Chloromethyl Ketone Research Articles

Synthesis and antioxidant evaluation of enantiomerically pure bis-(1,2,3-triazolylmethyl)amino esters from modified α-amino acids.

The efforts for synthesis of enantiomerically pure bis-(1,2,3-triazolylmethyl)amino esters 6 are reported in good yields from an in situ generated α-azidomethyl ketone. Optimum experimental conditions were established for preparation of α-halomethyl ketones 10 and α-N,N-dipropargylamino esters 11, all derived from α-amino acids. The starting materials reacted under conventional click chemistry conditions, revealing a specific reactivity of bromomethyl ketones over chloromethyl ketones. The antioxidant activity of compounds 6 was assayed by DPPH method. The compound 6c with an IC50 of 75.57 ± 1.74 μg mL−1 was the most active. Technically, this methodology allows the preparation of a combinatorial library of analogues with different structural characteristics depending on the nature of the modified α-amino acids employed in the synthesis.

Regulation of Autophagy by α1-Antitrypsin: “A Foe of a Foe Is a Friend”

Autophagy is involved in both the cell protective and the cell death process but its mechanism is largely unknown. The present work unravels a novel intracellular mechanism by which the serpin α1-antitrypsin (AAT) acts as a novel negative regulator of autophagic cell death. For the first time, the role of intracellularly synthesized AAT, other than in liver cells, is demonstrated. Autophagic cell death was induced by N-α-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) and tamoxifen. By utilizing a fluorescently tagged TPCK analog, AAT was "fished out" (pulled out) as a TPCK intracellular protein target. The interaction was further verified by competition binding experiments. Both inducers caused downregulation of AAT expression associated with activation of trypsin-like proteases. Furthermore, silencing AAT by siRNA induced autophagic cell death. Moreover, AAT administration to cultured cells prevented autophagic cell death. This new mechanism could have implications in the treatment of diseases by the regulation of AAT levels in which autophagy has a detrimental function. Furthermore, the results imply that the high synthesis of endogenous AAT by cancer cells could provide a novel resistance mechanism of cancer against autophagic cell death.

Epinephrine Evokes Renalase Secretion via a-Adrenoceptor/NF-κB Pathways in Renal Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Background/Aims: Renalase is a recently discovered, kidney-specific monoamine oxidase that metabolizes circulating catecholamines. These findings present new insights into hypertension and chronic kidney diseases. Previous data demonstrated that renalase was mainly secreted from proximal tubules which could be evoked by catecholamines. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether renalase expression is induced by epinephrine via a-adrenoceptor/NFκB pathways. Methods: HK2 cells were utilized to explore renalase expression in response to epinephrine in vitro. Phentolamine, an a-adrenoceptor antagonist, and Tosyl Phenylalanyl Chloromethyl Ketone (TPCK) were used to block a-adrenoceptor and to knock down the transcription factor NFκB, respectively. Renalase expression was analyzed using Western blot and quantitative PCR. Results: Both protein and mRNA levels of renalase in HK2 cells increased in response to epinephrine (P<0.05). Epinephrine-evoked renalase expression was attenuated by phentolamine and TPCK separately (P<0.05). Conclusion: Epinephrine evokes renalase secretion via a-adrenoceptor/NF-κB pathways in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells.

Isolation, Purification, and Biochemical Characterization of Trypsin from Indian Mackerel (Rastralliger kanagurta)

Trypsin from viscera of Indian mackerel (Rastralliger kanagurta) was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and chromatographic techniques such as size exclusion, ion exchange, and affinity chromatography, with a 14.4-fold increase in specific activity and 18.7% recovery. The molecular weight of the trypsin was estimated to be approximately 26 kDa using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Purified trypsin showed amidase-specific activity which was determined using benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA). The optimum pH and temperature for isolated trypsin activity were 9.0 and 50°C, respectively. The purified trypsin was strongly inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) and N-p-tosyl-1-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK). Purified trypsin showed almost 40% recovery at high NaCl concentration (30%). The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the first 10 amino acids of purified trypsin was IVGGYESQPH. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and catalytic constant (Kcat) of purified trypsin were 0.430 mM and 0.77 s−1, respectively, determined using BAPNA as a substrate. Purified trypsin showed digestion of casein similar to bovine trypsin by the fluorometric method.

Lipopolysaccharide Enhances Wnt5a Expression through Toll-like Receptor 4, Myeloid Differentiating Factor 88, Phosphatidylinositol 3-OH Kinase/AKT and Nuclear Factor Kappa B Pathways in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

IntroductionLipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been implicated in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation processes. Wnt5a, one of the “non-canonical” Wnt family members, is important in signaling stem cell differentiation and in the inflammatory responses of immune cells. Here we studied whether LPS can regulate the expression of Wnt5a in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and investigated the intracellular signaling pathways activated by LPS. MethodsWnt5a mRNA and protein expression changes in hDPSCs were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and luciferase activity assays were used to determine whether toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiating factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), or the phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways are involved in LPS-induced Wnt5a expression. The activation of PI3K and AKT in hDPSCs was measured by Western blot analysis. ResultsWnt5a mRNA and protein expression was rapidly increased in response to LPS in a time- and dose-dependent manner. LPS-induced Wnt5a expression was effectively attenuated by administration of a TLR4 neutralizing antibody, MyD88 inhibitory peptide, PI3-kinase inhibitors (LY294002 and wortmannin), an AKT inhibitor, or NF-κB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate), IκBa phosphorylation inhibitor (Bay 117082), or IκB protease inhibitor (L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone). Treatment of hDPSCs with LPS activated PI3-kinase (p85) and AKT signaling in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, LPS-mediated increases in κB-luciferase activity were diminished by the overexpression of dominant negative mutants of TLR4, MyD88, p85, AKT, and IκBa. ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that LPS-induced Wnt5a expression was mediated through the TLR4/MyD88/PI3-kinase/AKT pathway, which then initiated NF-κB activation in hDPSCs.

Detection of Active Matriptase Using a Biotinylated Chloromethyl Ketone Peptide

Matriptase is a member of the family of type II transmembrane serine proteases that is essential for development and maintenance of several epithelial tissues. Matriptase is synthesized as a single-chain zymogen precursor that is processed into a two-chain disulfide-linked form dependent on its own catalytic activity leading to the hypothesis that matriptase functions at the pinnacle of several protease induced signal cascades. Matriptase is usually found in either its zymogen form or in a complex with its cognate inhibitor hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1 (HAI-1), whereas the active non-inhibited form has been difficult to detect. In this study, we have developed an assay to detect enzymatically active non-inhibitor-complexed matriptase by using a biotinylated peptide substrate-based chloromethyl ketone (CMK) inhibitor. Covalently CMK peptide-bound matriptase is detected by streptavidin pull-down and subsequent analysis by Western blotting. This study presents a novel assay for detection of enzymatically active matriptase in living human and murine cells. The assay can be applied to a variety of cell systems and species.

Screening and characterization of protease producing actinomycetes from marine saltern

In the course of systematic screening program for bioactive actinomycetes, an alkaline protease producing halophilic strain Actinopolyspora sp. VITSDK2 was isolated from marine saltern, Southern India. The strain was identified as Actinopolyspora based on its phenotypic and phylogenetic characters. The protease was partially purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation and subsequently by DEAE cellulose column chromatography. The enzyme was further purified using HPLC and the molecular weight was found to be 22 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis. The purified protease exhibited pH stability in a wide range of 4-12 with optimum at 10.0. The enzyme was found to be stable between 25 and 80 °C and displayed a maximum activity at 60 °C. The enzyme activity was increased marginally in presence of Mn(2+) , Mg(2+) , and Ca(2+) and decreased in presence of Cu(2+) . PMSF and DFP completely inhibited the activity suggesting it belongs to serine protease. Further, the proteolytic activity was abolished in presence of N-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone suggesting this might be chymotrypsin-like serine protease. The protease was 96% active when kept for 10 days at room temperature. The results indicate that the enzyme belong to chymotrypsin-like serine protease exhibiting both pH and thermostability, which can be used for various applications in industries.

Purification of a Trypsin-Like Enzyme and Cloning of Its Gene from Chinese Ground Beetle (E upolyphaga sinensis )

An insect trypsin-like enzyme with similar biochemical properties to psychrophilic analogs was purified from Chinese ground beetle (Eupolyphaga sinensis) for the first time. The purified trypsin-like enzyme was designated as E. sinensis trypsin-like enzyme (ESTL) with molecular weight of 22.8 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The maximal activity of ESTL was observed at pH 9.5, and the temperature optimum of ESTL was observed at 45C by its amidolytic effect on the substrate benzoyl-L-Arg-p-nitroanilide. The analysis of inhibitors showed that specific inhibitor of serine proteases (phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride) and trypsin inhibitors (tosyl–lysine chloromethyl ketone, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and benzamidine) inactivated ESTL almost completely. Over the range of tested temperature of 10–30C, the catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of the ESTL was about five times than that of bovine trypsin. The N-terminal sequencing of ESTL revealed the following sequence: I1VGGSTTTIQ10NFPYQVSL, and the complementary DNA (cDNA) of ESTL was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Practical Applications In recent years, increasing attention has been drawn to the psychrophilic (cold-adapted) enzymes. Psychrophilic trypsins with high activity may be interesting for several industrial applications of enzymes, such as in certain food-processing operations that require low-processing temperatures. For example, cod trypsin is already used in food production and cosmetics. In this article, a trypsin-like enzyme [Eupolyphaga sinensis trypsin-like enzyme (ESTL) ] was purified from Chinese ground beetle by a relatively simple method, and the complementary DNA (cDNA) of this enzyme was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. This enzyme was characterized for molecular and enzymatic properties, as demonstrated that it had high activity at low and moderate temperature compared with the mammalian trypsins, and maintained good thermal stability compared with psychrophilic trypsins. ESTL has potential interest in food industry.

Stimulated mast cells promote maturation of myocardial microvascular endothelial cell neovessels by modulating the angiopoietin-Tie-2 signaling pathway

Angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Ang-2 interact in angiogenesis to activate the Tie-2 receptor, which may be involved in new vessel maturation and regression. Mast cells (MCs) are also involved in formation of new blood vessels and angiogenesis. The present study was designed to test whether MCs can mediate angiogenesis in myocardial microvascular endothelial cells (MMVECs). Using a rat MMVEC and MC co-culture system, we observed that Ang-1 protein levels were very low even though its mRNA levels were increased by MCs. Interestingly, MCs were able to enhance migration, proliferation, and capillary-like tube formation, which were associated with suppressed Ang-2 protein expression, but not Tie-2 expression levels. These MCs induced effects that could be reversed by either tryptase inhibitor [N-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK)] or chymase inhibitor (N-tosyl-L-phenylalanyl chloromethyl ketone), with TLCK showing greater effects. In conclusion, our data indicated that MCs can interrupt neovessel maturation via suppression of the Ang-2/Tie-2 signaling pathway.

Ubiquitin Interacts with the Tollip C2 and CUE Domains and Inhibits Binding of Tollip to Phosphoinositides

A large number of cellular signaling processes are directed through internalization, via endocytosis, of polyubiquitinated cargo proteins. Tollip is an adaptor protein that facilitates endosomal cargo sorting for lysosomal degradation. Tollip preferentially binds phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P) via its C2 domain, an association that may be required for endosomal membrane targeting. Here, we show that Tollip binds ubiquitin through its C2 and CUE domains and that its association with the C2 domain inhibits PtdIns(3)P binding. NMR analysis demonstrates that the C2 and CUE domains bind to overlapping sites on ubiquitin, suggesting that two ubiquitin molecules associate with Tollip simultaneously. Hydrodynamic studies reveal that ubiquitin forms heterodimers with the CUE domain, indicating that the association disrupts the dimeric state of the CUE domain. We propose that, in the absence of polyubiquitinated cargo, the dual binding of ubiquitin partitions Tollip into membrane-bound and membrane-free states, a function that contributes to the engagement of Tollip in both membrane trafficking and cytosolic pathways.

Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorogenic substrates of coagulation factor XIII-A

Further development of our recently published Glu(pNA)-containing peptides (Anal. Biochem. 428 (2012) 73–80) provided new fluorogenic substrates for the activated blood coagulation factor XIII. A first series was designed by incorporation of Glu(AMC) at the penultimate position from the N terminus. For the best derivative H-Tyr-Glu(AMC)-Val-Lys-Val-Ile-NH2, a moderate kcat/Km value of 34s−1M−1 was determined, which is more than 100-fold reduced compared with the previously reported Glu(pNA) substrates. Furthermore, two fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) substrates were prepared by incorporation of an N-methyl-anthraniloyl fluorophore and a 2,4-dinitrophenyl quencher. Both substrates were excellently cleaved by FXIII-A2∗, which is generated from its zymogen by activation of thrombin in the presence of calcium ions. In the absence and presence of H-Gly-ethyl ester, kcat/Km values of 8010 and 8660s−1M−1, respectively, were found for the conversion of H-Lys(N(Me)Abz)-Glu(NH-(CH2)4-NH-Dnp)-Val-Lys-Val-Ile-Gly-NH2 (substrate 8). These values are more than 200-fold improved compared with the Glu(AMC) substrates. Substrate 8 is suitable for the measurement of FXIII-A2∗ activities in plasma samples as well as for in vitro measurements. Furthermore, it was used for the determination of the inhibitory potency of a newly synthesized chloromethyl ketone derivative, Cbz-Phe-Glu(CMK)-Val-Lys-Val-Ile-Gly-NH2, which was found to be a potent irreversible inhibitor of FXIII-A2∗.

Identification and Partial Characterization of Midgut Proteases in the Lesser Mulberry Pyralid,Glyphodes pyloalis

Proteolytic activities in digestive system extracts from the larval midgut of the lesser mulberry pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), were analyzed using different specific peptide substrates and proteinase inhibitors. High proteolytic activities were found at pH 10.0 and a temperature of 50° C using azocasein as substrate. The trypsin was active in the pH range of 9.5– 12.0, with its maximum activity at pH 11.5. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid had the most inhibitory effect, and 44% inhibition was detected in the presence of this inhibitor. Phenyl methane sulfonyl floride and N-tosyl-L-phe chloromethyl ketone also showed considerable inhibition of larval azocaseinolytic activity, with 40.2 and 35.1% inhibition respectively. These data suggest that the midgut of larvae contains mainly metalloproteases and serine proteases, mainly chymotrypsin. The effect of several metal ions on the activity of proteases showed that NaCl, CaCl2, CoCl2 (5 and 10 mM), and MnCl2 (5mM) reduced the protease activity. The kinetic parameters of trypsin-like proteases using N-benzoyl-L-arg-p-nitroanilide as substrate indicated that the Km and Vmax values of trypsin in the alimentary canal were 50.5 ± 2.0 µM and 116.06 ± 1.96 nmol min-1 mg-1 protein, respectively. Inhibition assays showed only small amounts of cysteine proteases were present in the G. pyloalis digestive system. The midgut digestive protease system of G. pyloalis is as diverse as that of any of the other polyphagous lepidopteran insect species, and the midgut of larvae contains mainly metalloproteases. Moreover, serine proteases and chymotrypsin also play main roles in protein digestion. Characterization of the proteolytic properties of the digestive enzymes of G. pyloalis offers an opportunity for developing appropriate and effective pest management strategies via metalloproteases and chymotrypsin inhibitors.

TvMP50 is an Immunogenic Metalloproteinase during Male Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis, a human urogenital tract parasite, is capable of surviving in the male microenvironment, despite of the presence of Zn(2+). Concentrations > 1.6 mM of Zn(2+) have a trichomonacidal effect; however, in the presence of ≤1.6 mM Zn(2+), several trichomonad proteins are up- or down-regulated. Herein, we analyzed the proteome of a T. vaginalis male isolate (HGMN01) grown in the presence of Zn(2+) and found 32 protein spots that were immunorecognized by male trichomoniasis patient serum. Using mass spectrometry (MS), the proteins were identified and compared with 23 spots that were immunorecognized in the proteome of a female isolate using the same serum. Interestingly, we found a 50-kDa metallopeptidase (TvMP50). Unexpectedly, this proteinase was immunodetected by the serum of male trichomoniasis patients but not by the female patient serum or sera from healthy men and women. We analyzed the T. vaginalis genome and localized the mp50 gene in locus TVAG_403460. Using an RT-PCR assay, we amplified a 1320-bp mp50 mRNA transcript that was expressed in the presence of Zn(2+) in the HGMN01 and CNCD147 T. vaginalis isolates. According to a Western blot assay, native TvMP50 was differentially expressed in the presence of Zn(2+). The TvMP50 proteolytic activity increased in the presence of Zn(2+) in both isolates and was inhibited by EDTA but not by ptosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), E64, leupeptin, or phenylmethane sulfonyl fluoride. Furthermore, the recombinant TvMP50 had proteolytic activity that was inhibited by EDTA. These data suggested that TvMP50 is immunogenic during male trichomoniasis, and Zn(2+) induces its expression.

Overexpression of Escherichia coli Phytase in Pichia pastoris and Its Biochemical Properties

To obtain a Pichia pastoris mutant with an Escherichia coli phytase gene, which was synthesized according to P. pastoris codon preference, a mature phytase cDNA of E. coli being altered according to the codons usage preference of P. pastoris was artificially synthesized and cloned into an expression vector of pGAPZαC. The final extracellular phytase activity was 112.5 U/mL after 72 h of cultivation. The phytase, with a molecular mass of 46 kDa, was purified to electrophoretical homogeneity after Ni Sepharose 6 Fast Flow chromatography. The yield, purification fold, and specific activity were 63.97%, 26.17, and 1.57 kU/mg, respectively. It had an optimal pH and temperature of 4.0-6.0 and 50 °C, respectively, and was stable at pH 3.0-8.0 and 25-40 °C. The purified recombinant phytase was resistant to trypsin, highly inhibited by Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Hg(2+), Fe(2+), Fe(3+), phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, and N-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone, but activated by Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), glutathione, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and N-ethylmaleimide. It revealed higher affinity to calcium phytate than to other phosphate conjugates.

PWE-086 The Role of Human Neutrophil Elastase and its Inhibitor Elafin In Ulcerative Colitis

IntroductionMucosal inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterised by an influx of neutrophils which secrete large amounts of human neutrophil elastase (HNE), causing matrix degradation. They also produce the elastase-specific...

Sa1839 The Role of Human Neutrophil Elastase and Its Inhibitor Elafin in Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction Mucosal inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterised by an influx of neutrophils which secrete large amounts of human neutrophil elastase (HNE), causing matrix degradation. They also produce the elastase-specific inhibitor, elafin. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relative production of elastase and elafin in active UC, and to investigate the modulatory effect of elafin on mucosal proteolytic activity ex vivo . Methods We utilised intestinal biopsies from 18 patients with active UC and 12 non-UC healthy controls. Biopsies were homogenised and lysed to extract mucosal proteins. Proteolytic activity, using elastin as a substrate, was determined. Concentrations of elafin were measured using ELISA. The effect of protease inhibitors on proteolytic activity were determined in vitro using elafin, marimastat (matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor) and the synthetic elastase inhibitor, AAPV [N-(Methoxysuccinyl)-Ala-Ala- Pro-Val Chloromethyl Ketone]. The effect of elafin on proteolytic activity ex vivo was assessed by 24 hour organ culture in the presence and absence of elafin. Unpaired Student’s t-test was used for statistical analyses. Results Mucosal protein homogenates from patients with active UC displayed higher proteolytic activity in comparison to healthy controls ( p = 0.002). Elafin levels were increased in mucosal homogenates from active UC ( p = 0.007). The addition of elafin, marimastat or AAPV, in vitro , each diminished proteolytic activity. Organ culture of UC biopsies in the presence of elafin reduces the proteolytic activity of active UC ex vivo (n.s.). Conclusion Colonic mucosal tissue from UC patients displays significantly higher elastinolytic activity in comparison to healthy controls. The addition of elafin has a restorative effect on the elastinolytic activity of UC mucosal homogenates, with the most notable effect in those tissues that had highest proteolytic activity. This occurs in the presence of significantly higher quantities of elafin in active UC mucosa. These data also show a beneficial modulatory effect of elafin on human gut tissue, suggesting a possible role for supplementary elafin in the treatment of UC. Disclosure of Interest None Declared.

Proteolytic compartmentalization and activity in the midgut of Andrallus spinidens Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Digestive proteolytic activity in the alimentary canal of &lt;em&gt;Andrallus spinidens&lt;/em&gt;, a potential biocontrol agent of lepidopteran larvae, was studied by considering enzyme compartmentalization and diversity. The alimentary canal of adults consists of a foregut, a four- sectioned midgut, namely V&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt; to V&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; (ventriculus), and a hindgut. The optimal pH for general proteolytic activity was found to be at pH 8 with a small peak at pH 6. Results revealed that there are several specific proteases in the midgut of &lt;em&gt;A. spinidens&lt;/em&gt;, including trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like, and elastase as serine proteases, and cathepsins B, L and D as cysteine proteases, in addition to two exopeptidases of carboxy- and aminopetidases. Compartmentalization of digestive proteolytic activity showed that V&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; is the main area of proteolytic secretion for both general and specific proteases and that V&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; has the lowest enzymatic role, so that four out of the eight specific proteases found showed no activity in this section. The lowest and the highest proteolytic activity was found to be in the 1&lt;sup&gt;st&lt;/sup&gt; and 4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; nymphal instars, respectively. Using the specific inhibitors phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, Na-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone, Ntosyl- L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, L-trans-epoxysuccinyl-leucylamido-( 4-guanidino)-butane, cystatin, phenanthroline and ethylendiamidetetraacetic acid, we verified the presence of all specific proteases noted using both biochemical assays and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Our findings demonstrated that &lt;em&gt;A. spinidens&lt;/em&gt; could utilize several caterpillars because of the presence of various of proteases in its midgut.

Trypsin from viscera of vermiculated sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus, Weber, 1991: Its purification and characterization

Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus viscera trypsin was purified by fractionation with ammonium sulphate, gel filtration, affinity and ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-Sepharose). Trypsin molecular weight was approximately 27.5kDa according to SDS–PAGE, shown a single band in zymography. It exhibited maximal activity at pH 9.5 and 40°C, using N-benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA) as substrate. Enzyme was effectively inhibited by phenyl methyl sulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) (100%), N-α-p-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK) (85.4%), benzamidine (80.2%), and soybean trypsin inhibitor (75.6%) and partially inhibited by N-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) (10.3%), ethylendiaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (8.7%) and pepstatin A (1.2%). Enzyme activity was slightly affected by metal ions (Fe2+>Hg2+>Mn2+>K+>Mg2+>Li+>Cu2+). Trypsin activity decreased continuously as NaCl concentration increased (0–30%). Km and kcat values were 0.13mM and 1.46s−1, respectively. Results suggest the enzyme have a potential application where room processing temperatures (25–35°C) or high salt (30%) concentration are needed, such as in fish sauce production.

Structural Integrity of the B24 Site in Human Insulin Is Important for Hormone Functionality

Despite the recent first structural insight into the insulin-insulin receptor complex, the role of the C terminus of the B-chain of insulin in this assembly remains unresolved. Previous studies have suggested that this part of insulin must rearrange to reveal amino acids crucial for interaction with the receptor. The role of the invariant Phe(B24), one of the key residues of the hormone, in this process remains unclear. For example, the B24 site functionally tolerates substitutions to D-amino acids but not to L-amino acids. Here, we prepared and characterized a series of B24-modified insulin analogues, also determining the structures of [D-HisB24]-insulin and [HisB24]-insulin. The inactive [HisB24]-insulin molecule is remarkably rigid due to a tight accommodation of the L-His side chain in the B24 binding pocket that results in the stronger tethering of B25-B28 residues to the protein core. In contrast, the highly active [D-HisB24]-insulin is more flexible, and the reverse chirality of the B24C(α) atom swayed the D-His(B24) side chain into the solvent. Furthermore, the pocket vacated by Phe(B24) is filled by Phe(B25), which mimics the Phe(B24) side and main chains. The B25→B24 downshift results in a subsequent downshift of Tyr(B26) into the B25 site and the departure of B26-B30 residues away from the insulin core. Our data indicate the importance of the aromatic L-amino acid at the B24 site and the structural invariance/integrity of this position for an effective binding of insulin to its receptor. Moreover, they also suggest limited, B25-B30 only, unfolding of the C terminus of the B-chain upon insulin activation.

Angiogenic changes in co-cultures of mast cells and myocardial microvascular endothelial cells under hyperglycemic conditions

The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between angiogenesis and the differential expression of growth factors and their receptors when myocardial microvascular endothelial cells (MMVECs) were co-cultured with mast cell granules (MCGs) under hyperglycemic conditions. MMVECs and mast cells (MCs) were isolated from Wistar rats. An in vitro angiogenesis assay was used to observe any differences when MMVECs were co-cultured with MCGs in normal or hyperglycemic medium. The mRNA and protein expression of growth factors and their receptors were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and western blot analysis. Real-time RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the upregulated mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the MMVECs; however, the expression of its receptor, fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) and fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk‑1), decreased significantly, and the angiogenic ability of the MMVECs decreased under hyperglycemic conditions. The angiogenic ability of the MMVECs cultured under hyperglycemic conditions (even after the addition of MCGs) was inferior to that of the MMVECs cultured under normal glucose conditions. The specific inhibitor of tryptase, N-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), suppressed angiogenesis regardless of the glucose concentration, and the specific inhibitor of chymase, N-tosyl-L-phenylalanyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), was not as effective as TLCK, which was mainly detected under hyperglycemic conditions. High glucose levels have a profound effect on angiogenesis; this effect may be more pronounced than the effects of MCGs on angiogenesis.