Altered Protein Conformation Research Articles

Water and Protein Structure in Photoaged and Chronically Aged Skin

Changes in the structural proteins and hydration during aging is responsible for altered skin morphologic and mechanical properties manifested as wrinkling, sagging, loss of elasticity, or apparent dryness. To gain insight into the age-related alterations in protein conformation and water structure, we obtained Raman spectra from the sun-protected buttock skin representing chronologic aging and the sun-exposed forearm skin representing combined effects of photoaging and chronologic aging. Ten aged individuals (five men, five women; age range 74-87) and 10 control young individuals (five men, five women; age range 22-29) entered the study. In the photoaged forearm skin the positions of protein-specific amide I, amide III, and CH stretching bands were shifted, suggesting increased protein folding. In contrast, major changes were seen only in the amide I peak in chronologically aged skin. The intensity of the 3250 cm(-1) OH stretching band was increased in photoaged skin (but not in chronologically aged skin) indicating an increased water content. R(v) representation of the low-frequency region of Raman spectra was applied to determine water structure. In the young skin and chronologically aged skin water was mostly present in the bound form. In the photoaged skin, however, an increase in intensity at 180 cm(-1) was noted, which reflects an increase in the not-protein bound water (tetrahedron water clusters). In conclusion, it seems that proteins in the photoaged skin are more compact and interact with water to limited degree. Impairment in protein hydration may add to the understanding of ultrastructural, mechanical, and biochemical changes in structural proteins in the aged skin.

Effects of mitochondrial respiratory stimulation on membrane lipids and proteins: an electron paramagnetic resonance investigation

Previous studies have implicated mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both the aging process and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease etc. The current study, utilizing electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry, was designed to determine if mitochondrial respiratory stimulation, under state 4 conditions, caused extensive oxidative modifications to membrane cytoskeletal proteins and lipids in the brain. A mixed population of cortical synaptosomes and mitochondria, prepared by centrifugation techniques using rat brain cortex from adult (4–6 months) female Brown Norway rat brains, were labeled with the lipid-specific spin probe, 5-nitroxyl stearate (5-NS). Stimulation of the mitochondrial electron transport chain was accomplished using 20 mM succinate at 25°C for 3 h. Mitochondrially derived free radicals, when reacted with the paramagnetic center of the spin probe, result in a loss of paramagnetism resulting in loss of intensity. A significant lowering (23%, P<0.0001) in the signal amplitude ( B 0) of 5-NS, indicative of generation of oxyradicals, was found. The order parameter, an inverse EPR-measure of membrane fluidity of the 5-NS spin labeled mitochondrial and synaptosomal membranes, also decreased following mitochondrial respiratory stimulation ( P<0.005). Changes in the physical state of cytoskeletal and transmembrane proteins due to succinate oxidation were measured using MAL-6 (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-4 maleimidopiperdin-1-oxyl), a thiol-specific nitroxide spin label. The ratio of the amplitudes of the weakly to strongly immobilized spin label reaction sites ( W/ S ratio) in the low-field region of the spectrum was used to determine any alteration in protein conformation. Previous studies in our laboratory have established that increased protein oxidation is associated with a decreased W/ S ratio. In the current study, our results indicated significant lowering of the W/ S ratio in cortex (30%, P<0.0001) upon stimulation of the mitochondria with 20 mM succinate. Thus, we conclude that respiratory stimulation of mitochondria, due to a hypermetabolic stress with succinate, caused significant oxidative modifications of cortical membrane lipids and proteins.

Virus-dependent phosphorylation of the IRF-3 transcription factor regulates nuclear translocation, transactivation potential, and proteasome-mediated degradation.

The interferon regulatory factors (IRF) consist of a growing family of related transcription proteins first identified as regulators of the alpha beta interferon (IFN-alpha/beta) gene promoters, as well as the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) of some IFN-stimulated genes. IRF-3 was originally identified as a member of the IRF family based on homology with other IRF family members and on binding to the ISRE of the ISG15 promoter. IRF-3 is expressed constitutively in a variety of tissues, and the relative levels of IRF-3 mRNA do not change in virus-infected or IFN-treated cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that following Sendai virus infection, IRF-3 is posttranslationally modified by protein phosphorylation at multiple serine and threonine residues, which are located in the carboxy terminus of IRF-3. A combination of IRF-3 deletion and point mutations localized the inducible phosphorylation sites to the region -ISNSHPLSLTSDQ- between amino acids 395 and 407; point mutation of residues Ser-396 and Ser-398 eliminated virus-induced phosphorylation of IRF-3 protein, although residues Ser-402, Thr-404, and Ser-405 were also targets. Phosphorylation results in the cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation of IRF-3, DNA binding, and increased transcriptional activation. Substitution of the Ser-Thr sites with the phosphomimetic Asp generated a constitutively active form of IRF-3 that functioned as a very strong activator of promoters containing PRDI-PRDIII or ISRE regulatory elements. Phosphorylation also appears to represent a signal for virus-mediated degradation, since the virus-induced turnover of IRF-3 was prevented by mutation of the IRF-3 Ser-Thr cluster or by proteasome inhibitors. Interestingly, virus infection resulted in the association of IRF-3 with the CREB binding protein (CBP) coactivator, as detected by coimmunoprecipitation with anti-CBP antibody, an interaction mediated by the C-terminal domains of both proteins. Mutation of residues Ser-396 and Ser-398 in IRF-3 abrogated its binding to CBP. These results are discussed in terms of a model in which virus-inducible, C-terminal phosphorylation of IRF-3 alters protein conformation to permit nuclear translocation, association with transcriptional partners, and primary activation of IFN- and IFN-responsive genes.

Amine composition influences apparent activity of enzyme in charged film microcapsules

It has been shown that, when captured in charged film microcapsules prepared from spermine alginate, intact viruses retain infectivity, isolated viral proteins retain immunogenicity, and trypsin retains enzymatic activity. However, it was unclear whether the greater anionic strength of hemisulfate residues such as those in carrageenan might alter protein conformation and activity unfavourably in comparison with the lesser influence of alginate carboxylates. Further, the influence of the structure of the amine used to prepare the capsules was largely unknown. To examine these questions, trypsin, used as a model protein, was encased in microcapsules prepared from iota-carrageenan and oligoamines drawn from either the homologous series spermine, spermidine, putrescine or ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepenta-mine. The gross structures of encapsulated and native trypsin were compared by denaturing electrophoresis and their enzymatic activity by the method of Hummel. In all encapsulations SDS PAGE gave no evidence of alteration of protein structure. When encapsulated, the apparent activity of trypsin was reduced by about 60 to 75%, but when the capsules were lysed in hypertonic saline activity was restored. This apparent reduction in activity is attributed to the diffusional barrier imposed by the encapsulating membrane but it should be recognized that it may be the result of reversible denaturation.

Sodium-lithium countertransport, sodium-hydrogen exchange and membrane microviscosity in patients with hyperlipidaemia.

1. We measured sodium-lithium countertransport, sodium-hydrogen exchange and membrane micro-viscosity in 48 individuals with familial hypercholesterolaemia, 33 subjects with hypertriglyceridaemia and 54 normolipaemic controls. Full lipid profile, blood pressure, body mass index, fasting glucose and insulin levels were also measured. 2. Subjects with hypertriglyceridaemia had higher blood pressure, body mass index, fasting glucose and insulin levels than normal controls. 3. Vmax of the sodium-lithium countertransport was elevated in the hypertriglyceridaemic group compared with controls. Across the whole group log(e) triacylglycerols correlated with Vmax of the sodium-lithium countertransport. There was no difference in sodium-lithium countertransport K(m) between the groups. 4. Sodium-hydrogen maximal proton efflux rate (Vmax) and K(m) were not different between the three groups. There were no correlations between sodium-hydrogen exchange and sodium-lithium countertransport parameters. 5. Microviscosity as measured by diphenylhexatriene was reduced at the core of the membrane in subjects with hypertriglyceridaemia compared with those with familial hypercholesterolaemia or normolipaemic controls, suggesting an alteration in membrane structure. 6. Changes in sodium transport in hyperlipidaemia may be mediated by changes in membrane structure resulting in altered protein conformation or turnover.

Effect of proteolytic modification and methionine enrichment on the nutritional value of soya albumins for rats

Proteolytic modification, particularly when combined with methionine enrichment, significantly reduced the lectin content and modified the trypsin inhibitor activity of a soya albumin preparation. During both peptic hydrolysis and enzymatic peptide modification, the amount of soya bean agglutinin was reduced. This reduction was verified by the decrease in the intensity of protein staining and immunoblots of the peptic hydrolysate and of the product produced by enzymatic peptide modification, and confirmed by haemagglutination activity measurements and ELISA technique. The functional activity of Kunitz trypsin inhibitor was also partially abolished whereas that of the Bowman-Birk inhibitor was not significantly altered by the enzymatic modifications. In line with the reduction in some of the antinutrients, the nutritional performance of rats fed a diet containing this enzymatically modified product was significantly improved in comparison with that of the control animals fed the original soya albumin but was poorer than the lactalbumin-fed controls. Enzymatic peptide modification of soya albumin fractions by transpeptidation and covalent methionine enrichment is suitable to improve their nutritional value partly by compensating for their methionine deficiency and partly by modifying the structure of the soya antinutrients. Changes in the structure by proteolytic hydrolysis and synthesis of peptide chains can lead to alteration in protein conformation, resulting in modified biological activity and increased nutritional value.

Directly probing rapid membrane protein dynamics with an atomic force microscope: a study of light-induced conformational alterations in bacteriorhodopsin

This paper demonstrates that an atomic force microscope can be used to directly monitor rapid membrane protein dynamics. For this demonstration the membrane-bound proton pump, bacteriorhodopsin, has been investigated. It has been unequivocally shown that the light-induced dynamic alterations that have been observed do not arise from external artifacts such as heating of the sample by the incident light, but that these changes can be directly linked to the light-induced protein conformational alterations in this membrane. In essence, it has been shown that the light energy absorbed by bacteriorhodopsin is converted not only to chemical energy but also to mechanical energy. In summary a new ultrasensitive tool is described for monitoring the molecular dynamics of materials with wide applicability to fundamental and applied science.

Congo red-stabilized intermediates in the λ light chain transition from native to molten state

Disruption of tertiary interaction makes a protein accessible to penetration by different small molecular compounds. Their interaction may stabilize the altered protein conformation. Congo red is proposed here as stabilizer of the molten globule state and also of highly reversible intermediates in the transition from native to molten state. Human immunoglobulin λ light chain (dimer) was used. Two protein-Congo red complexes were found after heating λ chain in the presence of Congo red. They differed in the amount of attached dye molecules. The binding of dye was interpreted as a two-step dye penetration process involving the peripheral parts of the protein in the first step (at lower temperatures). It was concluded that the liquid crystal properties of Congo red enable it to form specific complexes with proteins which have become accessible to penetration by ligands after global or local disruption of tertiary interaction. This dye may thus be used as a stabilizer of unfolding intermediates in the step preceding the molten globule state.

Use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer to estimate intramolecular distances in the Msx-1 homeodomain.

We have utilized fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to investigate the spatial proximities of segments in the Msx-1 homeodomain (Msx). This strategy makes use of a single, invariant tryptophan (Trp-48) in helix III as the donor for FRET. The acceptor molecule, 5-[[[(iodoacetyl)amino]-ethyl]amino]naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (AEDANS), was incorporated into Msx at positions 6, 10, or 27 which are within the N-terminal arm, and helices I and II since these segments have been implicated in interactions with helix III. Specific incorporation of AEDANS was achieved by using a two-step strategy consisting of site-directed mutagenesis for introducing unique cysteine residues at the selected positions followed by covalent modification of these cysteine residues with AEDANS. Using this approach, we demonstrated energy transfer between Trp-48 and the AEDANS-labeled cysteines at positions 6, 10, and 27 and estimated the distances between the Trp-48 and AEDANS pairs to be 19, 23, and 16 A, respectively. We further demonstrated that FRET provides a strategy for detecting subtle alterations in protein conformation that result from replacement of specific residues in helix III and the N-terminal arm. Together, these findings show that FRET provides a useful approach for estimating intramolecular distances and for examining the conformation of Msx. Moreover, given the fact that Trp-48 is invariant among all homeodomain sequences, we propose that FRET will provide a general approach for facilitating comparative analyses of homeodomain conformations.

Aggregation and Precipitation of Human Relaxin Induced by Metal-Catalyzed Oxidation

The interactions of proteins with reactive oxygen species may result in covalent modifications of amino acid residues in proteins and possible alterations of protein conformation. In an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms of the metal-catalyzed oxidation of human relaxin, we employed ascorbic acid/transition metal ion [Cu(II) or Fe(III)]/O2 as a model oxidizing system. Experimental results indicated selective oxidation of His and Met residues and rapid formation of aggregates (noncovalent, pH dependent) following the oxidation reaction. Amino acid analysis and LC/MS data following tryptic digestion demonstrated the oxidation of the His A(12) residue, which resulted in 2-oxohistidine and some other unidentified degradation products. The oxidation of both Met residues to Met-sulfoxides was also identified, and it was found that Met B(4) was more easily oxidized than Met B(25). The comparative kinetic studies of two Met-containing fragments of relaxin suggested that the preferred oxidation of Met B(4) is due to its close proximity to some metal-binding neighboring amino acid residues. These covalent alterations may lead to the modification of secondary and tertiary structure and increase the exposure of the hydrophobic surface of the protein which eventually induces aggregation of precipitation. The modification of relaxin by ascorbic acid/CuCl2 solution could be totally inhibited by the presence of EDTA. In contrast, catalase and superoxide dismutase showed no effects on the oxidation process.

Two site-directed mutations abrogate enzyme activity but have different effects on the conformation and cellular content of the N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulphatase protein.

The sulphatase family of enzymes have regions of sequence similarity, but relatively little is known about either the structure-function relationships of sulphatases, or the role of highly conserved amino acids. The sequence of amino acids CTPSR at position 91-95 of 4-sulphatase has been shown to be highly conserved in all of the sequenced sulphatase enzymes. The cysteine at amino acid 91 of 4-sulphatase was selected for mutation analysis due to its potential role in either the active site, substrate-binding site or part of a key structural domain of 4-sulphatase and due to the absence of naturally occurring mutations in this residue in mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) patients. Two mutations, C91S and C91T, altering amino acid 91 of 4-sulphatase were generated and expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Biochemical analysis of protein from a C91S cell line demonstrated no detectable 4-sulphatase enzyme activity but a relatively normal level of 4-sulphatase polypeptide (180% of the wild-type control protein level). Epitope detection, using a panel of ten monoclonal antibodies, demonstrated that the C91S polypeptide had a similar immunoreactivity to wild-type 4-sulphatase, suggesting that the C91S substitution does not induce a major structural change in the protein. Reduced catalytic activity associated with normal levels of 4-sulphatase protein have not been observed in any of the MPS VI patients tested and all show evidence of structural modification of 4-sulphatase protein with the same panel of antibodies [Brooks, McCourt, Gibson, Ashton, Shutter and Hopwood (1991) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 48, 710-719]. The loss of enzyme activity without a detectable protein conformation change suggests that Cys-91 may be a critical residue in the catalytic process. In contrast, analysis of protein from a C91T cell line revealed low levels of catalytically inactive 4-sulphatase polypeptide (0.37% of the wild-type control protein level) which had missing or masked epitopes, suggesting an altered protein structure or conformation. Subcellular fractionation studies of the C91T cell line demonstrated a high proportion of 4-sulphatase polypeptide content in organelles characteristic of microsomes. The aberrant intracellular localization and the reduced cellular content of 4-sulphatase polypeptide was consistent with the observed structural modification leading to retention and degradation of the protein within an early vacuolar compartment.

Biological Roles and Biochemistry of the Lipoxygenase Pathway

Duxbury, C.L., R.L. Legge, G. Paliyath, R.F. Barber, and J.E. Thompson. 1991. Alterations in membrane protein conformation in response to senescencerelated changes. Phytochemistry 30:63–68. Farmer, E.E. and C.A. Ryan. 1992. Octadecanoid precursors of jasmonic acid activate the synthesis of wound-inducible proteinase inhibitors. Plant Cell 4:129–134. Fobel, M., D.V. Lynch, and J.E. Thompson. 1987. Membrane deterioration in senescing carnation flowers. Plant Physiol. 85:204–211. Gardner, H.W. 1989. How the lipoxygenase pathway affects the organoleptic properties of fresh fruit and vegetables, p. 98–112. In: D.B. Min and T.H. Smouse (eds.). Flavor chemistry of lipid foods. Amer. Oil Chem. Soc., Champaign, Ill. Hamilton-Kemp, T.R., C.T. McCracken, Jr., J.H. Loughrin, R.A. Andersen, and D.F. Hildebrand. 1992. Effects of some natural volatile compounds on the pathogenic fungi Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea. J. Chem. Ecol. 18:1083–1091. Harber, R.M. and L.H. Fuchigami. 1986. The relationship of ethylene and ethane production to tissue damage in frozen rhododendron leaf disks. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 111:434–436. Kimmerer, T.W. and T.T. Kozlowski. 1982. Ethylene, ethane, acetaldehyde, and ethanol production by plants under stress. Plant Physiol. 69:840–847. Nanaiah, G.K. and J.A. Anderson. 1992. Electrolyte leakage and evolution of ethylene and ethane from pepper leaf disks following temperature stress and fatty acid infiltration. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 117:846–851. Pauls, K.P. and J.E. Thompson. 1980. In vitro simulation of senescence-related membrane damage by ozone-induced lipid peroxidation. Nature (London) 283:504–506. Perkins, E.G. 1989. Gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of odor/flavor components in lipid foods, p. 35–56. In: D.B. Min and T.H. Smouse (eds.). Flavor chemistry of lipid foods. Amer. Oil Chem. Soc., Champaign, Ill. Purvis, A.C. and R.L. Shewfelt. 1993. Does the alternative pathway ameliorate chilling injury in sensitive plant tissues? Physiol. Plant. 88:712–718.

DNA binding and bending by the transcription factors GAL4(62*) and GAL4(149*).

The DNA binding domain of the GAL4 transcription factor from yeast is located in the N-terminal 60 residues of the polypeptide of 881 amino acids. This domain binds 2 Zn ions, which form a binuclear cluster, Zn2C6, with 6 C residues, two of which bridge the 2 metal ions (Gardner KH et al., 1991, Biochemistry 30:11292-11302). Binding of Zn or Cd to GAL4 induces the conformation of the protein necessary to recognize the specific DNA sequence, UASG, to which GAL4 binds as a dimer. Gel retardation assays have been utilized to determine the relative affinities of the Zn2 and Zn1 forms of the N-terminal 149 residues of GAL4, GAL4(149*), for UASG DNA sequences. We show that Cd2- and Zn1GAL4(149*) bind to UASG DNA with 2-fold and 4-8-fold lower affinities than Zn2GAL4(149*), respectively. Thus, the metal species and the number of metal ions bound have measurable effects on the specific DNA binding affinity of GAL4, but these differences are small in comparison to the ratio, > 10(3) under some conditions, that characterizes the specific to nonspecific DNA binding affinities of the N-terminal fragments of GAL4. A shorter N-terminal fragment, GAL4(62*), although it continues to recognize the UASG sequence with a high degree of specificity, binds with 1,000-2,000-fold lower affinity than does Zn2GAL4(149*). Gel retardation titrations of a DNA containing 2 UASG sites with increasing concentrations of GAL4(62*) generate a series of 4 retarded bands in contrast to 2 retarded bands formed when the same DNA is titrated with GAL4(149*). These data suggest that GAL4(62*) binds to the UASG sites as individual monomers that dimerize on the DNA, whereas GAL4(149*) binds the UASG DNA cooperatively as a dimer. The approximately 10(3) lower affinity of GAL4(62*) for the UASG DNA can be accounted for by its failure to form dimers in solution. Zn2-, Zn1-, or Cd2GAL4(149*) induces differential rates of gel migration in a series of circularly permutated UASG-containing DNA restriction fragments. Analysis of the data suggests that all 3 proteins cause a 26 degrees angle of bend in the DNA when bound to 1 UASG site and 45 degrees when bound to 2 tandem UASG sites. The same assay shows that GAL4(62*) does not induce significant bending of the UASG DNA sequences. Thus, the additional subdomains found in the larger polypeptide fragment, GAL4(149*), must exert an additional force on the DNA either through direct contacts with the DNA or indirectly through altered protein conformation.

Enhanced permeation and stratum corneum structural alterations in the presence of dithiothreitol

Stratum corneum protein biochemical and biophysical structural contributions to the barrier properties of human epidermis were determined in the presence of the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). Mannitol and sucrose permeation through human epidermis in the presence of 0 to 50 mM DTT in PBS (pH 7.4) was measured in symmetric, side-by-side diffusion cells (32°C). DTT enhancement ratios, K P(DTT) K P(PBS) , ranging from 1.6 to 32, were dependent on skin donor and DTT concentrations. DTT did not alter stratum corneum uptake of mannitol or sucrose nor mannitol solubility in DTT/PBS solutions. Stratum corneum biophysical structure was ascertained by FTIR in solvent replacement experiments. DTT-induced protein conformational alterations were apparent in the emergence of an Amide I band near 1615 cm −1, which is generally associated with β-sheet-like conformers. Therefore, DTT alters stratum corneum biophysical structure through interactions with proteins. After exposure of stratum corneum protein sheets to DTT/PBS solutions, the free thiol concentration increased from < 1 nmol SH/mg protein sheet to approx. 130 nmol/mg. The enhanced permeation which increased with increasing concentrations of DTT, was associated with diffusion mechanisms involving the cornified cells of the stratum corneum. These results indicate that corneocyte protein integrity does contribute to barrier function of the skin and influences the transport of polar solutes.

Characterization of Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing human steroid 5 alpha-reductase isozymes

Membrane-bound isozymes of steroid 5 alpha-reductase, designated 1 and 2, synthesize the potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone. Isozyme 1 has an alkaline pH optimum (7.0-8.5), whereas isozyme 2 has an acidic pH optimum (5.0). To gain insight into this enigmatic difference, Chinese hamster ovarian cell lines expressing the human 5 alpha-reductase isozymes were established. The half-lives of both proteins are > 30 h and are not altered by the 4-azasteroid inhibitors finasteride and 17 beta-(N,N,-diethyl)carbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5 alpha-androstan-3-one. Nanomolar concentrations of finasteride block immunoprecipitation of isozyme 2 by antipeptide antibodies, which suggests that drug binding alters protein conformation. In contrast, finasteride (50 microM) has no effect on immunoprecipitation of isozyme 1. Both isozymes are localized to the endoplasmic reticulum by immunocytochemistry and have their carboxyl termini exposed to the cytoplasm. In cell lysates, isozyme 2 exhibits a Vmax at pH 5.0 but has a higher substrate affinity at neutral pH. In intact and permeabilized cells, isozyme 2 has an apparent substrate Km similar to that determined in cell lysates at neutral pH. The results suggest that isozyme 2 is more efficient at neutral pH and that the acidic pH optimum determined in lysates is a consequence of cell lysis.

Changes induced by chlorpromazine and heat in erythrocyte membranes

1. 1. Chlorpromazine which is generally known as a tranquilizer, can be used to elucidate the role of membrane modification on the erythrocyte thermal properties. 2. 2. In this paper we examined the lipid fluidity of erythrocyte membranes and membrane protein conformational changes in cells pretreated with chlorpromazine and subsequently subjected to heating. 3. 3. The presence of drug before heating modified the response of erythrocytes to heat. 4. 4. These data show that low concentration of chlorpromazine protected pig erythrocytes from thermal haemolysis. Moreover, chlorpromazine at this concentration caused a modification of membrnes leading to induction of alterations in protein conformation.

Circular-dichroism analyses of membrane proteins: examination of environmental effects on bacteriorhodopsin spectra

The secondary structure of bacteriorhodopsin is known from electron-diffraction studies, making bacteriorhodopsin a useful test system for analysing environmental influences on membrane proteins using c.d. spectroscopy. The conformational effects of detergent solubilization and incorporation into vesicles of various types were determined by comparison of the calculated secondary structures derived from c.d. spectra with the structure determined from diffraction studies. In addition, two modified forms of the native purple membrane, a shrunken form of the hexagonal lattice and an orthorhombic lattice form, were used to determine the effects of varying membrane fragment size and protein concentration within the membranes. The two different vesicle incorporation procedures yielded bacteriorhodopsin spectra which were nearly identical with each other and very close to the structure calculated from electron-diffraction studies. Solubilization of the native protein in the non-ionic detergent n-octyl glucoside, without subsequent vesicle incorporation, resulted in a significantly altered protein conformation. Organizing the protein in different membrane lattices produced even more apparent deviations from the secondary structure determined by diffraction studies, as a consequence of optical effects caused by the high protein concentrations in the lattices. These studies show the importance of maintaining a 'native' environment, and the influence of particle geometry in interpreting c.d. studies of membrane proteins.

The bovine protamine 2 gene: Evidence for alternative splicing

Protamine 2 (PRM2) is a low molecular weight arginine-rich protein which is present in haploid spermatogenic cells of human and mouse. Although the bull PRM2 gene is translated and transcribed at low levels, the protein could not be detected. The gene was isolated from a cosmid library and was found to consist of two exons (298 and 50 bp, respectively) interrupted by an intron of 142 bp. As compared to the PRM2 genes of man, mouse and rat the bovine gene lacks a highly conserved sequence coding for the amino acids RLHRIH. Furthermore, primer extension experiments on bull PRM2 mRNA and sequencing of junction fragments revealed alternative splicing of mRNA resulting in two putative isoforms of the protein. The most abundant transcript is spliced at the conserved splice donor site found in exon 1 at position 236 giving rise to an in-frame deletion of 63 bp as compared to the cDNA sequence (Maier et al. (1990) Nucleic Acids Res. 18, 1249–1254). The less abundant longer mRNA was not detectable by radioactive primer extension. The corresponding cDNA was obtained by performing PCR with reverse transcribed bull testis RNA or with a spermatid specific cDNA library. Alternative splicing should result in an addition of 21 nonpolar amino acids in the derived polypeptide and an altered protein conformation and function.

Direct evidence for the alterations in protein structure and conformation upon In vitro nonenzymatic glycosylation

1. 1. The formation of nonenzymatic glycosylation products appears to be a link between chronic hyperglycaemia and long-term diabetic complications. 2. 2. However, little is known concerning the glycation-induced modifications in the structure and conformation of proteins, which possibly underlie their altered functional characteristics. 3. 3. This study conveys a direct evidence for and compares the glucose-induced modifications in the conformation of three proteins with various half-lives: bovine serum albumin, human haemoglobin and bovine tendon collagen. 4. 4. These proteins incubated in vitro with glucose in various media containing optionally EDTA and Fe 2+ ions contained up to 4–10 times as much attached glucose as did their relevant controls, and the extent of glycation was the highest in the samples incubated under air or in the absence of EDTA. 5. 5. The fluorescence and ESR data indicate that the Trp in albumin molecule, given albumin glycation-induced structural modifications, became more exposed to water surrounding solution whereas the Trp residues of haemoglobin remained shielded from water; also collagen fluorescence derived from the supposedly newly formed covalent crosslinks is vastly increased, and particularly when collagen was glycated under air or in the presence of Fe 2+ ions. 6. 6. Possible mechanisms underlying the increased mobility of selected protein domains and glycationmediated alterations in protein conformation are considered and discussed.

Peptidoglutaminase deamidation of proteins and protein hydrolysates for improved food use

AbstractThe limited deamidating ability of peptidoglutaminase (PGase) toward intact food proteins (0‐ 6% deamidation) can be significantly enhanced by prior protein hydrolysis and altering protein conformation by such means as moist heat. PGase deamidation increases protein solubility and improves emulsifying and other physical properties under mildly acidic conditions. A batch reactor method was developed for the large‐ scale PGase deamidation of food proteins. Michaelis‐ Menten kinetics for industrial reactions (mixed zero‐ and first‐ order) were used for predicting the behavior of the reactor and for calculating enzyme dosage required to completely deamidate a given quantity of protein. Using such a reactor in the deamidation of food proteins or protein hydrolysates can lead to new food proteins with superior functional properties from less functional starting materials.