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Few Enzymes (few + enzyme)
Selected AbstractsHigh levels of MMP-1 expression in the absence of the 2G single nucleotide polymorphism is mediated by p38 and ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases in VMM5 melanoma cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2002Ulrike Benbow Abstract Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is one of only a few enzymes with the ability to degrade the stromal collagens (types I and III) at neutral pH, and high expression of MMP-1 has been associated with aggressive and invasive cancers. We recently reported a single nucleotide insertion/deletion polymorphism (SNP) in the collagenase-1 (MMP-1) promoter (Rutter et al. [1998] Can. Res. 58:5321,5325), where the insertion of an extra guanine (G) at ,1607 bp creates the sequence, 5,-GGAA-3 (2G allele), compared to the sequence 5,-GAA-3, (1G allele). The presence of 2G constitutes a binding site for the ETS family of transcription factors, and increases MMP-1 transcription in fibroblasts and A2058 melanoma cells cultured in vitro. In addition, the presence of the 2G allele has been linked to several aggressive malignancies as well as to enhanced expression of MMP-1. In this study, we describe a melanoma cell line, VMM5, that is 1G homozygous, but that is invasive and expresses high levels of MMP-1 constitutively. The high level of MMP-1 expression in VMM5 cells is due to the utilization of both the p38 and ERK1/2 transduction pathways. In contrast, in the A2058 cell line, which also expresses MMP-1 constitutively and which is 2G homozygous, only the ERK pathway is activated. Thus, our data suggest that in the absence of 2G allele and in the presence of the appropriate transcription factors, tumor cells may use alternative signal/transduction pathways and cis-acting sequences to achieve high levels of MMP-1 expression, which contribute to the ability of tumor cells to invade, regardless of their genotype. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Redox enzymes in the plant plasma membrane and their possible rolesPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 12 2000A. Bérczi ABSTRACT Purified plasma membrane (PM) vesicles from higher plants contain redox proteins with low-molecular-mass prosthetic groups such as flavins (both FMN and FAD), hemes, metals (Cu, Fe and Mn), thiol groups and possibly naphthoquinone (vitamin K1), all of which are likely to participate in redox processes. A few enzymes have already been identified: Monodehydroascorbate reductase (EC 1.6.5.4) is firmly bound to the cytosolic surface of the PM where it might be involved in keeping both cytosolic and, together with a b -type cytochrome, apoplastic ascorbate reduced. A malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37) is localized on the inner side of the PM. Several NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductases have been purified from the cytocolic surface of the PM, but their function is still unknown. Different forms of nitrate reductase (EC 1.6.6.1,3) are found attached to, as well as anchored in, the PM where they may act as a nitrate sensor and/or contribute to blue-light perception, although both functions are speculative. Ferric-chelate-reducing enzymes (EC 1.6.99.13) are localized and partially characterized on the inner surface of the PM but they may participate only in the reduction of ferric-chelates in the cytosol. Very recently a ferric-chelate-reducing enzyme containing binding sites for FAD, NADPH and hemes has been identified and suggested to be a trans -PM protein. This enzyme is involved in the reduction of apoplastic iron prior to uptake of Fe2+ and is induced by iron deficiency. The presence of an NADPH oxidase, similar to the so-called respiratory burst oxidase in mammals, is still an open question. An auxin-stimulated and cyanide-insensitive NADH oxidase (possibly a protein disulphide reductase) has been characterized but its identity is still awaiting independent confirmation. Finally, the only trans -PM redox protein which has been partially purified from plant PM so far is a high-potential and ascorbate-reducible b -type cytochrome. In co-operation with vitamin K1 and an NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase, it may participate in trans -PM electron transport. [source] Catalyzing "Hot" Reactions: Enzymes from Hyperthermophilic ArchaeaTHE CHEMICAL RECORD, Issue 3 2002Tadayuki Imanaka Abstract We reflect on some of our studies on the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakaraensis KOD1 and its enzymes. The strain can grow at temperatures up to the boiling point and also represents one of the simplest forms of life. As expected, all enzymes displayed remarkable thermostability, and we have determined some of the basic principles that govern this feature. To our delight, many of the enzymes exhibited unique biochemical properties and novel structures not found in mesophilic proteins. Here, we focus on a few enzymes that are useful in application, and whose three-dimensional structures are characteristic of thermostable enzymes. © 2002 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 2: 149,163, 2002: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.10023 [source] From cofactor to enzymes.THE CHEMICAL RECORD, Issue 6 2001-phosphate-dependent enzymes, The molecular evolution of pyridoxal- Abstract The pyridoxal-5,-phosphate (vitamin B6)-dependent enzymes that act on amino acid substrates have multiple evolutionary origins. Thus, the common mechanistic features of B6 enzymes are not accidental historical traits but reflect evolutionary or chemical necessities. The B6 enzymes belong to four independent evolutionary lineages of paralogous proteins, of which the , family (with aspartate aminotransferase as the prototype enzyme) is by far the largest and most diverse. The considerably smaller , family (tryptophan synthase , as the prototype enzyme) is structurally and functionally more homogenous. Both the D -alanine aminotransferase family and the alanine racemase family consist of only a few enzymes. The primordial pyridoxal-5,-phosphate-dependent protein catalysts apparently first diverged into reaction-specific protoenzymes, which then diverged further by specializing for substrate specificity. Aminotransferases as well as amino acid decarboxylases are found in two different evolutionary lineages, providing examples of convergent enzyme evolution. The functional specialization of most B6 enzymes seems to have already occurred in the universal ancestor cell before the divergence of eukaryotes, archebacteria, and eubacteria 1500 million years ago. Pyridoxal-5,-phosphate must have emerged very early in biological evolution; conceivably, metal ions and organic cofactors were the first biological catalysts. To simulate particular steps of molecular evolution, both the substrate and reaction specificity of existent B6 enzymes were changed by substitution of active-site residues, and monoclonal pyridoxal-5,-phosphate-dependent catalytic antibodies were produced with selection criteria that might have been operative in the evolution of protein-assisted pyridoxal catalysis. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and The Japan Chemical Journal Forum Chem Rec 1:436,447, 2001 [source] | ||||||||||