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PubMed2005

Araneoid egg case silk: a fibroin with novel ensemble repeat units from the black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus.

Araneoid spiders use specialized abdominal glands to manufacture up to seven different protein-based silks/glues that have diverse physical properties. The fibroin sequences that encode egg case fibers (cover silk for the egg case sac) and the secondary structure of these threads have not been previously determined. In this study, MALDI tandem TOF mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and reverse genetics were used to isolate the first egg case fibroin, named tubuliform spidroin 1 (TuSp1), from the black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis demonstrates TuSp1 is selectively expressed in the tubuliform gland. Analysis of the amino acid composition of raw egg case silk closely aligns with the predicted amino acid composition from the primary sequence of TuSp1, which supports the assertion that TuSp1 represents a major component of egg case fibers. TuSp1 is composed of highly homogeneous repeats that are 184 amino acids in length. The long stretches of polyalanine and glycine-alanine subrepeats, which account for the crystalline regions of minor ampullate and major ampullate fibers, are very poorly represented in TuSp1. However, polyserine blocks and short polyalanine stretches were highly iterated within the primary sequence, and (13)C NMR spectroscopy demonstrated that the majority of alanine was found in a beta-sheet structure in post-spun egg case silk. The TuSp1 repeat unit does not display substantial sequence similarity to any previously described fibroin genes or proteins, suggesting that TuSp1 is a highly divergent member of the spider silk gene family.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Structural analysis of Bombyx mori silk fibroin peptides with formic acid treatment using high-resolution solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy.

Bombyx mori silk fibroin fiber is a fibrous protein produced by the silkworm at room temperature and from an aqueous solution whose primary structure is highly repetitive. In this study we analyzed the structural characteristics of native peptides, derived from B. mori silk fibroin, with formic acid treatment using high-resolution solid-state 13C NMR. We establish that the Ser residue bearing a short polar side chain has the ability to stabilize the conformation formed in the model peptides due to its ability to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving its hydroxyl group as a donor and the carbonyl groups of other residues as acceptors. On the other hand, insertion of Tyr residue in the basic (AG)n and (AGSGAG)n sequence motifs usually exhibited disruptive effects on the preferred conformations. Moreover, the environmental effect was investigated by mixing the native Cp fraction with the model peptides, showing that there is no significant structural difference on the Ser-containing peptides, while structural transformation was observed on the peptides containing the GAAS unit. This may be attributed to the fact that the Cp fraction promotes the formation of an antiparallel beta-sheet in the Ala-Ala unit. Such periodically disrupted ordered structures in the semicrystalline region of B. mori silk fibroin may be critical not only for facilitating the conformational transformation from silk I to silk II structural form but also for having some correlation with the unique properties of the silk materials.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2003

Structure determination of a peptide model of the repeated helical domain in Samia cynthia ricini silk fibroin before spinning by a combination of advanced solid-state NMR methods.

Fibrous proteins unlike globular proteins, contain repetitive amino acid sequences, giving rise to very regular secondary protein structures. Silk fibroin from a wild silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini, consists of about 100 repeats of alternating polyalanine (poly-Ala) regions of 12-13 residues in length and Gly-rich regions. In this paper, the precise structure of the model peptide, GGAGGGYGGDGG(A)(12)GGAGDGYGAG, which is a typical repeated sequence of the silk fibroin, was determined using a combination of three kinds of solid-state NMR studies; a quantitative use of (13)C CP/MAS NMR chemical shift with conformation-dependent (13)C chemical shift contour plots, 2D spin diffusion (13)C solid-state NMR under off magic angle spinning and rotational echo double resonance. The structure of the model peptide corresponding to the silk fibroin structure before spinning was determined. The torsion angles of the central Ala residue, Ala(19), in the poly-Ala region were determined to be (phi, psi) = (-59 degrees, -48 degrees ) which are values typically associated with alpha-helical structures. However, the torsion angles of the Gly(25) residue adjacent to the C-terminal side of the poly-Ala chain were determined to be (phi, psi) = (-66 degrees, -22 degrees ) and those of Gly(12) and Ala(13) residues at the N-terminal of the poly-Ala chain to be (phi, psi) = (-70 degrees, -30 degrees ). In addition, REDOR experiments indicate that the torsion angles of the two C-terminal Ala residues, Ala(23) and Ala(24), are (phi, psi) = (-66 degrees, -22 degrees ) and those of N-terminal two Ala residues, Ala(13) and Ala(14) are (phi, psi) = (-70 degrees, -30 degrees ). Thus, the local structure of N-terminal and C-terminal residues, and also the neighboring residues of alpha-helical poly-Ala chain in the model peptide is a more strongly wound structure than found in typical alpha-helix structures.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Assembly of the silk fibroin elementary unit in endoplasmic reticulum and a role of L-chain for protection of alpha1,2-mannose residues in N-linked oligosaccharide chains of fibrohexamerin/P25.

Silk fibroin of Bombyx mori is secreted from the posterior silk gland (PSG) as a 2.3-MDa elementary unit, consisting of six sets of a disulfide-linked heavy chain (H-chain)-light chain (L-chain) heterodimer and one molecule of fibrohexamerin (fhx)/P25. Fhx/P25, a glycoprotein, associates noncovalently with the H-L heterodimers. The elementary unit was found and purified from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) extract of PSG cells. A substantial amount of fhx/P25 unassembled into the elementary unit was also present in ER. In normal-level fibroin-producing breeds (J-139 and C108), the elementary unit contained fhx/P25 of either 30 kDa (major) or 27 kDa (minor). The 27-kDa fhx/P25 was produced from the 30-kDa form by digestion with the bacterial alpha1,2-mannosidase in vitro. The elementary unit in the ER extract contained only the 30-kDa fhx/P25, whereas both 30- and 27-kDa forms of fhx/P25 were present in the ER plus Golgi mixed extracts. In naked-pupa mutants [Nd(2), Nd-s and Nd-sD], extremely small amounts of fibroin were produced and they consisted of one molecule of 27-kDa fhx/P25 and six molecules of H-chain but no L-chain. When the Nd-sD mutant was subjected to transgenesis with the normal L-chain gene, the (H-L)6fhx1-type elementary unit containing the 30-kDa fhx/P25, was produced. These results suggest that fhx/P25 in the elementary unit is largely protected from digestion with Golgi alpha1,2-mannosidases when L-chains are present in the unit. Models suggesting a role of L-chain for the protection of alpha1,2-mannose residues of fhx/P25 are presented.

Animals↗

PubMed1977

Cloning of the silk fibroin gene and its flanking sequences.

Thirteen Escherichia coli clones containing the whole or a part of the fibroin gene (16 kilobases long) have been isolated. The starting material was DNA extracted from the posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori. Most clones were obtained from sheared DNA fragments linked by poly(dA)-poly(dT) joints to the plasmid pMB9. One of them includes the 5' end of the fibroin gene with a flanking sequence of 12 kilobases, and another includes the 3' end of the gene with a flanking sequence of about 1 kilobase. One clone was obtained by ligation, to pMB9, of a fragment generated by endodeoxy-ribonuclease EcoRI. This clone has a 21-kilobase insertion that probably includes the entire fibroin gene with flanking sequences at both ends. The cleavage sites for endodeoxyribonucleases EcoRI, HindIII, and BamHI have been established for the cloned sequences.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1986

Tissue-specific transcription enhancement of the fibroin gene characterized by cell-free systems.

Six cell-free extracts have been used to characterize the nature of DNA signals and trans-acting factors responsible for the transcription enhancement of the Bombyx mori fibroin gene. The upstream element of the fibroin gene involved in the enhancement can be divided into two regions. The proximal region, -72 to -32, is recognized as a common enhancing signal by all B. mori extracts from the posterior silk gland, the middle silk gland, the ovarian tissue, and an embryonic cell line. It is weakly recognized by an Antheraea silkworm cell line extract but not by a HeLa cell extract. The distal region, -238 to -73, appears to be a tissue-specific enhancing signal that is recognized more effectively by the posterior silk gland extract than by the middle silk gland extract. These observations suggest that the use of these cell-free systems can offer a means for the biochemical characterization of the trans-acting factors involved in the tissue-specific regulation of the fibroin gene.

Animals↗

PubMed1967

The fine structure of silk fibroin.

The fine structure of Bombyx mori silk fibroin was investigated by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Examination of silk fibers fragmented with ultrasonic radiation and negatively stained revealed the presence of ribbon-like filaments of well-defined lateral dimensions. Analysis of the breadths of the equatorial reflections in the X-ray diffraction pattern of fibroin yielded similar dimensions for the lateral extent of the crystallites. It is concluded that the crystalline material in B. mori silk fibroin is in the form of ribbon-like filaments of considerable length parallel to the fiber axis and of lateral dimensions approximately 20 x 60 A.

Animals↗

PubMed1970

Studies on the posterior silk gland of the silkworm Bombix mori. IV. Ultracentrifugal analyses of native silk proteins, especially fibroin extracted from the middle silk gland of the mature silkworm.

Ultracentrifugal analyses of the native silk proteins extracted from the various parts of the middle silk gland of the mature silkworm have revealed that there exist four components with S degrees (20,w) values of 10S, 9-10S, 9S, and 4S in the extract. It is suggested that the fastest 10S component is the native fibroin synthesized in the posterior silk gland and transferred to the middle silk gland to be stored there, while the slower three components probably correspond to inner, middle, and outer sericins which were synthesized in the posterior, middle, and anterior portion of the middle silk gland, respectively. Native fibroin solution was prepared from the most posterior part of the middle silk gland. Ultracentrifugal analyses have shown that the solution contains considerable amounts of aggregates in addition to the main 10S component. Treatment with lithium bromide (LiBr), urea, or guanidine hydrochloride solution up to 6 M all have failed to dissociate the 10S component. From the sedimentation equilibrium analyses and partial specific volume of 0.71(6), the molecular weight of the 10S component of the native fibroin solution was found to be between 3.2 - 4.2 x 10(5), with a tendency to lie fairly close to 3.7 x 10(5).

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Structural organization of the P25 gene of Bombyx mori and comparative analysis of its 5' flanking DNA with that of the fibroin gene.

We have cloned a large portion of the P25 gene of Bombyx mori encoding the 25,000 dalton polypeptide which associates with fibroin to constitute the major silk protein. Its structure has been investigated by restriction mapping R-loop analysis, S1 nuclease protection experiments and nucleotide sequencing of the region spanning the 5' end of the gene and its flanking DNA. This has permitted a comparative sequence analysis of the DNA from the P25 and fibroin genes. The genes demonstrate no relatedness in their coding regions but they exhibit large blocks of sequence homology in their 5' flanking regions. In particular, the DNA upstream of the P25 gene possesses a sequence very similar to a region of fibroin 5' flanking DNA that is known to possess transcription modulation signals. The functional significance of these homologous regions is discussed with regard to the highly coordinated expression of these two genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1977

Chemical synthesis of the hexanucleotide d(A-C-C-A-G-C) required to isolate fibroin mRNA on an affinity column.

The synthesis of the hexanucleotide d)A-C-C-A-G-C), complementary to the 2 major triplets of fibroin mRNA, using the phosphotriester methodology is described. The protected dinucleotides ((MeO)2Tr)dbzA.anC, ((MeO)2Tr)danC.bzA and ((meO)2Tr)dacG.anC were synthesized; the latter two were detritylated and joined in stepwize fashion to the 1st to form the protected hexanucleotide ((MeO)2Tr)dbzA.anC.anC.bzA.acG.anC. The latter was deblocked with NH3 and acid to form the hexanucleotide d(A-C-C-A-G-C). In view of the ability of a prototype affinity column, oligo dC-cellulose, to isolate fibroin mRNA, prospects appear excellent for the d(A-C-C-A-G-C)-cellulose affinity column isolation of fibroin mRNA.

Chromatography, Affinity↗

PubMed1993

Immunological identification of the major disulfide-linked light component of silk fibroin.

The light protein components of silk fibroin were analyzed by Western blotting using polyclonal antibodies against two synthetic peptides that are segment of the light (L-) chain [Yamaguchi et al. (1989) J. Mol. Biol. 210, 127-139] and P25 [Chevillard et al. (1986) Sericologia 26, 435-449], respectively, and against the whole L-chain. Both the L-chain and P25 were present with fibroin in the lumen of the posterior silk gland and in the cocoon. The L-chain was identified as the major light component that was disulfide-linked to the fibroin heavy (H-) chain, whereas P25 was a minor component whose association with the H-chain was suggested to be non-covalent.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1984

Predominant synthesis of fibroin heavy and light chains on the membrane-bound polysomes prepared from the posterior silk gland of the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Membrane-bound polysomes were prepared from the posterior silk gland of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, on the fourth to fifth day in the fifth larval instar. The polysomes, when supplemented with a soluble fraction from the posterior silk gland, exhibited the elongation reaction of the growing polypeptide-chains, but the initiation reaction of polypeptide synthesis was not demonstrated in this system. The predominant products synthesized on the membrane-bound polysomes were fibroin heavy chain (H-chain) and light chain (L-chain), while polypeptides of heterogeneous size classes were synthesized on the 105,000 X g-sedimentable polysomes. A substantial fraction of the fibroin L-chain synthesized was bound to the H-chain by disulfide bond. Most of the newly synthesized fibroin H- and L-chains on the membrane-bound polysomes were proved to be present within microsomal membrane vesicles because of their insensitivity to digestion with proteases in the absence of Triton X-100.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

The role of irregular unit, GAAS, on the secondary structure of Bombyx mori silk fibroin studied with 13C CP/MAS NMR and wide-angle X-ray scattering.

Bombyx mori silk fibroin is a fibrous protein whose fiber is extremely strong and tough, although it is produced by the silkworm at room temperature and from an aqueous solution. The primary structure is mainly Ala-Gly alternative copolypeptide, but Gly-Ala-Ala-Ser units appear frequently and periodically. Thus, this study aims at elucidating the role of such Gly-Ala-Ala-Ser units on the secondary structure. The sequential model peptides containing Gly-Ala-Ala-Ser units selected from the primary structure of B. mori silk fibroin were synthesized, and their secondary structure was studied with (13)C CP/MAS NMR and wide-angle X-ray scattering. The (13)C isotope labeling of the peptides and the (13)C conformation-dependent chemical shifts were used for the purpose. The Ala-Ala units take antiparallel beta-sheet structure locally, and the introduction of one Ala-Ala unit in (Ala-Gly)(15) chain promotes dramatical structural changes from silk I (repeated beta-turn type II structure) to silk II (antiparallel beta-sheet structure). Thus, the presence of Ala-Ala units in B. mori silk fibroin chain will be one of the inducing factors of the structural transition for silk fiber formation. The role of Tyr residue in the peptide chain was also studied and clarified to induce "locally nonordered structure."

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Extreme diversity, conservation, and convergence of spider silk fibroin sequences.

Spiders (Araneae) spin high-performance silks from liquid fibroin proteins. Fibroin sequences from basal spider lineages reveal mosaics of amino acid motifs that differ radically from previously described spider silk sequences. The silk fibers of Araneae are constructed from many protein designs. Yet, the repetitive sequences of fibroins from orb-weaving spiders have been maintained, presumably by stabilizing selection, over 125 million years of evolutionary history. The retention of these conserved motifs since the Mesozoic and their convergent evolution in other structural superproteins imply that these sequences are central to understanding the exceptional mechanical properties of orb weaver silks.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed1995

New oral dosage form for elderly patients: preparation and characterization of silk fibroin gel.

The pharmaceutical utility of silk fibroin as a possible material for an oral dosage form for elderly patients was investigated. Silk fibroin gel (SFG) was prepared from its aqueous solution. The gel formation was studied as a function of adjusted pH and concentration of silk fibroin (SF). On the basis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of SFG, the transition from the random coil to the beta-structure was observed. The rate of gelation was sufficiently accelerated by the addition of glycerol to the SF aqueous solution. The glycerol content also affected the rate of gelation of the SF solution. Rheological properties of SFG were evaluated using a creep meter. The SF content and/or glycerol content affected the breaking stress of SFG. Moisture desorption from SFG was retarded with an increase in glycerol content. It was found that SFG was able to be prepared at room temperature (20 +/- 5 degrees C), and the SF content and glycerol content affected the formation and physicochemical properties of SFG.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2006

Near-infrared characterization on the secondary structure of regenerated Bombyx mori silk fibroin.

Several advantages of the near-infrared (NIR) technique in the characterization of the secondary structure of regenerated Bombyx mori silk fibroin are demonstrated. Silk fibroin films with thicknesses ranging from 50 to 300 microm are suitable for the NIR measurement. The bands due to hydrogen-bonded water are independent in the NIR spectra and facilitate our investigation of the amide region. Analysis of the combination modes of amide groups in the NIR spectra could lead to a profile of conformation ratio of silk fibroin, which was supported by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) observations.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Properties of the cell-free protein synthesizing system from the fibroin region of the Bombyx mori silkgland].

Microsomes isolated from the fibroin region of the Bombyx mori silkgland synthesize in the cell-free system a glycin rich polypeptide or polypeptides presumably representing fibroin precursors. Besides microsomes the system requires ATP and ATP-generating system, GTP, soluble protein fraction and tRNA, glycine incorporation is inhibited by puromycin and cycloheximide. It is shown that the synthesis of a polypeptide with high Gly/Lys ratio requires soluble protein fraction isolated from the silk gland at the end of the instar V. When the soluble protein fraction from the larvoe at the early instar V is used the Gly/Lys ratio in the product is markedly lower. These results permit to suggest that fibroin synthesis may be regulated at the level of tRNA aminoacylation.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1998

[A new burn wound covering-fibroin membrane].

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at determining the physical and biological properties of fibroin membrane and evaluating its clinical effects. METHODS: 1. The physical and biological properties of fibroin membrane and partial thickness porcine skin were determined with various instruments. The determinations included water ratio, tensile strength, flexibility, water permeability, adhesive force and so on. 2. CLINICAL OBSERVATION: Two wounds with same depth in the same patient were selected. One was covered by fibroin membrane. The other one was treated with 1% SD-Ag cream. The changes in these wounds were observed and compared. RESULTS: This membrane had nearly same physical and biological properties compared with partial thickness porcine skin. It had no toxicity, irritation, and antigenicity. It possessed certain amount of water permeability and could adhere to the wound. Because of its good transparency, any change in underlying wound could be directly observed. It was helpful not only in local therapy but also in study of wound healing. CLINICAL OBSERVATIONs showed that this membrane had good protecting effect to wound. Its application could obviously relieve pain of wound and the healing time was 3-5 days ahead than that of the control wound. CONCLUSION: This membrane was an ideal wound covering and was worth being popularized.

Adolescent↗