THE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 4 2007
Ralf Stracke
Summary The genes MYB11, MYB12 and MYB111 share significant structural similarity and form subgroup 7 of the Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3-MYB gene family. To determine the regulatory potential of these three transcription factors, we used a combination of genetic, functional genomics and metabolite analysis approaches. MYB11, MYB12 and MYB111 show a high degree of functional similarity and display very similar target gene specificity for several genes of flavonoid biosynthesis, including CHALCONE SYNTHASE, CHALCONE ISOMERASE, FLAVANONE 3-HYDROXYLASE and FLAVONOL SYNTHASE1. Seedlings of the triple mutant myb11 myb12 myb111, which genetically lack a complete subgroup of R2R3-MYB genes, do not form flavonols while the accumulation of anthocyanins is not affected. In developing seedlings, MYB11, MYB12 and MYB111 act in an additive manner due to their differential spatial activity; MYB12 controls flavonol biosynthesis mainly in the root, while MYB111 controls flavonol biosynthesis primarily in cotyledons. We identified and confirmed additional target genes of the R2R3-MYB subgroup 7 factors, including the UDP-glycosyltransferases UGT91A1 and UGT84A1, and we demonstrate that the accumulation of distinct and structurally identified flavonol glycosides in seedlings correlates with the expression domains of the different R2R3-MYB factors. Therefore, we refer to these genes as PFG1,3 for ,PRODUCTION OF FLAVONOL GLYCOSIDES'. [source]

(Neocuproin)zinc Thiolates: Attempts at Modeling Cobalamin-Independent Methionine Synthase

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2004
Jan Seebacher
Abstract Several new complexes [(neo)Zn(SR)2] [neo = neocuproin (2,9-dimethylphenanthroline)] have been synthesized and structurally characterised. They react in a stepwise fashion with the alkylating agents CH3I and (CH3)2SO4 to afford the thioethers CH3SR and first the mixed complexes [(neo)Zn(SR)X] (X = I, CH3SO4) and then [(neo)ZnX2]. Similar alkylations occur with benzyl iodide, but not with trimethyl phosphate in nonpolar media. Under these conditions, thiolate exchange with [PPN]SR does not occur which indicates that the alkylations take place at the zinc-bound thiolates. In polar solvents (methanol, DMSO), thiolate exchange occurs readily, and at higher temperatures (CH3)3PO4 also acts as an alkylating agent which indicates that under these conditions free thiolate is available in solution. Qualitative kinetic data support the associative alkylation mechanism in nonpolar media and the change of mechanism in polar media. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004) [source]

Role of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Skeletal Adaptation to Acute Increases in Mechanical Loading,,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2002
Makoto Watanuki M.D.
Abstract To clarify the role of nitric oxide (NO) in regulation of bone metabolism in response to skeletal loading, we examined inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene knockout mice in the tail-suspension model. Histomorphometric analyses of proximal tibias revealed that 7 days of tail suspension decreased the bone volume (BV/TV) and bone formation rate (BFR/BS) and increased the osteoclast surface (Oc.S/BS) in mice with all iNOS genotypes. Both iNOS+/+ and iNOS+/, mice responded to subsequent 14-day reloading, with increases in BV/TV and BFR/BS and a decrease in Oc.S/BS, whereas these responses were abolished in iNOS,/, mice. The osteoblasts flattened after tail suspension appeared cuboidal during subsequent reloading. Immunoreactivity for iNOS was detected in these osteoblasts and osteocytes by immunohistochemistry. These defective responses after reloading were rescued in iNOS,/, mice by treatment with an NO donor nitroglycerine (NG). Conversely, the responses in iNOS+/+ mice were inhibited by treatment with an NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (AG). In bone marrow cell cultures, mineralized nodules derived from iNOS,/, mice after reloading were significantly reduced. Taken together, our results suggest that NO generated by iNOS in osteoblasts plays a critical role in adjusting bone turnover and increasing osteogenic activity in response to the acute increase in mechanical loading after tail suspension. [source]

The Intracellular Target for the Antiresorptive Aminobisphosphonate Drugs in Dictyostelium discoideum Is the Enzyme Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2000
Joanna E. Grove
Abstract Aminobisphosphonate (aBP) drugs inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and also growth of amoebas of Dictyostelium discoideum apparently by interaction with the same intracellular target. Identification of the target in Dictyostelium therefore could also identify the target in osteoclasts. The aBPs (100 ,M alendronate and 30 ,M YM-175) inhibited conversion of [14C]mevalonate into sterols by cultures of Dictyostelium amoebas. One of three enzymes (isopentenyl diphosphate [IDP] isomerase, farnesyl diphosphate [FDP] synthase, and squalene synthase) appeared to be the target for this inhibition because conversion of [14C]IDP into squalene, the immediate precursor for sterol biosynthesis, was inhibited in extracts of wild-type amoebas by alendronate (IC50 = 75 nM) or risedronate (IC50 = 30 nM) whereas, when the extract had been prepared from amoebas of strains selected for having partial resistance to the growth-inhibitory effects of alendronate (strain MR102) or risedronate (strain RB101), the values of IC50 were increased to 700 nM for alendronate (MR102 extract) or 130 nM for risedronate (RB101 extract). Neither IDP isomerase nor squalene synthase was inhibited significantly by alendronate or risedronate but both of these aBP drugs, and all others tested, inhibited FDP synthase. Determination of the nucleotide sequences of complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding FDP synthase in the wild-type and aBP-resistant strains of Dictyostelium indicated that there had been no changes in the amino acid sequence of the enzyme in the mutant strains. However, both mutant strains overproduce FDP synthase. It is concluded that FDP synthase is the intracellular target for the aBP drugs. (J Bone Miner Res 2000;15:971,981) [source]

Contribution of Nitric Oxide Synthase to Improved Early Graft Patency in Human Saphenous Vein Graft Harvested by a Novel ,No-Touch' Technique

JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 6 2002
JCS Tsui
Aim: Saphenous vein (SV) is the most commonly used conduit in bypass procedures but has a one-year occlusion rate of 15-30%. A new ,no-touch' technique where the SV is harvested with a cushion of surrounding tissue with no distension has led to improved early patency rates of 5% at 18-months. Nitric oxide (NO), synthesised by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has properties beneficial to graft patency. Our aim was to study the distribution of NOS in SV harvested by this technique and the effect of distension and removal of perivascular tissue on NOS content of SV. Methods: Following ethical committee approval and patients' informed consent, SVs were harvested from ten patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. A segment of vein was harvested by the conventional technique (surrounding tissue stripped and vein distended with saline); another part was stripped but not distended (,control') and the remaining parts harvested by the ,no-touch' technique. Samples of each segment were taken and transverse sections prepared for NOS identification using 3[H]L-NG nitroarginine (NO Arg) autoradiography and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. NOS isoforms were studied using standard immunohistochemistry. Endothelial cells and nerves were also identified using immunohistochemistry with CD31 and NF200 respecitvely, to confirm sources of NOS. Morphometric analysis of NADPH-diaphorase staining was carried out to study tissue NOS content. Results: NO Arg binding representing NOS was preserved on the lumen of ,no-touch' vessels whilst that on conventional and control vessels was reduced. NOS was also localised to the medial smooth muscle cells of all vein segments and to the intact adventitia of ,no-touch' segments. This was confirmed by NADPH-diaphorase staining, which revealed a mean reduction of NOS by 19.5% (p < 0.05, ANOVA) in control segments due to stripping of surrounding tissue alone and a reduction of 35.5% (p < 0.01, AVNOVA) in conventional segments due to stripping and distension, compared to ,no-touch' segments. Adventitial NOS sources in ,no-touch' vessels corresponded to vasa vasorum and paravascular nerves. All three NOS isoforms contributed to the preserved NOS in ,no-touch' vessels. Conclusions: Apart from preserved lumenal NOS, NOS sources are also located in the media and adventitia of SV grafts. These are reduced by both adventitial damage and vein distension during conventional vein harvesting. The ,no-touch' technique avoids these procedures, preserving NOS sources. This may result in improved NO availability in SV harvested by this technique, contributing to the improved patency rates reported. [source]

Lycopene Inhibits LPS-Induced Proinflammatory Mediator Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Mouse Macrophage Cells

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007
Mohamed M. Rafi
ABSTRACT:, Lycopene is a fat-soluble red-orange carotenoid found primarily in tomatoes and tomato-derived products, including tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ketchup, and other dietary sources, including dried apricots, guava, watermelon, papaya, and pink grapefruit. In this study, we have demonstrated the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of lycopene using a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). Treatment with lycopene (10 ,M) inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production (40% compared with the control). Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that lycopene treatment decreased LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein and mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 cells, respectively. These results suggest that lycopene has anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting iNOS proteins and mRNA expressions in mouse macrophage cell lines. Furthermore, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and mRNA expression were not affected by treatment with lycopene. [source]

Lung eNOS and iNOS are Reoxygenation Time-Dependent Upregulated After Acute Hypoxia

THE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010
Alma Rus
Abstract Nitric oxide plays a critical role in many physiological and physiopathological processes in the lung. Changes in the NO/NOS (Nitric Oxide/Nitric Oxide Synthase) system after hypoxia situations remain controversial in this organ, so that the aim of this work is to perform a complete study of this system in the hypoxic lung after different reoxygenation times ranging from 0 h to 5 days posthypoxia. This is a novel follow-up study carried out in Wistar rats submitted for 30 min to acute hypobaric hypoxia. We measured endothelial and inducible NOS (eNOS, iNOS) mRNA and protein expression, location, and in situ NOS activity as well as nitrated protein expression and location. In addition, NO levels were indirectly quantified (NOx) as well as the apoptosis level. Results showed an increase in eNOS mRNA, protein, activity as well as eNOS positive immunostaining at 0 h posthypoxia, coinciding with raised NOx levels. Contrary, iNOS, nitrated protein expression and apoptosis level augmented during the final reoxygenation times. The lung NO/NOS system provokes two responses to the hypoxia/reoxygenation processes: (i) eNOS is responsible of the immediate response, producing NO, which causes vasodilation and bronchodilation, and (ii) iNOS is related to the second late response, which seems to be involved in some of the deleterious consequences that hypoxia induces in the lung. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Phosphatidylinositol Synthase of Tetrahymena: Inositol Isomers as Substrates in Phosphatidylinositol Biosynthesis and Headgroup Exchange Reactions

THE JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
BRIDGET M. RIGGS
ABSTRACT. Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) synthase in microsomal fractions derived from Tetrahymena vorax was studied to determine its activity requirements. The suitability of inositol isomers as substrates for the synthase and in headgroup exchange reactions also was investigated. Tetrahymena PtdIn synthase activity was optimum in the presence of 2 mM MgCl2 plus 2 mM MnCl2, a pH of 7.8, and a temperature of 30°C. The enzyme retained approximately 80% of its activity after incubation at 70°C for 10 min. PtdIns headgroup exchange activity was maximal in the presence of cytidine monophosphate. By following either the accumulation of radiolabeled reaction products or the loss of radiolabel from precursors, each of the inositol isomers tested appeared to serve as substrates for both the PtdIns synthase and PtdIns:inositol phosphatidyl transferase activities. In each case, myo -inositol and scyllo -inositol were the preferred substrates. The data suggest two routes for the formation of phosphatidyl-non- myo -inositols in Tetrahymena and the potential for the production of novel, non- myo -inositol-containing second messengers. [source]

Post-translational Regulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) by Estrogens in the Rat Vagina

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2010
Biljana Musicki PhD
ABSTRACT Introduction., Estrogens control vaginal blood flow during female sexual arousal mostly through nitric oxide (NO). Although vascular effects of estrogens are attributed to an increase in endothelial NO production, the mechanisms of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) regulation by estrogens in the vagina are largely unknown. Aims., Our hypothesis was that estrogens regulate eNOS post-translationally in the vagina, providing a mechanism to affect NO bioavailability without changes in eNOS protein expression. Methods., We measured eNOS phosphorylation and eNOS interaction with caveolin-1 and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in the distal and proximal vagina of female rats at diestrus, 7 days after ovariectomy and 2 days after replacement of ovariectomized rats with estradiol-17, (15 µg). Main Outcome Measures., Molecular mechanisms of eNOS regulation by estrogen in the rat vagina. Results., We localized phospho-eNOS (Ser-1177) immunohistochemically to the endothelium lining blood vessels and vaginal sinusoids. Estrogen withdrawal decreased phosphorylation of eNOS on its positive regulatory site (Ser-1177) and increased eNOS binding to its negative regulator caveolin-1 (without affecting eNOS/HSP90 interaction), and they were both normalized by estradiol replacement. Protein expressions of phosphorylated Akt (protein kinase B) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were not affected by estrogen status, suggesting that the effect of estrogens on eNOS (Ser-1177) phosphorylation was not mediated by activated AKT or ERK1/2. eNOS phosphorylation on its negative regulatory site (Ser-114) was increased in the vagina by estrogen withdrawal and normalized by estradiol replacement, implying that the maintenance of low phosphorylation of eNOS on this site by estradiol may limit eNOS interaction with caveolin-1 and preserve the enzyme's activity. Total eNOS, inducible NOS, caveolin-1, and HSP90 protein expressions were not affected by ovariectomy or estradiol replacement in the distal or proximal vagina. Conclusions., These results define novel estrogen signaling mechanisms in the vagina which involve eNOS phosphorylation and eNOS,caveolin-1 interaction. Musicki B, Liu T, Strong TD, Lagoda GA, Bivalacqua TJ, and Burnett AL. Post-translational regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by estrogens in the rat vagina. J Sex Med 2010;7:1768,1777. [source]

Age-Related Changes in Phosphorylation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Rat Penis

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2005
Biljana Musicki PhD
ABSTRACT Aim., Aging is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) attributed to reduced nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and nitric oxide bioavailability. However, the mechanism for this effect has not been fully investigated. We evaluated (i) whether age-related ED involves dysregulation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) phosphorylation; and (ii) whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exerts erectile effects and operates via eNOS phosphorylation in aged rats. Methods., Male Fischer 344 "young" (4-month-old) and "aged" (19-month-old) rats were used. Electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve (CNS) was performed to generate penile erection. Erectile response in the presence of rhVEGF165 was evaluated by intracavernosal pressure monitoring 25 minutes after intracavernosal injection of VEGF. Penes were excised at baseline, with or without rhVEGF treatment, and after CNS for Western immunoblot of phospho-eNOS (Ser-1177 and Thr-495), phospho-Akt, and eNOS. Results., Erectile response was significantly reduced in aged rats compared with young rats. Phospho-eNOS (Ser-1177) and phospho-Akt were significantly reduced, while phospho-eNOS (Thr-495) was significantly increased, in the aged penis at baseline and after CNS. rhVEGF significantly improved erection and reversed downregulated Ser-1177, but not upregulated Thr-495 phosphorylation, on eNOS in aged penes. eNOS protein was significantly increased in aged penes. Conclusions., Age-related ED is associated with eNOS inactivation through a decrease in phosphorylation of its positive regulatory site (Ser-1177) and an increase in phosphorylation of its negative regulatory site (Thr-495) in the penis. Altered phosphorylation/constitutive activation of eNOS by fluid shear stress may be a major determinant of compromised vascular homeostasis of the aged penis. The finding that VEGF rapidly induces erection and partly corrects alterations in eNOS phosphorylation in the aged rat penis suggests impaired eNOS activation by deficient endogenous VEGF and supports the potential for growth factor therapy in the treatment of age-related ED. [source]

Detection and Localization of Two Constitutive NOS Isoforms in Bull Spermatozoa

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 6 2003
H. Meiser
Summary Bull spermatozoa were examined for the presence and localization of constitutive Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS), as nitric oxide (NO) is involved in calcium-dependent capacitation. In bull spermatozoa, NO generation is enhanced by l -arginine (3 ,m) and abolished by the NOS-inhibitor N -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester (l -NAME). In addition, presence of NOS in bull spermatozoa was verified by immunohistochemistry, revealing the existence of both neuronal NOS (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) immunoreaction. These findings were confirmed by Western blot technique, showing immunoreactive bands at 161 kDa (nNOS) and 133 kDa (eNOS). Confocal laser microscopy localized nNOS related immunofluorescence at the acrosome cap of sperms and their flagellum-mainpart. This technique also identified eNOS staining spread over the spermatozoan head. In conclusion, immunohistochemistry, Western blot technique, and NO generation suggest the presence of n- and eNOS in bull spermatozoa. [source]

Comparison of Localization of the Neurokinin 1 Receptor and Nitric Oxide Synthase with Calbindin D Labelling in the Rat Spinal Cord

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 3 2000
M. Nazli
Summary A comparison of the localization of the neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor and nitric oxide synthase with calbindin D labelling in the lumbar spinal cord was carried out in the rat using immunocytochemistry. Considerable regional variations were observed. Application of the antibody to calbindin D resulted in dense staining in laminae I and II and light staining in the other laminae. Occasional scattered cells were seen in the deep laminae and in the lamina X, the ventral horn and the lateral spinal nucleus. The results indicate that neurones expressing calbindin D, NK1 receptor and NOS are three separate populations in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord. [source]

The Final Steps of Bacillaene Biosynthesis in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42: Direct Evidence for ,,,,Dehydration by a trans -Acyltransferase Polyketide Synthase,

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 8 2010
Jana Moldenhauer
Auf frischer Tat ertappt: Das Engineering genetischer Reaktionspfade zusammen mit der HPLC/NMR-spektroskopischen Untersuchung sehr labiler Intermediate lieferte direkte Belege für den Aufbau von ,,,-Doppelbindungen während der Polyketidverlängerung zum Antibiotikum Bacillaen. Des Weiteren wurde das neuartige Kongener Bacillaen,B (1) als schwierig nachzuweisendes wahres Endprodukt des Pfades in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens entdeckt. [source]

Enhanced arsenic accumulation by engineered yeast cells expressing Arabidopsis thaliana phytochelatin synthase,

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 2 2008
Shailendra Singh
Abstract Phytochelatins (PCs) are naturally occurring peptides with high-binding capabilities for a wide range of heavy metals including arsenic (As). PCs are enzymatically synthesized by phytochelatin synthases and contain a (,-Glu-Cys)n moiety terminated by a Gly residue that makes them relatively proteolysis resistant. In this study, PCs were introduced by expressing Arabidopsis thaliana Phytochelatin Synthase (AtPCS) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for enhanced As accumulation and removal. PCs production in yeast resulted in six times higher As accumulation as compared to the control strain under a wide range of As concentrations. For the high-arsenic concentration, PCs production led to a substantial decrease in levels of PC precursors such as glutathione (GSH) and ,-glutamyl cysteine (,-EC). The levels of As(III) accumulation were found to be similar between AtPCS-expressing wild type strain and AtPCS-expressing acr3, strain lacking the arsenic efflux system, suggesting that the arsenic uptake may become limiting. This is further supported by the roughly 1:3 stoichiometric ratio between arsenic and PC2 (n,=,2) level (comparing with a theoretical value of 1:2), indicating an excess availability of PCs inside the cells. However, at lower As(III) concentration, PC production became limiting and an additive effect on arsenic accumulation was observed for strain lacking the efflux system. More importantly, even resting cells expressing AtPCS pre-cultured in Zn2+ enriched media showed PCs production and two times higher arsenic removal than the control strain. These results open up the possibility of using cells expressing AtPCS as an inexpensive sorbent for the removal of toxic arsenic. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 333,340. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Transient Effects of Overexpressing Anthranilate Synthase , and , Subunits in Catharanthusroseus Hairy Roots

BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 5 2005
Christie A. M. Peebles
Catharanthus roseus produces two economically valuable anticancer drugs, vinblastine and vincristine. These drugs are members of the terpenoid indole alkaloids and accumulate in small quantities within the plant; thus these two drugs are expensive to produce. Metabolic engineering efforts have focused on increasing the alkaloids in this pathway through various means such as elicitation, precursor feeding, and gene overexpression. Recently we successfully expressed Arabidopsis genes encoding a feedback-insensitive anthranilate synthase , subunit under the control of the glucocorticoid-inducible promoter system and the anthranilate synthase , subunit under the control of a constitutive promoter in C. roseus hairy roots. In this work we look at the transient behaviors of terpenoid indole alkaloids over a 72 h induction period in late exponential growth phase cultures. Upon induction, the tryptophan, tryptamine, and ajmalicine pools accumulated over 72 h. In contrast, the lochnericine, hörhammericine, and tabersonine pools decreased and leveled out over the 72 h induction period. Visible changes within the individual compounds usually took from 4 to 12 h. [source]

Improved Catalytic Activity of a Purified Multienzyme from a Modular Polyketide Synthase after Coexpression with Streptomyces Chaperonins in Escherichia coli.

CHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 18 2008
Lorena Betancor
Folding helpers: Coexpression of Streptomyces coelicolor chaperonins GroEL1, GroEL2 and GroES with an actinomycete-derived polyketide synthase multienzyme in Escherichia coli has beneficial effects on yield, folding and specific activity of the purified enzyme. The results strongly suggest the utility of chaperones derived from polyketide-producing actinomycete bacteria in optimising the recombinant production of PKS proteins in E. coli for detailed studies of structure and function. [source]

Structural, Functional and Calorimetric Investigation of MosA, a Dihydrodipicolinate Synthase from Sinorhizobium meliloti L5,30, does not Support Involvement in Rhizopine Biosynthesis

CHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 10 2008
Christopher P. Phenix Dr.
Abstract MosA is an enzyme from Sinorhizobium meliloti L5,30, a beneficial soil bacterium that forms a symbiotic relationship with leguminous plants. MosA was proposed to catalyze the conversion of scyllo -inosamine to 3- O -methyl- scyllo -inosamine (compounds known as rhizopines), despite the MosA sequence showing a strong resemblance to dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS) sequences rather than to methyltransferases. Our laboratory has already shown that MosA is an efficient catalyst of the DHDPS reaction. Here we report the structure of MosA, solved to 1.95 Å resolution, which resembles previously reported DHDPS structures. In this structure Lys161 forms a Schiff base adduct with pyruvate, consistent with the DHDPS mechanism. We have synthesized both known rhizopines and investigated their ability to interact with MosA in the presence and absence of methyl donors. No MosA-catalyzed methyltransferase activity is observed in the presence of scyllo -inosamine and S -adenosylmethionine (SAM). 2-Oxobutyrate can form a Schiff base with MosA, acting as a competitive inhibitor of MosA-catalyzed dihydrodipicolinate synthesis. It can be trapped on the enzyme by reaction with sodium borohydride, but does not act as a methyl donor. The presence of rhizopines does not affect the kinetics of dihydrodipicolinate synthesis. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) shows no apparent interaction of MosA with rhizopines and SAM. Similar experiments with pyruvate as titrant demonstrate that the reversible Schiff base formation is largely entropically driven. This is the first use of ITC to study Schiff base formation between an enzyme and its substrate. [source]

Structure and Biosynthesis of Myxochromides S1,3 in Stigmatella aurantiaca: Evidence for an Iterative Bacterial Type I Polyketide Synthase and for Module Skipping in Nonribosomal Peptide Biosynthesis,

CHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 2 2005
Silke C. Wenzel Dipl.-Chem.
Abstract The myxobacterium Stigmatella aurantiaca DW4/3,1 harbours an astonishing variety of secondary metabolic gene clusters, at least two of which were found by gene inactivation experiments to be connected to the biosynthesis of previously unknown metabolites. In this study, we elucidate the structures of myxochromides S1,3, novel cyclic pentapeptide natural products possessing unsaturated polyketide side chains, and identify the corresponding biosynthetic gene locus, made up of six nonribosomal peptide synthetase modules. By analyzing the deduced substrate specificities of the adenylation domains, it is shown that module 4 is most probably skipped during the biosynthetic process. The polyketide synthase MchA harbours only one module and is presumably responsible for the formation of the variable complete polyketide side chains. These data indicate that MchA is responsible for an unusual iterative polyketide chain assembly. [source]

4-Substituted Indazoles as New Inhibitors of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 40 2007
Michel Boulouard
Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF. [source]

Synthesis of 2-Amino-4-oxo-5-substitutedbenzylthiopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as Potential Inhibitors of Thymidylate Synthase.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 27 2005
Aleem Gangjee
Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source]

Two New Irreversible Inhibitors of Dihydrodipicolinate Synthase: Diethyl (E,E)-4-Oxo-2,5-heptadienedioate and Diethyl (E)-4-Oxo-2-heptenedioate.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 25 2005
Jennifer J. Turner
Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source]

Substituted 6-Phenyl-pyridin-2-ylamines: Selective and Potent Inhibitors of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 52 2004
Deane M. Nason
Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source]

Multisubstrate Analogue Inhibitors of Glucosamine-6-phosphate Synthase from Candida albicans.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 6 2003
Sridar V. Chittur
Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source]

Novel Lipoic Acid Analogues that Inhibit Nitric Oxide Synthase.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 35 2002
Jeremiah J. Harnett
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

ChemInform Abstract: Inhibition of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase by 7-Methoxyindazole and Related Substituted Indazoles.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 32 2001
Pascale Schumann
Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source]

Thiazolopyrimidine Inhibitors of 2-Methylerythritol 2,4-Cyclodiphosphate Synthase (IspF) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium falciparum

CHEMMEDCHEM, Issue 7 2010
Julie
Abstract A library of 40,000 compounds was screened for inhibitors of 2-methylerythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase (IspF) protein from Arabidopsis thaliana using a photometric assay. A thiazolopyrimidine derivative resulting from the high-throughput screen was found to inhibit the IspF proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Plasmodium falciparum, and A.,thaliana with IC50 values in the micromolar range. Synthetic efforts afforded derivatives that inhibit IspF protein from M.,tuberculosis and P.,falciparum with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Several compounds act as weak inhibitors in the P.,falciparum red blood cell assay. [source]

Computational Design and Discovery of Conformationally Flexible Inhibitors of Acetohydroxyacid Synthase to Overcome Drug Resistance Associated with the W586L Mutation

CHEMMEDCHEM, Issue 8 2008
Feng-Qin Ji
Rational design: A series of 2-aroxyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5- c]pyrimidine derivatives were computationally designed (see scheme) and synthesized as conformationally flexible AHAS inhibitors. These compounds could find use as new leads for combating drug resistance. [source]

Probing the Subunit-Subunit Interaction of the Tetramer of E. coli KDO8P Synthase by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry,

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2009
Zhili LI
Abstract Escherichia coli 3-Deoxy- D - manno- octulosonate 8-phosphate (KDO8P) synthase catalyzes the condensation reaction between D -arabinose 5-phosphate (A5P) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to form KDO8P and inorganic phosphate (Pi). This enzyme exists as a tetramer in solution, which is important for catalysis. Two different states of the enzyme were obtained: i) PEP-bound and ii) PEP-unbound. The effect of the substrates and products on the overall structure of KDO8P synthase in both PEP-bound and unbound states was examined using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The analysis of our data showed that the complexes of the PEP-unbound enzyme with PEP (or Pi) favored the formation of monomers, while the complexes with A5P (or KDO8P) mainly favored dimers. The PEP-bound enzyme was found to exist in the monomer and dimer with a small amount of the tetramer, whereas the PEP-unbound form primarily exists in the monomer and dimer, and no tetramer was observed, suggesting that the bound PEP have a role in stabilization of the tetrameric structure. Taken together, the results imply that the addition of the substrates or products to the unbound enzyme may alter the subunit-subunit interactions and/or conformational change of the protein at the active site, and this study also demonstrates that the electrospray ionization mass spectrometric method may be a powerful tool in probing the subunit-subunit interactions and/or conformational change of multi-subunit protein upon binding to ligand. [source]

Combined effect of IL-17 and blockade of nitric oxide biosynthesis on haematopoiesis in mice

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010
A. Krsti
Abstract Aim:, The study was undertaken to extend our investigation concerning both the in vivo activity of interleukin (IL)-17 and the specific role of nitric oxide (NO) in IL-17-induced effects in the process of haematopoiesis. Methods:, CBA mice were simultaneously treated with IL-17 and/or nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, l -NAME, for 5 days and changes within various haematopoietic cell lineages in bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood were analysed. Results:, Findings showed that administration of both IL-17 and l -NAME stimulated increase in net haematopoiesis in normal mice. IL-17-enhanced myelopoiesis was characterized by stimulation of both femoral and splenic haematopoietic progenitor cells and morphologically recognizable granulocytes. Additionally, IL-17 induced alterations in the frequency of erythroid progenitor cells in both bone marrow and spleen, accompanied with their mobilization to the peripheral blood. As a consequence of these changes in the erythroid cell compartments, significant reticulocytosis was observed, which evidenced that in IL-17-treated mice effective erythropoiesis occurred. Exposure of mice to NOS inhibitor also increased the number of both granulocyte-macrophage and erythroid progenitors in bone marrow and spleens, and these alterations were followed by the mobilization of erythroid progenitors and elevated content of reticulocytes in peripheral blood. The specific role of NO in IL-17-induced haematopoiesis was demonstrated only in the IL-17-reducing effect on bone marrow late stage erythroid progenitors, CFU-E. Conclusion:, The results demonstrated the involvement of both IL-17 and NO in the regulation of haematopoietic cell activity in various haematopoietic compartments. They further suggest that IL-17 effects are differentially mediated depending on the haematopoietic microenvironments. [source]

Systemic nitric oxide clamping in normal humans guided by total peripheral resistance

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
J. A. Simonsen
Abstract Aim:, We wanted to stabilize the availability of nitric oxide (NO) at levels compatible with normal systemic haemodynamics to provide a model for studies of complex regulations in the absence of changes in NO levels. Methods:, Normal volunteers (23,28 years) were infused i.v. with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester (l -NAME) at 0.5 mg kg,1 h,1. One hour later, the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was co-infused in doses eliminating the haemodynamic effects of l -NAME. Haemodynamic measurements included blood pressure (MABP) and cardiac output (CO) by impedance cardiography. Results:,l -NAME increased MABP and total peripheral resistance (TPR, 1.02 ± 0.05 to 1.36 ± 0.07 mmHg s mL,1, mean ± SEM, P < 0.001). With SNP, TPR fell to a stable value slightly below control (0.92 ± 0.05 mmHg s mL,1, P < 0.05). CO decreased with l -NAME (5.8 ± 0.3 to 4.7 ± 0.3 L min,1, P < 0.01) and returned to control when SNP was added (6.0 ± 0.3 L min,1). A decrease in plasma noradrenaline (42%, P < 0.01) during l -NAME administration was completely reversed by SNP. Plasma renin activity decreased during l -NAME administration and returned towards normal after addition of SNP. In contrast, plasma aldosterone was increased by l -NAME and remained elevated. Conclusions:, Concomitant NOS inhibition and NO donor administration can be adjusted to maintain TPR at control level for hours. This approach may be useful in protocols in which stabilization of the peripheral supply of NO is required. However, the dissociation between renin and aldosterone secretion needs further investigation. [source]