Requirement For NADPH Research Articles

13C nuclear magnetic resonance studies of glucose metabolism in L-glutamic acid and L-lysine fermentation by Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Glucose metabolism in Corynebacterium glutamicum was investigated using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy. L-Glutamic acid and L-lysine producers were cultivated in medium containing [1-13C]- or [6-13C] glucose, and the 13C NMR spectrum of the culture filtrate was measured. In each fermentation, the ratio of the contributions of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway (EMP) and the hexosemonophosphate pathway (HMP) (EMP/HMP) was calculated on the basis of the 13C population at each carbon in the products. The EMP/HMP was estimated as 80/20 in glutamic acid fermentation; in contrast, it was 30-40/60-70 in lysine fermentation. These results indicate that HMP contributes much more in lysine fermentation, probably because of the greater requirement of NADPH in lysine formation from glucose.

Dehydroepiandrosterone and estrone 17-ketosteroid reductases in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

The identification of several steroid-transforming enzymes within human breast cancers has led to speculation that the growth of some hormone-responsive tumors might be mediated in part by intracellularly derived estrogens. Reports that MCF-7 human breast cancer cells can transform both estrone (E1)1 to estradiol (E2) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to the estrogenic steroid 5-androstenediol (AED), have prompted us to investigate the 17-ketosteroid reductase activities (17-KSR's) which mediate these potentially important reactions. Enzyme assays were performed by quantifying the amounts of [3H]AED or [3H]E2 former from [3H]DHEA or [3H]E1, respectively, by various subcellular preparations from MCF-7 cells under a variety of experimental conditions. DHEA 17-KSR was found to be localized exclusively within cytosol, whereas the E1 17-KSR activity appeared to be nearly equally divided between the soluble and particulate cytoplasmic subfractions. The particulate E1 17-KSR appeared capable of utilizing NADH or NADPH, whereas both the cytosolic form of this enzyme and the soluble DHEA 17-KSR activity showed a strict requirement for NADPH. Although both of the soluble 17-KSR's also showed similar pH optima, several other features suggested that they are different enzymes in MCF-7. E1 did not inhibit the conversion of DHEA to AED, and DHEA did not interfere with the transformation of E1 to E2, indicating that major differences in substrate specificity exist between the two cytosolic activities. Furthermore, DHEA 17-KSR activity within cytosol stored at -20 degrees C deteriorated almost completely over twelve weeks of storage, whereas E1 17-KSR activity remained stable. Finally, although both enzymes were found to be subject to product inhibition, AED inhibited DHEA 17-KSR competitively, whereas cytosolic E1 17-KSR activity was inhibited by E2 in noncompetitive fashion. Studies of the oxidation of E2 to E1 by MCF-7 cells showed that this transformation is catalyzed by both soluble and particulate 17-hydroxysteroid oxidases which utilize either NAD or NADP as cofactor. Having previously reported the presence of a particulate NADP(H)-linked androstenedione (AE) 17-ketosteroid oxidoreductase in MCF-7, we now suggest that at least three different enzymes, one particulate and two soluble forms, participate in the conversion of 17-ketosteroids to their hormonally active 17-hydroxysteroid derivatives within this cell line. The restricted substrate requirements of each enzyme provide a rationale for developing selective enzyme inhibitors which could provide important investigational tools and potentially effective therapeutic agents.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase from Spruce ( Picea abies). Properties and Regulation

Abstract HM GCoA reductase was identified in seedlings, callus cultures, cell suspension cultures and in needles of spruce ( Picea abies) (L.) (Karst). Activity was found in both the 18 K pellet and in the 105 K pellet with different ratios between the two fractions from the various sources. The enzyme has a pH-optimum of 7.9 and an absolute requirement for NADPH . The presence of a thiol reagent such as dithiothreitol is required for activity. Km for HM G CoA is 20 -25 μM. Detergents have differential effects on the activity. In seedlings, enzyme activity was considerably higher in the hypocotyls than in the cotyledons. Enzyme activity was high in dark-grown and low in light-grown seedlings. When the light conditions were reversed, levels of activity adapted to the respective new conditions (increase or decline of specific activity). Aerobic incubations of seedlings, callus cultures or needles in medium containing a carbon source, resulted in a large (up to 20-fold) transient increase of HMGCoA reductase activity. Transfer of stationary phase cell suspension cultures into new medium caused a similarly large increase of activity. A number of carbohydrates induced the enzyme, glucose, fructose and sucrose being most effective. The increase of activity was prevented by cycloheximide. All changes of activity were much more pronounced in the 18 K pellet HMG CoA reductase

Kinetic characteristics of nitric oxide synthase from rat brain

The relationship between the rate of synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and guanylate cyclase stimulation was used to characterize the kinetics of the NO synthase from rat forebrain and of some inhibitors of this enzyme. The NO synthase had an absolute requirement for L-arginine and NADPH and did not require any other cofactors. The enzyme had a Vmax. of 42 pmol of NO formed.min-1.mg of protein-1 and a Km for L-arginine of 8.4 microM. Three analogues of L-arginine, namely NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, NG-nitro-L-arginine and NG-iminoethyl-L-ornithine inhibited the brain NO synthase. All three compounds were competitive inhibitors of the enzyme with Ki values of 0.7, 0.4 and 1.2 microM respectively.

A novel NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase, catalyzing asymmetric reduction of ß-keto acid esters, from Sporobolomyces salmonicolor: purification and characterization

NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase (EC 1.1.1.2) was purified 23-fold with an overall yield of 11% from Sporobolomyces salmonicolor AKU 4429, in 4 steps and, by adding ammonium sulfate, the enzyme was crystallized. The enzyme has a strict requirement for NADPH and irrversibly reduces a number of aldehydes, such as p-nitrobenzaldehyde, pyridine-3-aldehyde and d-glyceraldehyde. Furthermore, it was found that the enzyme catalyses stereospecific reduction of 4-halo-3-oxobutanoate esters to the corresponding ( R)-4-halo-3-hydroxybutanoate esters, which are promising chiral compounds for the chemical synthesis of l-carnitine.

A novel NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase, catalyzing asymmetric reduction of ß-keto acid esters, fromSporobolomyces salmonicolor: purification and characterization

NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase (EC 1.1.1.2) was purified 23-fold with an overall yield of 11% from Sporobolomyces salmonicolor AKU 4429, in 4 steps and, by adding ammonium sulfate, the enzyme was crystallized. The enzyme has a strict requirement for NADPH and irrversibly reduces a number of aldehydes, such as p-nitrobenzaldehyde, pyridine-3-aldehyde and d-glyceraldehyde. Furthermore, it was found that the enzyme catalyses stereospecific reduction of 4-halo-3-oxobutanoate esters to the corresponding (R)-4-halo-3-hydroxybutanoate esters, which are promising chiral compounds for the chemical synthesis of l-carnitine.

Possible involvement of NADPH requirement in regulation of Glucose-6-Phosphate and 6-Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase levels in rat liver

Previous studies examining regulation of synthesis of Glucose-6-Phosphate and 6-Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in rat liver have focussed on the induction of these enzymes by different diets and some hormones. However, the precise mechanism regulating increases in the activities of these enzymes is unknown and the factors involved remain unidentified. Considering that many of these metabolic conditions occur simultaneously with the increase of some NADPH consuming pathway, in particular fatty acid synthesis, we suggest that the activities of Glucose-6-Phosphate and 6-Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase could be regulated through a mechanism involving changes in the NADPH requirement. Here, we have studied the effect of changes in the flux through different NADPH consuming pathways on the NADPH/NADP ratio and on Glucose-6-Phosphate and 6-Phosphogluconate levels. The results show that: i) an increase in consumption of NADPH, caused by activation of fatty acid synthesis or the detoxification system which consumes NADPH, is paralleled by an increase in levels of these enzymes; ii) when increase in consumption of NADPH is prevented, Glucose-6-Phosphate and 6-Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase levels do not change.

Possible Roles of Free Radicals in Alcoholic Tissue Damage

Hepatic microsomes metabolize ethanol to a free radical metabolite which forms adducts with the spin trapping agents PBN (phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone) and DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-l-pyrroline N-oxide). This ethanol radical has been identified as the l-hydroxyethyl radical through the use of 13C-labelled ethanol. A role of the cytochrome P-450 enzymes in the generation of the l-hydroxyethyl radical was suggested by requirements for oxygen and NADPH, as well as inhibition in the presence of SKF 525-A and imidazole. In contrast, the ESR signal intensity of the l-hydroxyethyl radical was diminished when either catalase, or the iron chelating agent deferoxamine, was added to the microsomal incubations, and was increased by the addition of ADP-Fe. These observations suggest that the ethanol radicals may arise secondary to iron-catalyzed formation of hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide. This possibility was supported by enhanced rates of l-hydroxyethyl radical formation when microsomal catalase activity was inhibited by the addition of sodium azide, or by pretreatment of rats with aminotriazole. However, the reaction was relatively insensitive to scavengers of the hydroxyl radical. Thus, the mechanism of l-hydroxyethyl radical formation could involve two cytochrome P-450-dependent pathways: generation of hydrogen peroxide required for a Fenton reaction, as well as direct catalytic formation of the ethanol radical.

N-oxygenation of stobadine, a gamma-carboline antiarrhythmic and cardioprotective agent: the role of flavin-containing monooxygenase.

1. N-oxygenation of stobadine, a gamma-carboline antiarrhythmic and cardioprotective agent, was investigated in vitro using rat liver preparations. 2. Stobadine N-oxygenase activity was located mainly in the microsomal fraction and exhibited a requirement for oxygen and NADPH. The apparent Km and Vmax values for the process were, respectively, 350 microM and 3.48 nmol/mg protein per min. 3. N-oxygenation of stobadine in rat liver microsomes was not affected by SKF 525-A, carbon monoxide, metyrapone, cyanide or n-octylamine. When guinea-pig liver microsomes were used the reaction was activated by n-octylamine. 4. N-oxygenase activity was strongly inhibited by methimazole and depressed by phenobarbital and 3-methylcholantrene pretreatment. 5. The above results, along with the pH optimum of 8.4, strongly indicate the involvement of flavin-containing monooxygenase in the metabolic N-oxygenation of stobadine. 6. Species difference in liver microsomal N-oxygenase activity was evident, the order of activity being guinea-pig greater than rat greater than rabbit.

A novel anthraquinone ring cleavage enzyme from Aspergillus terreus.

An enzyme activity which catalyzes the ring cleavage of the anthraquinone questin to form benzophenone desmethylsulochrin was found in the cell-free extract of Aspergillus terreus, a (+)-geodin producer. The product was identified as desmethylsulochrin by high-resolution mass spectroscopy and chemical carrier dilution analysis. The enzyme showed an absolute requirement of NADPH and molecular oxygen. Therefore, the enzyme, named questin oxygenase, was considered to be classified as a monooxygenase. The optimum pH was around 7.5. The enzyme was very unstable and lost its activity completely after storage overnight at 4 degrees C in 0.05 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.5. The instability of the questin oxygenase was partially overcome by the addition of polyols and the non-ionic detergent Tween 80 to the buffer. By DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, two protein fractions, named DE-I and DE-II, were obtained. Neither fraction reacted with questin by itself. However, the combination of DE-I and DE-II reconstituted the questin oxygenase system to convert questin to desmethylsulochrin. This result suggested that the system is not a simple combination of oxygenase and hydrolase, but requires some additional factor(s) such as electron transfer protein.

A novel fungal enzyme, NADPH-dependent carbonyl reductase, showing high specificity to conjugated polyketones. Purification and characterization.

A novel enzyme which specifically catalyzes the reduction of conjugated polyketones was purified to homogeneity from cells of Mucor ambiguus AKU 3006. The enzyme has a strict requirement for NADPH and irreversibly reduces a number of quinones such as p-benzoquinone, alpha-naphthoquinone and acenaphthenequione. The enzyme also reduces polyketones such as isatin and ketopantoyl lactone, and their derivatives. The apparent Km values for isatin and ketopantoyl lactone are 49.9 microM and 714 microM, respectively. The reduction of ketopantoyl lactone proceeds stereospecifically to yield L-(+)-pantoyl lactone. The pro-S (A) hydrogen at C-4 of NADPH is transferred to the substrate. The enzyme is not a flavoprotein and consists of two polypeptide chains with an identical relative molecular mass of 27,500. Quercetin, dicoumarol and some SH reagents inhibit the enzyme activity. 3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione and 1,3-cyclohexanedione are uncompetitive inhibitors with Ki values of 80.9 microM and 64.5 microM, respectively, to ketopantoyl lactone.

NADPH-dependent metabolism of the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase inhibitor 2-carboxyarabinitol 1-phosphate by a chloroplast protein

Metabolism of 2-carboxyarabinitol 1-phosphate (CA 1-P), an endogenous inhibitor of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, occurs in the light. A soluble protein fraction which metabolized CA 1-P in the presence of NADPH was isolated from tobacco chloroplasts. A similar fraction from spinach exhibited much lower activity. The activity in tobacco extracts was stable overnight at 4°C but its maintenance during storage required dithiothreitol. The tobacco protein responsible for CA 1-P metabolism was partially purified by ion-exchange FPLC of stromal extracts. The requirements for NADPH and dithiothreitol for activity of this protein suggest a mechanism for the light-dependent control of CA 1-P levels in plants.

Demonstration and biochemical characterisation of rat brain NADPH-dependent diaphorase.

An enzyme responsible for the NADPH-dependent reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium HCl (NBT) has been isolated from rat brain. Although other tetrazolium salts could be utilised, NBT was the preferred substrate, and the enzyme had an absolute requirement for NADPH. An in vitro assay was developed and used to determine the kinetic constants: Km NBT = 17.3 microM; Km NADPH = 1.9 microM, Vmax = 30.8 mumol product produced/min/mg protein. Substrate inhibition by NADPH was observed in some instances. Brain subcellular fractionation indicated highest enzyme activities in the microsomal fraction. Activity was present in all brain regions and in a variety of peripheral tissues. Relative molecular mass determinations of the native enzyme yielded an Mr = 170-180,000. It seems likely that the enzyme activity described in this study relates directly to the histochemical demonstration of brain NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons. As yet, the natural substrate for the enzyme is unknown. However, the isolation and purification of NADPH-dependent diaphorase may be anticipated to assist in the elucidation of its function in the brain, and in the special characteristics of those neurons that contain the enzyme in abundance.

Receptor-mediated activation of electropermeabilized neutrophils. Evidence for a Ca2+- and protein kinase C-independent signaling pathway.

Electrically permeabilized neutrophils were used to study the mechanism of activation of the respiratory burst by the chemotactic agent formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Permeabilization was assessed by flow cytometry, radioisotope trapping, and by the requirement for exogenous NADPH for oxygen consumption. A respiratory burst could be elicited by fMLP, phorbol ester, or diacylglycerol in permeabilized cells suspended in EGTA-buffered medium with 100 nM free Ca2+. The fMLP response persisted even in cells depleted of intracellular Ca2+ stores by pretreatment with ionomycin. Therefore, a change in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) is not required for receptor-mediated stimulation of the respiratory burst. The responses induced by phorbol ester and diacylglycerol were largely inhibited by H7, a protein kinase C antagonist. In contrast, the stimulation of oxygen consumption by fMLP was unaffected by H7. These results suggest that a third signaling pathway, distinct from changes in [Ca2+]i and activation of protein kinase C, is involved in the response of neutrophils to chemoattractants.

Cytochrome-P-450-dependent metabolism of retinoic acid in rat skin microsomes: inhibition by ketoconazole.

Epidermal microsomes, prepared from neonatal Wistar or Sprague-Dawley rats, show low levels of retinoic acid (RA) metabolism. The specific activities (as fmol/min/mg protein) of epidermal microsomes, using [15-14C]-RA as substrate, are 232 (Wistar rats) and 222 (Sprague-Dawley rats). Topical application of RA (1 mg) on 4-day-old rats induces a 3.3- and 3.9-fold increase in epidermis microsomal RA metabolism. A 4.6- to 8.1-fold increase is observed 24 h after topical application of 3-methylcholanthrene (0.5 mg). By contrast, phenobarbital (1 mg topically) has a much smaller inducing effect. So far the chemical structure of the metabolites has not been identified. The Rf values of two major compounds correspond with those of 4-hydroxy- and 4-ketoretinoic acid, formed after incubation of hamster liver microsomes in the presence of [15-14C]-RA. The RA metabolism in rat epidermal microsomes shows the typical characteristics of a cytochrome-P-450 (P450)-dependent enzyme system, i.e. a requirement for NADPH and oxygen and inhibition by CO and SKF-525A. Ketoconazole and miconazole, imidazole antifungal agents and inhibitors of some fungal and mammalian P450-dependent enzymes, inhibit in vitro RA metabolism by rat epidermal microsomes. 50% inhibition is achieved at 6.5 X 10(-7) and greater than or equal to 10(-5) mol/l, respectively. The triazole antifungal agent, itraconazole, has no effect at concentrations up to 10(-5) mol/l. Topical treatment of 4-day-old Wistar rats with ketoconazole, at doses of 1,5 and 10 mg/kg, 1 h before the application of RA (1 mg/rat) results in a dose-dependent inhibition of RA metabolism by epidermal microsomes, prepared 24 h later. Our data show a P450-dependent RA metabolism in rat epidermal microsomes and suggest that ketoconazole may prove to be effective in maintaining biologically active levels of RA in epidermal cells.

Characterisation of theophylline metabolism in human liver microsomes.

1. A radiometric high performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the assay of theophylline metabolism in vitro by the microsomal fraction of human liver. 2. Formation of the three metabolites of theophylline (3-methylxanthine, 1-methylxanthine and 1,3-dimethyluric acid) were linear with protein concentrations to 4 mg ml-1 and with incubation times up to 180 min. 3. The coefficients of variation for the formation of 3-methylxanthine, 1-methylxanthine and 1,3-dimethyluric acid were 1.2%, 1% and 1.6%, respectively. 4. Theophylline is metabolised by microsomal enzymes with a requirement for NADPH. 5. The mean (n = 7) Km values for 1-demethylation, 3-demethylation and 8-hydroxylation were 545, 630 and 788 microM, respectively, and the mean Vmax values were 2.65, 2.84 and 11.23 pmol min-1 mg-1, respectively. 6. There was a high correlation between the Km and Vmax values for the two demethylation pathways suggesting that the demethylations are performed by the same enzyme. 7. Overall the in vitro studies are consistent with the in vivo results which suggest the involvement of two cytochrome P-450 isozymes in the metabolism of theophylline.

Identification of an intermediate of δ-aminolevulinate biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas by high-performance liquid chromatography

The first committed intermediate of the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway is δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). In plant cells, ALA is formed from glutamate by a pathway not yet clearly defined. One of the proposed pathways involves the reduction of glutamate to glutamate-1-semialdehyde (GSA) via a glutamyl-tRNA intermediate. GSA is then converted to ALA by an aminotransferase. We are studying this pathway using partially purified components from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in in vitro reactions with [ 3H] l-glutamate as the substrate and analysis of the radioactive reaction products via HPLC. In reactions either lacking GSA-aminotransferase or containing gabaculine (an inhibitor of aminotransferase), a radioactive intermediate is formed which cochromatographs with synthetic GSA. As observed previously for ALA synthesis, the synthesis of this intermediate has an absolute requirement for RNA, ATP, and active enzymes, while the requirement for NADPH is less stringent. Both the accumulated intermediate and the synthetic GSA can be converted to ALA by the aminotransferase without any additional substrates or cofactors. These results support previous observations that GSA or a very similar compound is an intermediate of ALA synthesis.

Induction and Characterization of a NADPH-Dependent Flavone Synthase from Cell Cultures of Soybean

Microsomal preparations from osmotically stressed soybean cells catalyze the conversion of (2S)-naringenin to apigenin in presence of NADPH. In contrast, such preparations from normal soybean cells or from elicitor-challenged cells catalyze the conversion of (2S)-naringenin to genistein (isoflavone synthase). It is concluded that osmotic stress of the cells causes a switch from isoflavone to flavone synthesis. The flavone synthase from osmotically stressed cells corresponds in its properties to the microsomal flavone synthase found in several flowers (G. Stotz and G. Forkmann, Z. Naturforsch. 36c, 737-741 (1981)) and differs from the flavone synthase I from parsley cell cultures which is a soluble Fe2+ and 2-oxoglutarate dependent dioxygenase. Flavone synthase II from soybean has an absolute requirement for NADPH and oxygen. It is inhibited by carbon monoxide in presence of oxygen and this inhibition is reversed by light. It is also inhibited by cytochrome c and by a number of cytochrome P-450 inhibitors. This and other properties show that flavone synthase II is a cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenase.

Enzymatic detoxication of DDT to DDD by rat liver: effects of some inducers and inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 enzyme system.

DDT, in very first step of its detoxication is either transformed to DDD by reductive dechlorination (Walker i969; Hassal 1973) or DDE by dehydrochlorination (Datta 1970). For further detoxication, these metabolites undergo a series of reactions which result in the elimination of DDA in urine (Peterson and Robison 1964; Datta 1970; Gold and Brunk 1982). However, enzymes involved at various steps of DDT-detoxication are not well understood. In general, these reactions are believed to be mediated by cytochrome P-450 containing enzyme system. In earlier studies, nonenzymatic conversion of DDT to DDD was suggested (Jefferies and Walker 1966; Bunyan et al. 1966). Later, Hassal (1973) demonstrated that DDD is formed in liver in at least two ways; one protein dependent and other relatively heat resistant system. The enzyme(s) involved in the reductive dechlorination of DDT to DDD are not well known. Morello (1965) reported the induction of enzyme activity that transforms DDT to DDD in rats preadministered with multiple doses of DDT. Walker (1969) suggested the possible role of cytochrome P-450 in the conversion of DDT to DDD on the basis of inhibition by CO and the absolute requirement of NADPH for the reaction. However, studies on the in vivo and in vitro effects of some classic inducers and inhibit~Tcytochr ome ~450 system on the reductive dechlorination of DDT will much effectively clear the role of this enzyme system in the above conversion. Instead of the multiple administration of DDT (Morello 1965), it would be more desirable to investigate a single threshold dose of DDT for the stimulation of the enzyme involved in the reductive dechlorination of DDT. As far we know, no enzyme has been characterized for the detoxication of DDT to DDD. Therefore, DDD forming activity will be referred to as 'reductase' in this report. This paper describes the enzymatic detoxication of DDT to DDD by rat liver preadministered with a single threshold dose of DDT. Further, effects of some inducers and inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 enzyme system on the detoxication of DDT to DDD are reported. Send reprint requests to S S A Zaidi at the above address.

Cinchoninone: Nadph oxidoreductases i and ii-novel enzymes in the biosynthesis of quinoline alkaloids in Cinchona ledgeriana

An enzyme (cinchoninone :NADPH oxidoreductase) which catalyses the reduction of cinchoninone to an unequal mixture of cinchonine and cinchonidine has been isolated from cells of Cinchona ledgeriana in suspension culture and its properties have been studied. It is present in two isoenzymic forms which can be separated by ionexchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Both forms of the enzyme are cytosolic and have an absolute requirement for NADPH. They both catalyse reversible reactions. Isoenzyme I acts specifically on cinchoninone in the forward direction and cinchonidine, cinchonine, cupreine and cupreidine in the reverse direction, while isoenzyme II has a broad specificity acting on all the quinoline alkaloids of Cinchona. The kinetic properties of these two isoenzymes are presented. This is the first description of an enzyme wholly committed to the biosynthesis of Cinchona quinoline alkaloids.