AP Molecules Research Articles

Behavior of fluorescent molecules bound to the interior of silica nanocapsules in various solvents

Porous silica nanocapsules with 20% 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS)-bound 6-carboxy-fluorescein (APS-fluorescein) and 80% APS molecules adsorbed on the surface of a 50-nm-diameter Au core were prepared by a modified core–shell method. Silica mesoporous nanocapsules were obtained after the Au cores were dissolved in sodium cyanide. The size of the pores in the silica shells corresponded to the area of the fluorescein (approximately 1.02 nm 2) in each APS-fluorescein molecule, which was bound to the silica shell by coupling between the silanol groups of APS in the APS-fluorescein molecule and the silica shell. The amino group of APS bound to the silica inside the shell is also reactive. Dy485XL N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (NHS) molecules were then added to the mesoporous silica nanocapsules in the solution and bonded to the amino group of the interior. Thus, mesoporous (fluorescein and Dy485XL)-bound silica nanocapsules were obtained. The fluorescence of Dy485XL was only observed in the mesoporous (fluorescein and Dy485XL)-bound silica nanocapsules in aqueous solution after ultrafiltration. However, the fluorescence of fluorescein reappeared after the addition of acetonitrile. Furthermore, upon adding various solvents to the mesoporous (fluorescein and Dy485XL)-bound silica nanocapsules, their fluorescence varied with that of fluorescein or Dy485XL. In the case of a mixture of 6-carboxy-fluorescein- N-hydroxysuccinimide (FLUOS) and Dy485XL-NHS free molecules in aqueous solution, the fluorescence of FLUOS was observed. Such different fluorescence phenomena demonstrated that Dy485XL-NHS molecules can easily penetrate into the nanocapsule interior via the pores and that the interior of the silica nanocapsules can bind to Dy485XL molecules. These fluorescence behaviors are discussed in terms of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and solvatochromism.

Assembling and releasing performance of supramolecular hydrogels formed from simple drug molecule as the hydrogelator

A simple drug compound, 4-oxo-4-(2-pyridinylamino) butanoic acid (defined as AP), was able to gel water at 4 wt% concentration under various conditions. In the superstructure, AP molecules assembled into fibrous aggregates driving by hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interaction. The gels with different backbone structures released drug molecules in different speeds.

A thermodynamic study of GPI-anchored and soluble form of alkaline phosphatase films at the air–water interface

Glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchored proteins are localized and clustered on the outer layer of the plasma membranes forming microdomains. Among them, mammalian alkaline phosphatases (AP-GPI) are widely distributed enzymes. They can also exist as soluble proteins without anchor (APs). Using the Langmuir film technique, we study the thermodynamic properties of monolayers for both protein forms at the air–buffer interface. The enzymatic activity is maintained at the interface but the adsorption of the two forms of AP is very different. AP-GPI presents a higher surface activity and a larger molecular area than the soluble form. The molecular area deduced for high surface pressures suggests a different organization of the monolayers for these two forms. APs molecules seem to adsorb as a multilayer at the interface while AP-GPI appear to be orientated with the major axis parallel to the interface. This orientation allows the accessibility of AP-GPI enzymatic sites that are turned in direction of the subphase as in vivo where the active sites must be turned outside of the membrane.

Regulators Acting in Combinatorial Codes Also Act Independently in Single Differentiating Neurons

In the Drosophila ventral nerve cord, a small number of neurons express the LIM-homeodomain gene apterous (ap). These ap neurons can be subdivided based upon axon pathfinding and their expression of neuropeptidergic markers. ap, the zinc finger gene squeeze, the bHLH gene dimmed, and the BMP pathway are all required for proper specification of these cells. Here, using several ap neuron terminal differentiation markers, we have resolved how each of these factors contributes to ap neuron diversity. We find that these factors interact genetically and biochemically in subtype-specific combinatorial codes to determine certain defining aspects of ap neuron subtype identity. However, we also find that ap, dimmed, and squeeze additionally act independently of one another to specify certain other defining aspects of ap neuron subtype identity. Therefore, within single neurons, we show that single regulators acting in numerous molecular contexts differentially specify multiple subtype-specific traits.

Surface plasmon resonance detection of endocrine disruptors using immunoprobes based on self-assembled monolayers

This paper describes the formation and characterization of a regenerable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensor for the detection of benzo( a)pyrene (B aP) by employing a self-assembled mixed monolayer presenting B aP head groups as the sensor immunoprobe. The mixed monolayer was used as the base layer in the fabrication of immunoprobe to assure stability to the immunoprobe and inertness to non-selective haptens and proteins. Interfacial interaction of a monoclonal anti-B aP antibody (B aP-Ab) with the monolayer is studied by SPR angle interrogation method. With B aP head groups exposing out of the self-assembled monolayer, B aP-Ab undergoes selective immunoreaction with the immunoprobe and binds firmly. Flow of high concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) showed negligible response indicating high resistivity of the sensor surface to non-selective adsorption of proteins. An indirect inhibition immunoassay method is employed for analyzing sensor responses to B aP. In this method, B aP-Ab is passed together with the free analyte over the sensor chip using a flow system. With the presence of B aP together in the analyte solution, competition for binding to B aP-Ab occurs between B aP molecules in solution and the B aP functional groups present on the sensor chip and thus the binding of B aP-Ab with the sensor surface is found inhibited. Extent of the inhibition of immunoreaction by the presence of B aP is followed in determining the concentration of B aP. Calibration curves corresponding to analyte concentrations ranging from 50 ppt (pg/ml) to 100 ppb (ng/ml) B aP are obtained. The lowest detection limit of the present SPR-based immunosensor is 50 ppt (pg/ml) with a response time of ca. 20 min. After the use in determination of B aP, active sensor surface is generated again for repeated use by dissociating the bound antibody from the sensor chip with the treatment of a pepsin solution. A same sensor chip is reusable in the determination of B aP concentration repeatedly for not less than 20 cycles without significant decrease in the sensor activity.

Distance dependence of electron transfer across peptides with different secondary structures: the role of Peptide energetics and electronic coupling.

The charge-transfer transition energies and the electronic-coupling matrix element, |H(DA)|, for electron transfer from aminopyridine (ap) to the 4-carbonyl-2,2'-bipyridine (cbpy) in cbpy-(gly)(n)-ap (gly = glycine, n = 0-6) molecules were calculated using the Zerner's INDO/S, together with the Cave and Newton methods. The oligopeptide linkages used were those of the idealized protein secondary structures, the alpha-helix, 3(10)-helix, beta-strand, and polyproline I- and II-helices. The charge-transfer transition energies are influenced by the magnitude and direction of the dipole generated by the peptide secondary structure. The electronic coupling |H(DA)| between (cbpy) and (ap) is also dependent on the nature of the secondary structure of the peptide. A plot of 2.ln|H(DA)| versus the charge-transfer distance (assumed to be the dipole moment change between the ground state and the charge-transfer states) showed that the polyproline II structure is a more efficient bridge for long-distance electron-transfer reactions (beta = 0.7 A(-1)) than the other secondary structures (beta approximately 1.3 A(-1)). Similar calculations on charged dipeptide derivatives, [CH(3)CONHCH(2)CONHCH(3)](+/)(-), showed that peptide-peptide interaction is more dependent on conformation in the cationic than in the anionic dipeptides. The alpha-helix and polyproline II-helix both have large peptide-peptide interactions (|H(DA)| > 800 cm(-1)) which arise from the angular dependence of their pi-orbitals. Such an interaction is much weaker than in the beta-strand peptides. These combined results were found to be consistent with electron-transfer rates experimentally observed across short peptide bridges in polyproline II (n = 1-3). These results can also account for directional electron transfer observed in an alpha-helical structure (different ET rates versus the direction of the molecular dipole).

Mechanistic Studies of the Effects of Anti-factor H Antibodies on Complement-mediated Lysis

We have recently reported that complement factor H, a negative regulator of complement-mediated cytotoxicity, is produced and secreted by most bladder cancers. This observation was exploited in the development of the BTA stat and BTA TRAK diagnostic assays, both of which make use of two factor H-specific monoclonal antibodies in sandwich format. Here we show that both antibodies exert interesting effects on the biochemistry of complement activation in in vitro systems. Antibody X13.2 competes with C3b for association with factor H and strongly inhibits factor H/factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b, thereby evidently inactivating a negative regulator of complement; yet, the antibody strongly inhibits complement-mediated lysis as well. Conversely, antibody X52. 1, which does not compete with C3b and has no effect on solution-phase cleavage of C3b, is capable of enhancing complement-mediated lysis of various cell types, including cancer cells, by over 10-fold. Our observations indicate that it is possible to deconvolute the biochemical roles of factor H in complement by means of appropriate inhibitors, a finding with potentially valuable implications for both basic research and cancer therapy.

ガラスビーズ充填エポキシ複合材料の力学特性に及ぼす表面処理条件の影響

The effect of the surface treatment condition of glass beads by the γ-aminopropyltrimethoxy-silane (APS) on the flexural properties and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the glass beads filled composite was investigated experimentally. Bisphenol A type of epoxy precursor (E828) and the curing agent ethylenediamine (EDA) were used. The flexural modulus, flexural strength and Tg of the composite reached to the maximum values at 1wt% of APS in an aqueous solution and the hydrolysis time of 30 min. Under the identical condition, the APS treated slide glass attained to the highest wettability with distilled water. These phenomena was explained consistently by the use of the crosslink structure model of APS molecules on the glass surface. On the other hand, in order to promote the chemical reaction between APS and E828, an attempt was made to mix the APS treated glass beads with E828 at 150°C before EDA was added. As a results, flexural properties and Tg enhanced remarkably compared to the 80°C mixing.

Iodine binding by amylopectin and stability of the amylopectin–iodine complex

AbstractThe iodine binding capacity (IBC) of amylopectin (AP, from potatoes) is determined to be around 0.38% (w/w) of the total AP in the solution. The mass of iodine bound comprises about 13.6% of the mass of AP involved with the complex, suggesting that with every four iodine atoms bound there are 23 anhydroglucose residues (AGU). Since our previous study indicates that four iodine atoms within the helix of 11 AGUs form a chromophore unit in the API complex, only 48% of the AGUs (11 out of 23) in the AP molecule are directly involved with the iodine. The heat of reaction for the API complex formation is determined to be around −47 kJ/mol of I–I units bound and is significantly lower in magnitude than that of the amylose‐iodine (AI) complex [Biopolymers, 31, 57 (1991)]. A possible mechanism has been proposed for the formation of AI and API complexes with fixed compositions. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Reactivity of parallel-stranded DNA to chemical modification reagents

Four 25-nt long oligonucleotides containing dA and dT (D1, D2, D3, and D4) which are capable of forming parallel-stranded (ps) or antiparallel-stranded (aps) duplexes have been synthesized [Rippe, K., Ramsing, N. B., & Jovin, T. M. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 9536-9541]. In the present study, the OsO4-pyridine complex (Os,py), diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC), KMnO4, and the 1,10-phenanthroline-cuprous complex [(OP)2Cu+] were used to investigate the conformation-dependent reactivity of ps, aps, and single-stranded (ss) oligonucleotides. The products were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with single-nucleotide resolution. The results confirm the duplex nature of the ps combinations of oligonucleotides and reveal structural differences in comparison with the aps molecules. Under conditions in which ss-DNA is substantially sensitive to Os,py, both the ps and aps duplexes are very unreactive. A similar result was observed with KMnO4 and DEPC, although with the latter reagent the modification pattern of the labeled strands D1* and D4* was slightly different for the parallel than for the antiparallel duplex. The (OP)2Cu+ complex efficiently cleaves the aps but not the ps duplex and shows a preference for TAT steps. We also tested the effect of monovalent and divalent cation concentrations on the chemical reactivity of the ps, aps, and ss species. Elevated NaCl concentration leads to a dramatic increase in the Os,py and KMnO4 modification of ss molecules and the ps, but not the aps, duplex. We attribute the apparent reaction with ps-DNA to a destabilization of this conformation under the conditions of reaction. In contrast, all reactions with DEPC are somewhat depressed at high salt concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Localization of a critical restriction site on the I-A beta chain that determines susceptibility to collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

Type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice is an autoimmune experimental model for rheumatoid arthritis. Susceptibility to CIA is associated with certain major histocompatibility complex class II haplotypes. The two very closely related haplotypes H-2q and H-2p differ in susceptibility to CIA. Only mice of H-2q (DBA/1, B10G strains) but not mice of H-2p-expressing strains (like strain B10P) develop CIA and an autoimmune response to type II collagen (CII) after immunization with CII. In contrast to H-2p, the H-2q haplotype does not express I-E molecules. The purpose of the present study was to identify, at the molecular level, the structures on major histocompatibility complex class II molecules determining susceptibility to CIA and CII responsiveness. We first excluded the possible suppressive involvement of Ep or Ap molecules by showing that F1 hybrids between H-2p and H-2q haplotype strains, expressing Ep and Ap, are responders to CII and fully susceptible to CIA. Secondly, because A alpha chains appear identical, we sequenced the A beta first-domain exons of p and q allotypes and found only four diverging amino acids in the predicted amino acid sequence. These variable residues were closely located at positions 85, 86, 88, and 89 at the end of the postulated alpha-helix, which is of importance for interactions with the antigenic peptide and the T-cell receptor. We suggest that this region is a critical major histocompatibility complex restriction site for CIA and CII responsiveness in H-2q mice as compared with H-2p mice. The CIA will now be an excellent autoimmune model for studies on interactions between autoantigenic peptide, autoreactive T cells, and a particular major histocompatibility complex molecule, as has been postulated to be the initial event also in rheumatoid arthritis.

Substrate properties of 25-nt parallel-stranded linear DNA duplexes

Four 25-nt oligonucleotides consisting of sequences of dA and dT (D1-4) have been synthesized. As shown in a companion paper (Rippe et al., 1989), the two combinations D1.D3 and D2.D4 form normal antiparallel duplexes, whereas the pairs D1.D2 and D3.D4 constitute duplexes with the same sequences, but with the two strands parallel to each other. The activities of the following DNA processing enzymes and chemical reagents on the parallel stranded (ps) and antiparallel stranded (aps) duplexes were tested. (i) The restriction endonucleases DraI, SspI, and MseI do not cut the ps duplexes. (ii) DNase I and exonuclease III exhibit a much lower activity with the ps duplexes. (iii) The nuclease activities of S 1 nuclease, micrococcal nuclease (S 7), phage lambda 5'-exonuclease, and the 3'-5' nuclease activity of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I and its large fragment are higher with the ps than with the aps substrates. (iv) Bal 31 nuclease and the chemical nuclease 1,10-phenanthroline-copper ion [(OP)2Cu+] degrade ps-DNA and aps-DNA at approximately the same rate but show preferred cutting sites only with the aps molecules. (v) The iron(II)-EDTA complex has equivalent nuclease activities with the ps and the aps molecules. (vi) The ps duplex is not a substrate for blunt-end ligation with phage T4 DNA ligase.

Helix-coil transition of parallel-stranded DNA. Thermodynamics of hairpin and linear duplex oligonucleotides.

The stabilities have been determined of different DNA double helices constructed with the two constituent strands in a parallel orientation. These molecules incorporate polarity-inverting loop structures (hairpins) or nucleotide sequences (duplexes) which impose the desired polarity on the two strands constituting the sugar-phosphate backbone. The hairpins consisted of d(A.T)n stems (n = 8 or 10) and either a 5'-p-5' linkage in a d(C)4 loop (ps-C8 and ps-C10) or a 3'-p-3' linkage in a d(G)4 loop (ps-G10). The linear duplexes had 21-nt (ps-C2.C3) and 25-nt (ps-D1.D2, ps-D3.D4) mixed A,T sequences and normal chemical linkages throughout. Reference molecules with normal antiparallel helical orientations (hairpins aps-C8, aps-C10, and aps-G10 and duplexes aps-C3.C7, aps-D1.D3, and aps-D2.D4) were also synthesized and studied. Hydrogen bonding in ps-DNA is via reverse Watson-Crick base pairs, and the various constructs display spectroscopic, chemical, biochemical, and electrophoretic properties distinct from those of their aps counterparts. For example, both the ps and aps molecules show a pronounced UV absorption hyperchromicity upon melting, but the spectral distribution is not the same. Thus, the difference spectra (ps-aps) in the native state are characterized by a positive peak at 252 nm, an isosbestic point at 267 nm, and a negative peak at 282 nm. Temperature-dependent absorbances were recorded at selected wavelengths and in the form of complete spectra to derive the thermodynamic parameters for the helix-coil transitions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Changes in the Ir gene controlled response phenotypes in mice of the Ap and Ak family of alleles expressing naturally occurring variant molecules.

Several wild-derived H-2 haplotype mice were recently shown by serology and tryptic peptide fingerprinting to express I-region A molecules closely related to the Ap and Ak molecules of the laboratory strains. To determine if such naturally occurring minor structural variations in the A molecule alter Ir gene-controlled responsiveness, we examined the immune responses of these strains after primary immunizations to three synthetic polypeptide antigens: G60Phe40, GLPhe9, and GAT10. Inbred strains carrying the Ap (or Aq) allele are known to be high responders to G60Phe40 and GLPhe9 but low responders to GAT10. Strains expressing the Ak allele are classified as low responders to G60Phe40 and GLPhe9, but high responders to GAT10. Of seven strains examined belonging to the Ap family, one (B10.CAS2) failed to respond to either G60Phe40 or GLPhe9 as measured by antibody production and T cell proliferation. In addition, two strains (B10.STC90 and W12A) of the Ak family were found to be of responder phenotype to GLPhe9. Both GLPhe9 responses resulted from the introduction of new E beta genes into the I region through naturally occurring intergenic recombination between A beta A alpha and E beta. All strains of mice in the Ak family proved to be of the high responder phenotype in their responses toward GAT10. These results contrast strongly with known patterns of alloreactivity against the variant Ap and Ak molecules.

Vibrational spectra of ICl 2− and IBr 2− ions in aminopyridinium trihalides

IR and Raman spectra for iodine dichlorides and iodine dibromides of 2-, 3- and 4-aminopyridines (2AP, 3AP and 4AP) in solids have been measured, together with those for pyridine (Py). Raman spectra in methanol solutions have also been obtained. Although each AP molecule has two nitrogen atoms each having a lone pair of electrons, it is found that protonation occurs at the ring nitrogen atom. It is concluded that two configurations for ICl 2 − ion, symmetric and asymmetric, coexist in solids as well as in solution. For IBr 2 −, two configurations coexist in solids, while only asymmetric configuration exists in solution.