) propionic acid (AMPA) receptors but nevertheless display significant differences in their functional properties and modes of interaction. The 5-substituted willardiines are a series of compounds that exhibit a range of affinities, act as partial agonists, and give rise to intermediate levels of activation and desensitization. However, the molecular basis for the activities of 5-substituted willardiines has not been conclusively elaborated at the level of atomic resolution. Here we provide insight into the molecular basis of the potency and efficacy elicited by the 5-substituted willardiines on the basis of cocrystal structures with the GluR2 ligand-binding core. We also show that the crystallized ligand-binding core has an affinity for agonists similar to the ligand-binding core in solution. Analysis of multiple crystal lattices suggests modes by which the ligand-binding core dimers interact in the tetrameric receptor. These studies further our understanding of how subtle differences in the structures of agonists are correlated to changes in the conformation of residues and water molecules in the immediate binding pocket and to the degree of domain closure.

Alanine↗
PubMed2002

The solution structure of reduced dimeric copper zinc superoxide dismutase. The structural effects of dimerization.

The solution structure of homodimeric Cu2Zn2 superoxide dismutase (SOD) of 306 aminoacids was determined on a 13C, 15N and 70% 2H labeled sample. Two-thousand eight-hundred and five meaningful NOEs were used, of which 96 intersubunit, and 115 dihedral angles provided a family of 30 conformers with an rmsd from the average of 0.78 +/- 0.11 and 1.15 +/- 0.09 A for the backbone and heavy atoms, respectively. When the rmsd is calculated for each subunit, the values drop to 0.65 +/- 0.09 and 1.08 +/- 0.11 A for the backbone and heavy atoms, respectively. The two subunits are identical on the NMR time scale, at variance with the X-ray structures that show structural differences between the two subunits as well as between different molecules in the unit cell. The elements of secondary structure, i.e. eight beta sheets, are the same as in the X-ray structures and are well defined. The odd loops (I, III and V) are well resolved as well as loop II located at the subunit interface. On the contrary, loops IV and VI show some disorder. The residues of the active cavity are well defined whereas within the various subunits of the X-ray structure some are disordered or display different orientation in different X-ray structure determinations. The copper(I) ion and its ligands are well defined. This structure thus represents a well defined model in solution relevant for structure-function analysis of the protein. The comparison between the solution structure of monomeric mutants and the present structure shows that the subunit-subunit interactions increase the order in loop II. This has the consequences of inducing the structural and dynamic properties that are optimal for the enzymatic function of the wild-type enzyme. The regions 37-43 and 89-95, constituting loops III and V and the initial part of the beta barrel and showing several mutations in familial amyotrophis lateral sclerosis (FALS)-related proteins have a quite extensive network of H-bonds that may account for their low mobility. Finally, the conformation of the key Arg143 residue is compared to that in the other dimeric and monomeric structures as well as in the recently reported structure of the CCS-superoxide dismutase (SOD) complex.

Deuterium↗
PubMed1996

Nucleotide level detection of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers using oligonucleotides and magnetic beads to facilitate labelling of DNA fragments incised at the dimers and chemical sequencing reference ladders.

We present a method for detecting cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) at the nucleotide level and an adaptation of Maxam-Gilbert sequencing for generating sequence reference ladders. UV irradiated genomic DNA from Escherichia coli was digested with restriction enzyme(s) and incised at the CPDs with Micrococcus luteus UV endonuclease. The subsequent specific fragments were separated using a biotin labelled oligonucleotide containing a sequence complementary to the fragments of interest and streptavidin magnetic beads. These fragments were then radiolabelled on the beads just prior to the running of the sequencing gel. For generating sequence reference ladders, the unlabelled DNA fragments of interest were base-specifically modified and subsequently cleaved at the A+G or C+T sites using the rapid Maxam-Gilbert sequencing treatments. These chemically cleaved fragments can be stored almost indefinitely. Whenever the sequence reference ladders are required, the chemically cleaved fragments can be labelled alongside the CPD-specifically incised DNA fragments using the same procedure. The adaptation of the method to detect other types of DNA damage is also discussed.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Reductive dimerization of alkylidenemalonates using samarium(II) diiodide and 1H-NMR behavior of the dimers, 2,3-diaryl-1,1,4,4-butanetetracarboxylates.

Alkylidenemalonates were readily dimerized in the presence of SmI2 to give 2,3-disubstituted 1,1,4,4-butanetetracarboxylates as mixtures of meso and racemic isomers in moderate to good yields. The structure of the less polar isomer of tetraethyl 2,3-diphenyl-1,1,4,4-butanetetracarboxylate was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis to be the meso form. Characteristic 1H-NMR behavior of the meso and racemic isomers is also discussed.

Butanes↗
PubMed1999

Effect of amino acid substitutions at the subunit interface on the stability and aggregation properties of a dimeric protein: role of Arg 178 and Arg 218 at the Dimer interface of thymidylate synthase.

The significance of two interface arginine residues on the structural integrity of an obligatory dimeric enzyme thymidylate synthase (TS) from Lactobacillus casei was investigated by thermal and chemical denaturation. While the R178F mutant showed apparent stability to thermal denaturation by its decreased tendency to aggregate, the Tm of the R218K mutant was lowered by 5 degrees C. Equilibrium denaturation studies in guanidinium chloride (GdmCl) and urea indicate that in both the mutants, replacement of Arg residues results in more labile quaternary and tertiary interactions. Circular dichroism studies in aqueous buffer suggest that the protein interior in R218K may be less well-packed as compared to the wild type protein. The results emphasize that quaternary interactions may influence the stability of the tertiary fold of TS. The amino acid replacements also lead to notable alteration in the ability of the unfolding intermediate of TS to aggregate. The aggregated state of partially unfolded intermediate in the R178F mutant is stable over a narrower range of denaturant concentrations. In contrast, there is an exaggerated tendency on the part of R218K to aggregate in intermediate concentrations of the denaturant. The 3 A crystal structure of the R178F mutant reveals no major structural change as a consequence of amino acid substitution. The results may be rationalized in terms of mutational effects on both the folded and unfolded state of the protein. Site specific amino acid substitutions are useful in identifying specific regions of TS involved in association of non-native protein structures.

Arginine↗
PubMed2003

Why does a Ga(2) dimer react spontaneously with H2, but a Ga atom does not?--A detailed quantum chemical investigation of the differences in reactivity between ga atoms and Ga(2) dimers, in combination with experimental results.

The spontaneous and photoactivated reactions between Ga(2) and H(2) in a matrix of solid Ar at 12 K have been followed by using IR spectroscopy and have been shown to give access to several isomers of the subvalent hydride Ga(2)H(2). We now present Raman spectra for this system, to complete its characterization on the basis of vibrational spectra. In addition, the differences between the reactivity of a Ga atom and a Ga(2) dimer toward H(2) are evaluated. The matrix isolation experiments have shown that Ga(2) reacts spontaneously with H(2,) at 12 K, to give the cyclic subvalent hydride Ga(micro-H)(2)Ga (D(2h) symmetry), which can be transformed into two other isomers of Ga(2)H(2) by selective photoactivation. Interestingly, the spontaneous reaction is subject to a marked isotopic effect. In total, the experimental results provide detailed information about the reaction mechanism. In contrast to Ga(2), Ga atoms do not react spontaneously with H(2); on photoactivation they instead yield the radical species GaH(2). The quantum chemical calculations presented herein start with an analysis of the structures and relative energies of the relevant species at the MP2 level, by using extended basis sets, and lead on to a discussion of the correlation diagrams for both reactions. Finally, CASSCF and MRCI methods, in combination with moderate-sized basis sets, were employed to analyze in detail the mechanisms of the two reactions. It will be shown that the computational results, in concert with the experimental findings, provide a satisfying explanation of the contrasting reactivities of Ga and Ga(2).

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Mixed Micellization of Dimeric (Gemini) Surfactants and Conventional Surfactants. I. Mixtures of an Anionic Dimeric Surfactant and of the Nonionic Surfactants C12E5 and C12E8

The mixed micellization between the anionic dimeric surfactant Dim1 (disodium 1,11-didecyl-3,6,9-trioxaundecane 1,11-disulfate) and the two nonionic surfactants C12E5 and C12E8 (penta- and octaoxyethylene monododecyl ethers, respectively) has been investigated. The cmc of the mixtures has been measured by fluorescence probing, using the fluorescent probe pyrene. Its variation with composition revealed synergism in micelle formation. The micelle aggregation (N) numbers have been measured using time-resolved fluorescence quenching at a total surfactant concentration of about 70 mM and at 25, 40, and 55°C. The differences in total aggregation number of the mixed micelles in the two systems reflect (i) the higher aggregation number of C12E5 micelles with respect to C12E8 and Dim1 micelles; (ii) the higher cloud temperature of C12E8 with respect to C12E5; and (iii) the opposite temperature dependences of N for Dim1 and nonionic surfactants micelles. The results show nonideal mixing behavior with a shallow minimum in the variation of the mixed micelle aggregation number with the mixture composition at a Dim1 mole fraction around 0.5. Copyright 1998 Academic Press. Copyright 1998Academic Press

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Intermediate filament assembly: fibrillogenesis is driven by decisive dimer-dimer interactions.

Intermediate filaments are built from one to several members of a multigene family encoding fibrous proteins that share a highly conserved hierarchic assembly plan for the formation of multistranded filaments from distinctly structured extended coiled coils. Despite the rather low primary sequence identity, intermediate filaments form apparently similar filaments with regard to their spatial dimensions and physical properties. Over the past few years, substantial progress has been made in the elucidation of the complex expression patterns and clinically relevant phenotypes of intermediate filaments. The key question of how these filaments assemble and what the molecular architecture of their distinct assembly intermediates comprises, however, has still not been answered to the extent that has been achieved for microfilaments and microtubules.

Animals↗