|
|
|
2008-01-01
We studied the synthetic modification of structurally similar N-mercaptoacyl-l-proline and (4R)-N-mercaptoacylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid to obtain potent leukotriene A4 (LTA4) hydrolase inhibitors. An N-mercaptoacyl group, (2S)-3-mercapto-2-methylpropionyl group, was effective for both scaffolds. Additional introduction of a large substituent such as 4-isopropylbenzylthio (3f), 4-tert-butylbenzylthio (3l) or 4-cyclohexylbenzylthio group (3m) with (S)-configuration at the C4 position of proline yielded much more potent LTA4 hydrolase inhibitors (IC50; 52, 31, and 34nM, respectively) than captopril (IC50; 630,000nM).
Discovery of novel and potent aryl diamines as leukotriene A4 hydrolase inhibitors
2008-01-01
The synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of aryl diamines as inhibitors of LTA4-h inhibitors are described. The optimization which led to the identification of the optimal para-substitution on the diphenyl ether moiety and diamine spacer is discussed. The resulting compounds such as 3l have excellent enzyme and cellular potency as well as desirable pharmacokinetic properties.
2009-01-01
We studied synthetic modifications of N-mercaptoacylamino acid derivatives to develop a new class of leukotriene A4 (LTA4) hydrolase inhibitors. S-(4-Dimethylamino)benzyl-l-cysteine derivative 2a (SA6541) showed inhibitory activity against LTA4 hydrolase (IC50, 270nM) and selectivity over other metallopeptidases except angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, IC50, 520nM). Modification at the para-substituent of the phenyl ring of compound 2a improved LTA4 hydrolase inhibitory activity as well as selectivity over ACE. Finally, we obtained S-(4-cyclohexyl)benzy-l-cysteine derivatives 11l and 16i as potent and selective LTA4 hydrolase inhibitors.
Discovery of Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase Inhibitors Using Metabolomics Biased Fragment Crystallography†
2009-08-13
We describe a novel fragment library termed fragments of life (FOL)...Full Text Available
Discovery of Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase Inhibitors Using Metabolomics Biased Fragment Crystallography†
2009-08-13
Full Text Available.We describe a novel fragment library termed fragments of life (FOL) for structure-based drug discovery. The FOL library includes natural small molecules of life, derivatives thereof, and biaryl protein architecture mimetics. The choice of fragments facilitates the interrogation of protein active sites, allosteric binding sites, and protein−protein interaction surfaces for fragment binding. We screened the FOL library against leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) by X-ray crystallography. A diverse set of fragments including derivatives of resveratrol, nicotinamide, and indole were identified as efficient ligands for LTA4H. These fragments were elaborated in a small number of synthetic cycles into potent inhibitors of LTA4H representing multiple novel chemotypes for modulating leukotriene biosynthesis. Analysis of the fragment-bound structures also showed that the fragments comprehensively recapitulated key chemical features and binding modes of several reported LTA4H inhibitors.
2006-01-01
Previous studies have shown that aberrant arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, especially cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-Lox) pathways, are activated during oral carcinogenesis, and can be targeted for cancer prevention. This study was designed to investigate the importance of 5-Lox/leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) pathway of AA metabolism in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster cheek pouch carcinogenesis. In a short-term study, topical application of DMBA for 3 weeks induced severe inflammation and aberrant AA metabolism. Subsequent topical treatment with zileuton, celecoxib, or their combination for 1 week significantly suppressed aberrant AA metabolism and cell proliferation in the oral epithelium. Interestingly, zileuton was effective in inhibiting biosynt...
Synthesis of N-alkyl glycine amides as potent inhibitors of leukotriene A4 hydrolase
2008-01-01
The synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of N-alkyl glycine amide analogs as LTA4-h inhibitors and the importance of the introduction of a benzoic acid group to the potency and pharmacokinetic parameters of our analogs are described. The lead compound in the series, 4q, has excellent potency and oral bioavailability.
Synthesis of glutamic acid analogs as potent inhibitors of leukotriene A4 hydrolase
2008-01-01
Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent pro-inflammatory mediator that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and asthma. As a method to decrease the level of LTB4 and possibly identify novel treatments, inhibitors of the LTB4 biosynthetic enzyme, leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4-h), have been explored. Here we describe the discovery of a potent inhibitor of LTA4-h, arylamide of glutamic acid 4f, starting from the corresponding glycinamide 2. Analogs of 4f are then described, focusing on compounds that are both active and stable in whole blood. This effort culminated in the identification of amino alcohol 12a and amino ester 6b which meet these criteria.
1985-01-01
Analysis of leukotriene B4 production by purified rat and human neutrophil leukotriene (LT) A4 hydrolases in the presence of 5(S)-trans-5,6-oxido-7,9-trans-11-cis-eicosatrienoic acid (leukotriene A3) demonstrated that this epoxide is a potent inhibitor of LTA4 hydrolase. Insignificant amounts of 5(S), 12(R)-dihydroxy-6-cis-8,10-trans-eicosatrienoic acid (leukotriene B3) were formed by incubation of rat neutrophils with leukotriene A3 or by the purified rat and human LTA4 hydrolases incubated with leukotriene A3. Leukotriene A3 was shown to be a potent inhibitor of leukotriene B4 production by rat neutrophils and also by purified rat and human LTA4 hydrolases. Covalent coupling of [3H]leukotriene A4 to both rat and human neutrophil LTA4 hydrolases was shown, and this coupling was inhibited by preincubation of the enzymes with leukotriene A4. ... >>
2008-01-01
Background and purpose:Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), formed by the sequential actions of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), is a pro-inflammatory mediator implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. However, inhibitors of 5-LO have not proved to be consistent in their therapeutic efficacy in colitis. Another approach to inhibiting LTB4 synthesis is through the use of inhibitors of LTA4H, such as the novel, potent and selective compound, JNJ 26993135.Experimental approach:The effect of oral administration of JNJ 26993135 has been evaluated in a rat model of colitis provoked by colonic instillation of trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS). The extent and severity of the macroscopic inflammatory response, the colonic levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and L...
2008-01-01
Summary M1 aminopeptidases comprise a large family of biologically important zinc enzymes. We show that peptide turnover by the M1 prototype, leukotriene A4 hydrolase/aminopeptidase, involves a shift in substrate position associated with exchange of zinc coordinating groups, while maintaining the overall coordination geometry. The transition state is stabilized by residues conserved among M1 members and in the final reaction step, Glu-296 of the canonical zinc binding HEXXH motif shuffles a proton from the hydrolytic water to the leaving group. Tripeptide substrates bind along the conserved GXMEN motif, precisely occupying the distance between Glu-271 and Arg-563, whereas the Arg specificity is governed by a narrow S1 pocket capped with Asp-375. Our data provide detailed insights to the ac...
2006-01-01
Racemic derivatives of 3-amino-2-tetralone were synthesised and evaluated for their ability to inhibit metallo-aminopeptidase activities. New compounds substituted in position 2 by methyl ketone, substituted oximes or hydroxamic acids as well as heterocyclic derivatives were evaluated against representative members of zinc-dependent aminopeptidases: leucine aminopeptidase (E.C. 3.4.11.1), aminopeptidase-N (E.C. 3.4.11.2), Aeromonas proteolytica aminopeptidase (E.C. 3.4.11.10), and the aminopeptidase activity of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (E.C. 3.3.2.6). Several compounds showed Ki values in the low micromolar range against the `one-zinc' aminopeptidases, while most of them were rather poor inhibitors of the `two-zinc' enzymes. This interesting selectivity profile may guide the design of new,...
Therapeutic options for 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors
2006-01-01
5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) into leukotriene (LT) A4 and 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid. LTA4 can then be converted into LTB4 by LTA4 hydrolase or into LTC4 by LTC4 synthase and the LTC4 synthase isoenzymes MGST2 and MGST3. LTB4 is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes leading to adherence of phagocytes to vessel walls, neutrophil degranulation and release of superoxide anions. LTC4 and its metabolite, LTD4, are potent bronchoconstrictors that increase vascular permeability and stimulate mucus secretion from airways. Recent data also suggest that LT have an immunomodulatory role. Due to these properties, the increased biosynthesis of LT in asthma, and based upon clinical data obtained with CysLT1 receptor antagon...
http://eprints.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/00001651/01/Thesis_Full_Version_Revision_15_April_2006.pdf
Central infusion of the hexapeptide angiotensin IV (Ang IV) and its analogs have been demonstrated to markedly enhance memory retention and retrieval in rats using a range of learning and memory paradigms. This effect is mediated by the binding of the peptide to the specific binding site previously described as the AT4 receptor. The AT4 receptor has been isolated and identified as insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP), a type II transmembrane protein belonging to the M1 family of zinc-dependent aminopeptidases. Subsequently, AT4 receptor ligands, including Ang IV and its analogues and the unrelated peptide LVV-hemorphin-7, were demonstrated to be peptide inhibitors of IRAP. These findings suggest that AT4 ligands may exert their cognitive effects by inhibiting the catalytic activity of IRAP in the brain. Therefore, IRAP is an important target for the development of a new class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of memory loss.To characterize IRAP at the molecular level and identify non-peptide inhibitors of IRAP for drug development, the aims of this study were to: 1) determine whether IRAP exists as a homodimer; 2) identify cysteine residue(s) involved in IRAP dimerization; 3) investigate the roles of the conserved residues of the HEXXH(X)18E Zn2+-binding motif and the GAMEN motif in substrate/inhibitor binding using site-directed mutagenesis; 4) use a molecular model of the catalytic domain of IRAP based on the crystal structure of a related M1 family metallopeptidase to: (i) identify key residues required for substrate/inhibitor binding; (ii) identify and characterize non-peptide IRAP inhibitors from a compound database by in silico virtual screening based on the homology model of IRAP.Co-immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting of IRAP under reducing and non-reducing conditions showed IRAP exists both as covalently- and non-covalently-bound homodimers. Serine scanning of cysteine residues potentially involved in forming inter-molecule disulfide-bonds was performed. Mutational analyses indicated that covalent homodimerization of IRAP is due to more than one cysteine residue. Limited trypsin digestion followed by co-immunoprecipitation suggests that non-covalent homodimerization of IRAP involves residues/regions within the last 130 amino acids of the protein.The catalytic site of IRAP contains two consensus motifs, the H464EXXH468(X)18E487 Zn2+-binding motif and the G428AMEN432 motif. The role of conserved residues with these motifs was investigated using site-directed mutagenesis and pharmacological analyses. The conserved His and Glu residues of the Zn2+-binding motif were shown to be essential for IRAP catalytic activity. This was also observed for the Met and Glu residues of the GAMEN motif, while Asn mutant retained some catalytic activity. Residues important for substrate or inhibitor binding were identified as Gly, Ala and Asn.A molecular model of the catalytic domain of IRAP based on the crystal structure of a homologous M1 metallopeptidase, leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) was used to compare the catalytic sites of IRAP and LTA4H, and identified two amino acids at the putative substrate-binding pocket: Ala427 and Leu483 in IRAP, and the corresponding residues Tyr267 and Phe314 in LTA4H. A mutational analysis involving substitution of Ala427 and Leu483 with the corresponding residues revealed Ala427 and Leu483 characterize the enzyme S1 subsite, influencing the affinity and placement of substrates and peptide inhibitors in the catalytic site.The molecular model of IRAP was also used for virtual screening of compound databases to identify novel non-peptide inhibitors. After two rounds of in silico screening, a family of compounds was identified and shown to be specific and competitive inhibitors of IRAP. Preliminary results suggest that one of these inhibitors, referred to as HFI 142, may possess memory-enhancing properties. The identification of non-peptide IRAP inhibitors will assist in pharmacological studies aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of IRAP aminopeptidase activity and physiological role of IRAP. In addition, the new inhibitors have the potential to form the basis for the development of a novel class of drugs useful for treating memory disorders. Language: eng Rights: validuser; Terms and Conditions: Copyright in works deposited in the University of Melbourne Eprints Repository (UMER) is retained by the copyright owner. The work may not be altered without permission from the copyright owner. Readers may only, download, print, and save electronic copies of whole works for their own personal non-commercial use. Any use that exceeds these limits requires permission from the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from these works.; Restricted Access: University of Melbourne Staff and Students Only; Login required please enter your University of Melbourne email username and password in the login boxes at the top righthand of this repository page to access this item.
Uranium adsorption by Bacillus SP: implications for radionuclide transport through soils
1999-02-01
No abstract prepared
Accepted mechanism is impaired immuncompetence In a mouse model, a benign strain of coxsackievirus B3 became virulent and caused myocarditis in selenium- and vitamin E-deficient mice.
Tumor Vascular Changes Mediated by Inhibition of Oncogenic Signaling
2009-08-01
Many inhibitors of the EGFR-RAS-PI3 kinase-AKT signaling pathway are in clinical use or under development for cancer therapy. Here we show that treatment of mice bearing human tumor xenografts...Full Text Available
Tumor Vascular Changes Mediated by Inhibition of Oncogenic Signaling
2009-08-01
Full Text Available.Many inhibitors of the EGFR-RAS-PI3 kinase-AKT signaling pathway are in clinical use or under development for cancer therapy. Here we show that treatment of mice bearing human tumor xenografts with inhibitors that block EGFR, RAS, PI3 kinase or AKT resulted in prolonged and durable enhancement of tumor vascular flow, perfusion and decreased tumor hypoxia. The vessels in the treated tumors had decreased tortuosity and increased internodal length accounting for the functional alterations. Inhibition of tumor growth cannot account for these results as the drugs were given at doses that did not alter tumor growth. The tumor cell itself was an essential target as HT1080 tumors that lack EGFR did not respond to an EGFR inhibitor, but did respond with vascular alterations to RAS or PI3 Kinase inhibition. We extended these observations to spontaneously arising tumors in MMTV-neu mice. These tumors also responded to PI3 kinase inhibition with decreased tumor hypoxia, increased vascular flow and morphological alterations of their vessels including increased vascular maturity and acquisition of pericyte markers. These changes are similar to the vascular normalization that has been described after anti-angiogenic treatment of xenografts. One difficulty in the use of vascular normalization as a therapeutic strategy has been its limited duration. In contrast, blocking tumor cell RAS-PI3K-AKT signaling led to persistent vascular changes that might be incorporated into clinical strategies based on improvement of vascular flow or decreased hypoxia. These results indicate that vascular alterations must be considered as a consequence of signaling inhibition in cancer therapy.
Full Text Available.DNase II enzymes are acidic endonucleases that have been implicated in mediating apoptotic DNA degradation, a critical cell death execution event. C. elegans genome contains three DNase II homologues, NUC-1, CRN-6, and CRN-7, but their expression patterns, acting sites, and roles in apoptotic DNA degradation and development are unclear. We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of three C. elegans DNase II genes and found that nuc-1 plays a major role, crn-6 plays an auxiliary role, and crn-7 plays a negligible role in resolving 3′ OH DNA breaks generated in apoptotic cells. Promoter swapping experiments suggest that crn-6 but not crn-7 can partially substitute for nuc-1 in mediating apoptotic DNA degradation and both fail to replace nuc-1 in degrading bacterial DNA in intestine. Despite of their restricted and largely non-overlapping expression patterns, both CRN-6 and NUC-1 can mediate apoptotic DNA degradation in many cells, suggesting that they are likely secreted nucleases that are retaken up by other cells to exert DNA degradation functions. Removal or disruption of NUC-1 secretion signal eliminates NUC-1's ability to mediate DNA degradation across its expression border. Furthermore, blocking cell corpse engulfment does not affect apoptotic DNA degradation mediated by nuc-1, suggesting that NUC-1 acts in apoptotic cells rather than in phagocytes to resolve 3′ OH DNA breaks. Our study illustrates how multiple DNase II nucleases play differential roles in apoptotic DNA degradation and development and reveals an unexpected mode of DNase II action in mediating DNA degradation.
DNase II enzymes are acidic endonucleases that have been implicated in mediating apoptotic DNA degradation, a critical cell death execution event. C. elegans genome contains three DNase...Full Text Available
The 5-Lipoxygenase as a Common Pathway for Pathological Brain and Vascular Aging
2009-01-01
Full Text Available.Epidemiological studies indicate age as a strong risk factor for developing cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. During the aging process, changes in the expression of particular genes can influence the susceptibility to these diseases. 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) by oxidizing fatty acids forms leukotrienes, potent mediators of oxidative and inflammatory reactions, two key pathogenic events in both clinical settings. This enzyme is widely distributed in the cardiovascular as well as in the central nervous system, where its expression levels increase with age, suggesting that it may be involved in their diseases of aging. The central theme of this article is that during aging, 5-LO acts as biologic link between different stressors and the development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesize that the age-dependent upregulation of 5-LO represents a “priming” factor in the vasculature as well as in the brain, where a subsequent exposure to triggering stimuli (i.e., infections) leads to an abnormal chronic inflammatory reaction, and ultimately results in increased organ vulnerability and functional deficits.
The 5-Lipoxygenase as a Common Pathway for Pathological Brain and Vascular Aging
2009-01-01
Epidemiological studies indicate age as a strong risk factor for developing cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. During the aging process, changes in the expression of particular genes can...Full Text Available
Selective biosorption of lanthanide (La, Eu, Yb) ions by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
1999-02-01
No abstract prepared
2009-11-01
In Staphylococcus aureus, rsbU dowregulates agr and stimulates production of staphyloxanthin (STX), an anti-oxidant that may contribute to intracellular survival...Full Text Available
2009-11-01
Full Text Available.In Staphylococcus aureus, rsbU dowregulates agr and stimulates production of staphyloxanthin (STX), an anti-oxidant that may contribute to intracellular survival after phagocytosis. Using isogenic rsbU- and rsbU+ strains, we show that rsbU causes increased internalization and intracellular growth in both THP-1 macrophages and HUVEC cells (more so for the latter) without change in sub-cellular localization. Inhibition of STX biosynthesis markedly reduces intracellular growth of the rsbU+ strain (and of clinical isolates, including USA300; A5 tested with macrophages only), without affecting internalization. rsbU is important for uptake, and for STX biosynthesis, critical for intracellular multiplication of S. aureus.
Reduction of hexavalent chromium by mixed culture sulphate-reducing bacterial biofilms
1999-02-01
No abstract prepared
Nitric oxide activation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling in human colon carcinoma cells
2009-08-25
The transcription factor NF-E2-related nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates expression of genes that protect cells from oxidative damage. Here, we characterized nitric oxide (•NO)-induced Nrf2–Kelch-like...Full Text Available
Nitric oxide activation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling in human colon carcinoma cells
2009-08-25
Full Text Available.The transcription factor NF-E2-related nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates expression of genes that protect cells from oxidative damage. Here, we characterized nitric oxide (•NO)-induced Nrf2–Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling and its role in counteracting •NO-induced apoptosis of human colon cancer HCT116 cells. Nrf2 was localized in the cytoplasm in control cells; •NO triggered its rapid nuclear accumulation, transcriptional activation, and up-regulation of HO-1, NQO1, and GCL, but not GST A4 and P1 subunits. Nrf2 accumulation in the nucleus was also associated with enhanced transcription and posttranscriptional modifications. (S)-nitrosation of Keap1 may contribute to nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 by facilitating its dissociation from Keap1, thus initiating •NO-mediated Nrf2–Keap1 signaling. •NO-mediated induction of ARE-dependent genes occurred well before apoptosis, as judged by caspase 3 activation. Collectively, these results show that the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway mediates protective cellular responses to mitigate •NO-induced damage and may contribute to the relative resistance of HCT116 to •NO-induced cytotoxicity.
2010-03-15
Gaucher disease is caused by defective acid β-glucosidase (GCase) function. Saposin C is a lysosomal protein needed for optimal GCase activity. To test the in vivo effects of...Full Text Available
2010-03-15
Full Text Available.Gaucher disease is caused by defective acid β-glucosidase (GCase) function. Saposin C is a lysosomal protein needed for optimal GCase activity. To test the in vivo effects of saposin C on GCase, saposin C deficient mice (C−/−) were backcrossed to point mutated GCase (V394L/V394L) mice. The resultant mice (4L;C*) began to exhibit CNS abnormalities ∼30 days: first as hindlimb paresis, then progressive tremor and ataxia. Death occurred ∼48 days due to neurological deficits. Axonal degeneration was evident in brain stem, spinal cord and white matter of cerebellum accompanied by increasing infiltration of the brain stem, cortex and thalamus by CD68 positive microglial cells and activation of astrocytes. Electron microscopy showed inclusion bodies in neuronal processes and degenerating cells. Accumulation of p62 and Lamp2 were prominent in the brain suggesting the impairment of autophagosome/lysosome function. This phenotype was different from either V394L/V394L or C−/− alone. Relative to V394L/V394L mice, 4L;C* mice had diminished GCase protein and activity. Marked increases (20- to 30-fold) of glucosylsphingosine (GS) and moderate elevation (1.5- to 3-fold) of glucosylceramide (GC) were in 4L;C* brains. Visceral tissues had increases of GS and GC, but no storage cells were found. Neuronal cells in thick hippocampal slices from 4L;C* mice had significantly attenuated long-term potentiation, presumably resulting from substrate accumulation. The 4L;C* mouse mimics the CNS phenotype and biochemistry of some type 3 (neuronopathic) variants of Gaucher disease and is a unique model suitable for testing pharmacological chaperone and substrate reduction therapies, and investigating the mechanisms of neuronopathic Gaucher disease.
Molecular physiology of heavy metal resistance in Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34
1999-02-01
No abstract prepared
Metal-bacterial interactions in sulphate-reducing bacterial biofilms
1999-02-01
No abstract prepared
MEROPS: the peptidase database
2010-01-01
Peptidases, their substrates and inhibitors are of great relevance to biology, medicine and biotechnology. The MEROPS database (http://merops.sanger.ac.uk)...Full Text Available
MEROPS: the peptidase database
2010-01-01
Full Text Available.Peptidases, their substrates and inhibitors are of great relevance to biology, medicine and biotechnology. The MEROPS database (http://merops.sanger.ac.uk) aims to fulfil the need for an integrated source of information about these. The database has a hierarchical classification in which homologous sets of peptidases and protein inhibitors are grouped into protein species, which are grouped into families, which are in turn grouped into clans. The classification framework is used for attaching information at each level. An important focus of the database has become distinguishing one peptidase from another through identifying the specificity of the peptidase in terms of where it will cleave substrates and with which inhibitors it will interact. We have collected over 39 000 known cleavage sites in proteins, peptides and synthetic substrates. These allow us to display peptidase specificity and alignments of protein substrates to give an indication of how well a cleavage site is conserved, and thus its probable physiological relevance. While the number of new peptidase families and clans has only grown slowly the number of complete genomes has greatly increased. This has allowed us to add an analysis tool to the relevant species pages to show significant gains and losses of peptidase genes relative to related species.
Leukotrienes in Atherosclerosis: New Target Insights and Future Therapy Perspectives
2009-01-01
Full Text Available.Atherosclerosis represents an important chronic inflammatory process associated with several pathophysiological reactions in the vascular wall. The arachidonic acid, released by phospholipase A2, is an important substrate for the production of a group of lipid mediators known as leukotrienes, which induce proinflammatory signaling through the activation of specific BLT and CysLT receptors. The interaction of these substances in the vascular wall determines important morphological alterations like the early lipid retention and the accumulation of foam cells, the development of intimal hyperplasia, and advanced atherosclerotic lesions, and it plays an important role in the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. Many studies regarding myocardial ischemia and reperfusion show that leukotriene signaling may be involved in the development of ischemic injury. For these, reasons both leukotriene synthesis inhibitors and leukotriene receptor antagonists have been suggested for inducing beneficial effects at different stages of the atherosclerosis process and may represent a new therapeutic target in the treatment of atherosclerotic vessel diseases, in particular in acute coronary syndrome.
Leukotrienes in Atherosclerosis: New Target Insights and Future Therapy Perspectives
2009-01-01
Atherosclerosis represents an important chronic inflammatory process associated with several pathophysiological reactions in the vascular wall. The arachidonic acid, released by phospholipase A2, is...Full Text Available
June 2006 17 The NCI-Frederick Poster Spring Research Festival Congratulations to the 2006 Spring Research Festival Poster Winners Associate Director Dr. Ester Rozenblum ? Laboratory of Molecular Technology (New Technology) Laboratory of Molecular Technology (LMT) Technology Development Associate Scientist John M.
Interaction of oxyanions with microbial biomass. The case of Cr and Se
1999-02-01
No abstract prepared
Identification of possible targets of the Aspergillus fumigatus CRZ1 homologue, CrzA
Full Text Available.BackgroundCalcineurin, a serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase, plays an important role in the control of cell morphology and virulence in fungi. Calcineurin regulates localization and activity of a transcription factor called CRZ1. Recently, we characterize Aspergillus fumigatus CRZ1 homologue, AfCrzA. Here, we investigate which pathways are influenced by A. fumigatus AfCrzA during a short pulse of calcium by comparatively determining the transcriptional profile of A. fumigatus wild type and ΔAfcrzA mutant strains.ResultsWe were able to observe 3,622 genes modulated in at least one timepoint in the mutant when compared to the wild type strain (3,211 and 411 at 10 and 30 minutes, respectively). Decreased mRNA abundance in the ΔcrzA was seen for genes encoding calcium transporters, transcription factors and genes that could be directly or indirectly involved in calcium metabolism. Increased mRNA accumulation was observed for some genes encoding proteins involved in stress response. AfCrzA overexpression in A. fumigatus increases the expression of several of these genes. The deleted strain of one of these genes, AfRcnA, belonging to a class of endogenous calcineurin regulators, calcipressins, had more calcineurin activity after exposure to calcium and was less sensitive to menadione 30 μM, hydrogen peroxide 2.5 mM, EGTA 25 mM, and MnCl2 25 mM. We constructed deletion, overexpression, and GFP fusion protein for the closely related A. nidulans AnRcnA. GFP::RcnA was mostly detected along the germling, did not accumulate in the nuclei and its location is not affected by the cellular response to calcium chloride.ConclusionWe have performed a transcriptional profiling analysis of the A. fumigatus ΔAfcrzA mutant strain exposed to calcium stress. This provided an excellent opportunity to identify genes and pathways that are under the influence of AfCrzA. AfRcnA, one of these selected genes, encodes a modulator of calcineurin activity. Concomitantly with A. fumigatus AfrcnA molecular analysis, we decided to exploit the conserved features of A. nidulans calcineurin system and investigated the A. nidulans AnRcnA homologue. A. nidulans AnRcnA mutation is suppressing CnaA mutation and it is responsible for modulating the calcineurin activity and mRNA accumulation of genes encoding calcium transporters.
Identification of possible targets of the Aspergillus fumigatus CRZ1 homologue, CrzA
BackgroundCalcineurin, a serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase, plays an important role in the control of cell morphology and virulence in fungi. Calcineurin regulates localization...Full Text Available
Identification of β-Secretase (BACE1) Substrates Using Quantitative Proteomics
Full Text Available.β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a transmembrane aspartyl protease with a lumenal active site that sheds the ectodomains of membrane proteins through juxtamembrane proteolysis. BACE1 has been studied principally for its role in Alzheimer's disease as the β-secretase responsible for generating the amyloid-β protein. Emerging evidence from mouse models has identified the importance of BACE1 in myelination and cognitive performance. However, the substrates that BACE1 processes to regulate these functions are unknown, and to date only a few β-secretase substrates have been identified through candidate-based studies. Using an unbiased approach to substrate identification, we performed quantitative proteomic analysis of two human epithelial cell lines stably expressing BACE1 and identified 68 putative β-secretase substrates, a number of which we validated in a cell culture system. The vast majority were of type I transmembrane topology, although one was type II and three were GPI-linked proteins. Intriguingly, a preponderance of these proteins are involved in contact-dependent intercellular communication or serve as receptors and have recognized roles in the nervous system and other organs. No consistent sequence motif predicting BACE1 cleavage was identified in substrates versus non-substrates. These findings expand our understanding of the proteins and cellular processes that BACE1 may regulate, and suggest possible mechanisms of toxicity arising from chronic BACE1 inhibition.
Identification of β-Secretase (BACE1) Substrates Using Quantitative Proteomics
β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a transmembrane aspartyl protease with a lumenal active site that sheds the ectodomains of membrane proteins through juxtamembrane proteolysis. BACE1...Full Text Available
2009-10-01
Recent genome-wide association studies have linked the chromosome 15q24-25.1 locus to nicotine addiction and lung cancer susceptibility. To refine the 15q24-25.1 locus, we performed a haplotype-based...Full Text Available
2009-10-01
Full Text Available.Recent genome-wide association studies have linked the chromosome 15q24-25.1 locus to nicotine addiction and lung cancer susceptibility. To refine the 15q24-25.1 locus, we performed a haplotype-based association analysis of 194 familial lung cases and 219 cancer-free controls from the Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Consortium (GELCC) collection, and used proliferation and apoptosis analyses to determine which gene(s) in the 15q24-25.1 locus mediates effects on lung cancer cell growth in vitro. We identified two distinct subregions, hapL (P = 3.20 × 10−6) and hapN (P = 1.51 × 10−6), which were significantly associated with familial lung cancer. hapL encompasses IREB2, LOC123688,and PSMA4, and hapN encompasses the three nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit genes CHRNA5, CHRNA3,and CHRNB4. Examination of the genes around hapL revealed that PSMA4 plays a role in promoting cancer cell proliferation. PSMA4 mRNA levels were increased in lung tumors compared with normal lung tissues. Down-regulation of PSMA4 expression decreased proteasome activity and induced apoptosis. Proteasome dysfunction leads to many diseases including cancer, and drugs that inhibit proteasome activity show promise as a form of cancer treatment. Genes around hapN were also investigated, but did not show any direct effect on lung cancer cell proliferation. We concluded that PSMA4 is a strong candidate mediator of lung cancer cell growth,and may directly affect lung cancer susceptibility through its modulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Full Text Available.BackgroundAs uricoletic animals, chickens produce cleidoic eggs, which are self-contained bacteria-resistant biological packages for extra-uterine development of the chick embryo. The eggshell constitutes a natural physical barrier against bacterial penetration if it forms correctly and remains intact. The eggshell's remarkable mechanical properties are due to interactions among mineral components and the organic matrix proteins. The purpose of our study was to identify novel eggshell proteins by examining the transcriptome of the uterus during calcification of the eggshell. An extensive bioinformatic analysis on genes over-expressed in the uterus allowed us to identify novel eggshell proteins that contribute to the egg's natural defenses.ResultsOur 14 K Del-Mar Chicken Integrated Systems microarray was used for transcriptional profiling in the hen's uterus during eggshell deposition. A total of 605 transcripts were over-expressed in the uterus compared with the magnum or white isthmus across a wide range of abundance (1.1- to 79.4-fold difference). The 605 highly-expressed uterine transcripts correspond to 469 unique genes, which encode 437 different proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was used for interpretation of protein function. The most over-represented GO terms are related to genes encoding ion transport proteins, which provide eggshell mineral precursors. Signal peptide sequence was found for 54 putative proteins secreted by the uterus during eggshell formation. Many functional proteins are involved in calcium binding or biomineralization--prerequisites for interacting with the mineral phase during eggshell fabrication. While another large group of proteins could be involved in proper folding of the eggshell matrix. Many secreted uterine proteins possess antibacterial properties, which would protect the egg against microbial invasion. A final group includes proteases and protease inhibitors that regulate protein activity in the acellular uterine fluid where eggshell formation takes place.ConclusionsOur original study provides the first detailed description of the chicken uterus transcriptome during formation of the eggshell. We have discovered a cache of about 600 functional genes and identified a large number of encoded proteins secreted into uterine fluid for fabrication of the eggshell and chemical protection of the egg. Some of these uterine genes could prove useful as biological markers for genetic improvement of phenotypic traits (i.e., egg and eggshell quality).
BackgroundAs uricoletic animals, chickens produce cleidoic eggs, which are self-contained bacteria-resistant biological packages for extra-uterine development of the chick embryo....Full Text Available
Drug lowers inflammatory markers associated with risk for heart attack
A preliminary study suggests that use of a drug that inhibits a specific protein in patients with certain genetic variants that increase their risk for heart attack reduced their levels of inflammatory markers ...
Dihydroxyoctadecamonoenoate esters inhibit the neutrophil respiratory burst
2007-01-01
The leukotoxins [9(10)-and 12(13)-EpOME] are produced by activated inflammatory leukocytes such as neutrophils. High EpOME levels are observed in disorders such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and in patients with extensive burns. Although the physiological significance of the EpOMEs remains poorly understood, in some systems, the EpOMEs act as a protoxin, with their corresponding epoxide hydrolase metabolites, 9,10-and 12,13-DiHOME, specifically exerting toxicity. Both the EpOMEs and the DiHOMEs were also recently shown to have neutrophil chemotactic activity. We evaluated whether the neutrophil respiratory burst, a surge of oxidant production thought to play an important role in limiting certain bacterial and fungal infections, is modulated by members of the EpOME metabolic pathwa...
Full Text Available.BackgroundDespite the significant progress made in colon cancer chemotherapy, advanced disease remains largely incurable and novel efficacious chemotherapies are urgently needed. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) represent a novel class of agents which have demonstrated promising preclinical activity and are undergoing clinical evaluation in colon cancer. The goal of this study was to identify genes in colon cancer cells that are differentially regulated by two clinically advanced hydroxamic acid HDACi, vorinostat and LBH589 to provide rationale for novel drug combination partners and identify a core set of HDACi-regulated genes.MethodsHCT116 and HT29 colon cancer cells were treated with LBH589 or vorinostat and growth inhibition, acetylation status and apoptosis were analyzed in response to treatment using MTS, Western blotting and flow cytometric analyses. In addition, gene expression was analyzed using the Illumina Human-6 V2 BeadChip array and Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis.ResultsTreatment with either vorinostat or LBH589 rapidly induced histone acetylation, cell cycle arrest and inhibited the growth of both HCT116 and HT29 cells. Bioinformatic analysis of the microarray profiling revealed significant similarity in the genes altered in expression following treatment with the two HDACi tested within each cell line. However, analysis of genes that were altered in expression in the HCT116 and HT29 cells revealed cell-line-specific responses to HDACi treatment. In addition a core cassette of 11 genes modulated by both vorinostat and LBH589 were identified in both colon cancer cell lines analyzed.ConclusionThis study identified HDACi-induced alterations in critical genes involved in nucleotide metabolism, angiogenesis, mitosis and cell survival which may represent potential intervention points for novel therapeutic combinations in colon cancer. This information will assist in the identification of novel pathways and targets that are modulated by HDACi, providing much-needed information on HDACi mechanism of action and providing rationale for novel drug combination partners. We identified a core signature of 11 genes which were modulated by both vorinostat and LBH589 in a similar manner in both cell lines. These core genes will assist in the development and validation of a common gene set which may represent a molecular signature of HDAC inhibition in colon cancer.
BackgroundDespite the significant progress made in colon cancer chemotherapy, advanced disease remains largely incurable and novel efficacious chemotherapies are urgently needed....Full Text Available
By working with members of the Diet Working Group of the Colon Cancer Family Registry (C-CFR), I propose conducting a population-based case-control study to evaluate the relationship of intake of fruit, vegetables, and meat (including preparation) prior to development of colon cancer.
Full Text Available.BackgroundBacterial infection with the severe complication of sepsis is a frequent and serious condition, being a major cause of death worldwide. To cope with the plethora of occurring bacterial infections there is therefore an urgent need to identify molecular mechanisms operating during the host response, in order both to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention and to identify biomarkers for disease. Here we addressed this issue by studying global gene expression in uteri from female dogs suffering from spontaneously occurring uterine bacterial infection.Principal FindingsThe analysis showed that almost 800 genes were significantly (p<0.05) upregulated (>2-fold) in the uteri of diseased animals. Among these were numerous chemokine and cytokine genes, as well as genes associated with inflammatory cell extravasation, anti-bacterial action, the complement system and innate immune responses, as well as proteoglycan-associated genes. There was also a striking representation of genes associated with proteolysis. Robust upregulation of immunoglobulin components and genes involved in antigen presentation was also evident, indicating elaboration of a strong adaptive immune response. The bacterial infection was also associated with a significant downregulation of almost 700 genes, of which various homeobox and zinc finger transcription factors were highly represented.Conclusions/SignificanceTogether, these finding outline the molecular patterns involved in bacterial infection of the uterus. The study identified altered expression of numerous genes not previously implicated in bacterial disease, and several of these may be evaluated for potential as biomarkers of disease or as therapeutic targets. Importantly, since humans and dogs show genetic similarity and develop diseases that share many characteristics, the molecular events identified here are likely to reflect the corresponding situation in humans afflicted by similar disease.
BackgroundBacterial infection with the severe complication of sepsis is a frequent and serious condition, being a major cause of death worldwide. To cope with the plethora of occurring...Full Text Available
Biosorption and bioreduction of heavy metals by Arthrobacter sp. BP 7/26
1999-02-01
No abstract prepared
Bioleaching: mobilization and recovery of metals from solid waste materials
1999-02-01
No abstract prepared
Aging-related chromatin defects via loss of the NURD complex
2009-10-01
Physiological and premature aging are characterized by multiple defects in chromatin structure and accumulation of persistent DNA damage. Here we identify the NURD remodeling complex as a key...Full Text Available
Aging-related chromatin defects via loss of the NURD complex
2009-10-01
Full Text Available.Physiological and premature aging are characterized by multiple defects in chromatin structure and accumulation of persistent DNA damage. Here we identify the NURD remodeling complex as a key modulator of these aging-associated chromatin defects. We demonstrate loss of several NURD components during premature and normal aging and we find aging-associated reduction of HDAC1 activity. Silencing of individual NURD subunits recapitulates some chromatin defects associated with aging and we provide evidence that structural chromatin defects precede DNA damage accumulation. These results outline a molecular mechanism for chromatin defects during aging.
Full Text Available.BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a growing threat to global health as it often leads to serious liver diseases and is one of the primary causes for liver transplantation. Currently, no vaccines are available to prevent HCV infection and clinical treatments have limited success. Since HCV has a small proteome, it relies on many host cell proteins to complete its life cycle. In this study, we used a non-directed phenyl sulfonate ester probe (PS4≡) to selectively target a broad range of enzyme families that show differential activity during HCV replication in Huh-7 cells.ResultsThe PS4≡ probe successfully targeted 19 active proteins in nine distinct protein families, some that were predominantly labeled in situ compared to the in vitro labeled cell homogenate. Nine proteins revealed altered activity levels during HCV replication. Some candidates identified, such as heat shock 70 kDa protein 8 (or HSP70 cognate), have been shown to influence viral release and abundance of cellular lipid droplets. Other differentially active PS4≡ targets, such as electron transfer flavoprotein alpha, protein disulfide isomerase A5, and nuclear distribution gene C homolog, constitute novel proteins that potentially mediate HCV propagation.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate the practicality and versatility of non-directed activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) to complement directed methods and accelerate the discovery of altered protein activities associated with pathological states such as HCV replication. Collectively, these results highlight the ability of in situ ABPP approaches to facilitate the identification of enzymes that are either predominantly or exclusively labeled in living cells. Several of these differentially active enzymes represent possible HCV-host interactions that could be targeted for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a growing threat to global health as it often leads to serious liver diseases and is one of the primary causes for liver transplantation....Full Text Available
A nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry-based enzyme activity assay
2008-03-10
We describe a Nanostructure-Initiator Mass Spectrometry (NIMS) enzymatic (Nimzyme) assay in which enzyme substrates are immobilized on the mass spectrometry surface by using fluorous-phase interactions. This 'soft' immobilization allows efficient desorption/ionization while also enabling the use of surface-washing steps to reduce signal suppression from complex biological samples, which results from the preferential retention of the tagged products and reactants. The Nimzyme assay is sensitive to subpicogram levels of enzyme, detects both addition and cleavage reactions (sialyltransferase and galactosidase), is applicable over a wide range of pHs and temperatures, and can measure activity directly from crude cell lysates. The ability of the Nimzyme assay to analyze complex mixtures is illustrated by identifying and directly characterizing {beta}-1,4-galactosidase activity from a thermophilic microbial community lysate. The optimal enzyme temperature and pH were found to be 65 C and 5.5, respectively, and the activity was inhibited by both phenylethyl-{beta}-d-thiogalactopyranoside and deoxygalactonojirimycin. Metagenomic analysis of the community suggests that the activity is from an uncultured, unsequenced {gamma}-proteobacterium. In general, this assay provides an efficient method for detection and characterization of enzymatic activities in complex biological mixtures prior to sequencing or cloning efforts. More generally, this approach may have important applications for screening both enzymatic and inhibitor libraries, constructing and screening glycan microarrays, and complementing fluorous-phase organic synthesis. The interest in leveraging mass spectrometry for studying enzyme activities in complex biological samples derives from its high sensitivity and specificity; however, signal suppression and significant sample preparation requirements limit its overall utility (1). Here we describe a Nanostructure-Initiator Mass Spectrometry (NIMS) enzymatic (Nimzyme) assay, which uses the fluorous liquid-coated surface of NIMS (2) to noncovalently attach enzyme substrates by means of fluorous tags. Enzymes play essential roles in a wide range of cellular processes and account for >20% of all drug targets (3). In addition, enzymes have found great utility in organic synthesis because they can efficiently catalyze chemical transformations that are difficult and inefficient to catalyze using conventional synthetic approaches. Furthermore, enzymatic transformations are particularly useful in reactions requiring multiple functional groups or stereo/regiochemically defined products (4). These properties make them particularly well suited for the synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates (5). Indeed, enzymatic approaches have found widespread applications in glycobiology (6, 7) and are of intense interest for the utilization of plant biomass for biofuels (8).
A midline switch of receptor processing regulates commissural axon guidance in vertebrates
2010-02-15
Full Text Available.Commissural axon guidance requires complex modulations of growth cone sensitivity to midline-derived cues, but underlying mechanisms in vertebrates remain largely unknown. By using combinations of ex vivo and in vivo approaches, we uncovered a molecular pathway controlling the gain of response to a midline repellent, Semaphorin3B (Sema3B). First, we provide evidence that Semaphorin3B/Plexin-A1 signaling participates in the guidance of commissural projections at the vertebrate ventral midline. Second, we show that, at the precrossing stage, commissural neurons synthesize the Neuropilin-2 and Plexin-A1 Semaphorin3B receptor subunits, but Plexin-A1 expression is prevented by a calpain1-mediated processing, resulting in silencing commissural responsiveness. Third, we report that, during floor plate (FP) in-growth, calpain1 activity is suppressed by local signals, allowing Plexin-A1 accumulation in the growth cone and sensitization to Sema3B. Finally, we show that the FP cue NrCAM mediates the switch of Plexin-A1 processing underlying growth cone sensitization to Sema3B. This reveals pathway-dependent modulation of guidance receptor processing as a novel mechanism for regulating guidance decisions at intermediate targets.
A midline switch of receptor processing regulates commissural axon guidance in vertebrates
2010-02-15
Commissural axon guidance requires complex modulations of growth cone sensitivity to midline-derived cues, but underlying mechanisms in vertebrates remain largely unknown. By using combinations of ex...Full Text Available
A Mapping of Drug Space from the Viewpoint of Small Molecule Metabolism
2009-08-01
Small molecule drugs target many core metabolic enzymes in humans and pathogens, often mimicking endogenous ligands. The effects may be therapeutic or toxic, but ...Full Text Available
A Mapping of Drug Space from the Viewpoint of Small Molecule Metabolism
2009-08-01
Full Text Available.Small molecule drugs target many core metabolic enzymes in humans and pathogens, often mimicking endogenous ligands. The effects may be therapeutic or toxic, but are frequently unexpected. A large-scale mapping of the intersection between drugs and metabolism is needed to better guide drug discovery. To map the intersection between drugs and metabolism, we have grouped drugs and metabolites by their associated targets and enzymes using ligand-based set signatures created to quantify their degree of similarity in chemical space. The results reveal the chemical space that has been explored for metabolic targets, where successful drugs have been found, and what novel territory remains. To aid other researchers in their drug discovery efforts, we have created an online resource of interactive maps linking drugs to metabolism. These maps predict the “effect space” comprising likely target enzymes for each of the 246 MDDR drug classes in humans. The online resource also provides species-specific interactive drug-metabolism maps for each of the 385 model organisms and pathogens in the BioCyc database collection. Chemical similarity links between drugs and metabolites predict potential toxicity, suggest routes of metabolism, and reveal drug polypharmacology. The metabolic maps enable interactive navigation of the vast biological data on potential metabolic drug targets and the drug chemistry currently available to prosecute those targets. Thus, this work provides a large-scale approach to ligand-based prediction of drug action in small molecule metabolism.
Website Policies and Important Links Comments
 |
 |
 |
WorldWideScience.org is maintained by the
U.S. Department of Energy's
Office of Scientific and Technical Information as the Operating Agent
for the WorldWideScience Alliance.