Lower extremity joints and their contributions to whole limb extension.

Lower extremity multi-joint strength curves tend not to evaluate individual joint contributions to endpoint force in maximum effort isometric whole limb extension. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure the contribution of the hip, knee, and ankle to vertical ground reaction force in maximum effort isometric whole limb extension at various postures. An effect of posture on the contributions of the hip, knee, and ankle to vertical ground reaction force was found (F(3,96) = 85.31, p < 0.0001; F(3,96) = 21.32, p < 0.0001; F(3,96) = 130.61, p < 0.0001 for the hip, knee, and ankle, respectively). The hip and knee contributed most to vertical endpoint force when the lower limb was in a flexed posture, and their contributions decreased when posture was extended. Conversely, the ankle contributed least when the limb was flexed, but its contribution increased as posture was changed from flexed to more extended. In comparison to recent research involving induced acceleration analysis, it appears that the hip, knee, and ankle utilize the same force allocation strategy in multi-joint maximum effort isometric leg extensions and activities of daily living.

Use of SILAC for exploring sheddase and matrix degradation of fibroblasts in culture by the PIII SVMP atrolysin A: identification of two novel substrates with functional relevance.

Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) in Viperid venoms primarily function to give rise to local and systemic hemorrhage following snake envenomation. Years of research on these toxins, both in vitro and in vivo, indicate that they function by disrupting capillary basement membranes, stromal matrix and cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts to allow escape of capillary contents under pressure. However, most of these studies used either defined substrates in vitro or were limited by relevant antibodies for detection of sites of action in vivo. In this investigation we use stable isotope-labeled amino acids in culture (SILAC) to determine novel proteolytic activities for exogenously added atrolysin A, a hemorrhagic PIII SVMP isolated from Crotalus atrox venom. When comparing the solubilized products of SILAC-labeled cultured human fibroblasts treated with atrolysin A to that of untreated fibroblasts using LC/MS/MS, several proteins were identified as being released into the culture media specifically due to atrolysin A proteolytic activity. These included collagen VI, fibronectin, fibulin 2 and annexin V. Of particular interest was the observation of collagen VI and annexin V in that the release of these substrates could play a role in altering hemostasis and promote hemorrhage caused by the more typical actions of atrolysin A. In summary, this study demonstrates the utility of SILAC for exploring sheddase activity with cells in culture and suggests the presence of two novel substrates for SVMPs that may play a pathological role in altering host hemostasis during envenomation.

'Partitagin' a hemorrhagic metalloprotease from Hippasa partita spider venom: role in tissue necrosis.

The poisonous bite by Hippasa partita, a funnel web spider from the Indian subcontinent has been demonstrated to give rise to severe dermo- and myonecrosis. In this work a hemorrhagic metalloprotease, Partitagin was purified from H. partita venom by successive chromatography on Sephadex G-100, DEAE Sephadex A-50 and Biosep DEAE columns. SDS-PAGE, reversed phase HPLC on a C(4) column, N-terminal amino acid sequencing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed the homogeneity. Partitagin was assayed using fat free casein as substrate. EDTA, 1,10-phenanthroline and cyanide, inactivated it irreversibly while, EGTA, PMSF, leupeptin, pepstatin and aprotinin did not inhibit. The presence of Zn(+2) was confirmed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Partitagin caused hemorrhage when tested in a mouse model. Light microscopy of skin tissue sections at the site of injection revealed extensive damage of extracellular matrix (ECM) in which the basement membrane surrounding blood vessels and capillaries showing signs of extensive destruction and also loss of vessel wall integrity. Similar intense damage was also noticed in the ECM of muscle tissue sections but with no damage caused to myocytes. Partitagin showed specificity of action on the components of ECM and degraded collagen type-IV and fibronectin but not collagen type-I. Partitagin was devoid of edema, myotoxicity and lethality. This is the first report on the isolation and characterization of a toxin from spider venom in the Indian subcontinent.

Natterins, a new class of proteins with kininogenase activity characterized from Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom.

A novel family of proteins with kininogenase activity and unique primary structure was characterized using combined pharmacological, proteomic and transcriptomic approaches of Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom. The major venom components were isolated and submitted to bioassays corresponding to its main effects: nociception and edema. These activities were mostly located in one fraction (MS3), which was further fractionated. The isolated protein, named natterin, was able to induce edema, nociception and cleave human kininogen and kininogen-derived synthetic peptides, releasing kallidin (Lys-bradykinin). The enzymatic digestion was inhibited by kallikrein inhibitors as Trasylol and TKI. Natterin N-terminal peptide showed no similarity with already known proteins present in databanks. Primary structure of natterin was obtained by a transcriptomic approach using a representative cDNA library constructed from T. nattereri venom glands. Several expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were obtained and processed by bioinformatics revealing a major group (18%) of related sequences unknown to gene or protein sequence databases. This group included sequences showing the N-terminus of isolated natterin and was named Natterin family. Analysis of this family allowed us to identify five related sequences, which we called natterin 1-4 and P. Natterin 1 and 2 sequences include the N-terminus of the isolated natterin. Furthermore, internal peptides of natterin 1-3 were found in major spots of whole venom submitted to mass spectrometry/2DGE. Similarly to the ESTs, the complete sequences of natterins did not show any significant similarity with already described tissue kallikreins, kininogenases or any proteinase, all being entirely new. These data present a new task for the knowledge of the action of kininogenases and may help in understanding the mechanisms of T. nattereri fish envenoming, which is an important medical problem in North and Northeast of Brazil.

Natterins, a new class of proteins with kininogenase activity characterized from Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom

A novel family of proteins with kininogenase activity and unique primary structure was characterized using combined pharmacological, proteomic and transcriptomic approaches of Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom. The major venom components were isolated and submitted to bioassays corresponding to its main effects: nociception and edema. These activities were mostly located in one fraction (MS3), which was further fractionated. The isolated protein, named natterin, was able to induce edema, nociception and cleave human kininogen and kininogen-derived synthetic peptides, releasing kallidin (Lys-bradykinin). The enzymatic digestion was inhibited by kallikrein inhibitors as Trasylol and TKI. Natterin N-terminal peptide showed no similarity with already known proteins present in databanks. Primary structure of natterin was obtained by a transcriptomic approach using a representative cDNA library constructed from T. nattereri venom glands. Several expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were obtained and processed by bioinformatics revealing a major group (18%) of related sequences unknown to gene or protein sequence databases. This group included sequences showing the N-terminus of isolated natterin and was named Natterin family. Analysis of this family allowed us to identify five related sequences, which we called natterin 1-4 and P. Natterin 1 and 2 sequences include the N-terminus of the isolated natterin. Furthermore, internal peptides of natterin 1-3 were found in major spots of whole venom submitted to mass spectrometry/2DGE. Similarly to the ESTs, the complete sequences of natterins did not show any significant similarity with already described tissue kallikreins, kininogenases or any proteinase, all being entirely new. These data present a new task for the knowledge of the action of kininogenases and may help in understanding the mechanisms of T. nattereri fish envenoming, which is an important medical problem in North and Northeast of Brazil.

BaG, a new dimeric metalloproteinase/disintegrin from the Bothrops alternatus snake venom that interacts with alpha5beta1 integrin.

The alpha(5)beta(1) integrin is one of the major fibronectin receptors which plays an essential role in the adhesion of normal and tumor cells to extracellular matrix. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel dimeric metalloproteinase/disintegrin, which is an inhibitor of fibronectin binding to the alpha(5)beta(1) integrin. This protein (BaG) was isolated from the venom of the South American snake Bothrops alternatus by gelatin-Sepharose affinity and anion exchange chromatography. The molecular mass of BaG was approximately 130 kDa under non-reducing conditions and 55 kDa under reducing conditions by SDS-PAGE. BaG shows proteolytic activity on casein that was inhibited by EDTA. 1,10-phenanthroline-treated BaG (BaG-I) inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation with an IC(50) of 190 nM. BaG-I inhibits fibronectin-mediated K562 cell adhesion with an IC(50) of 3.75 microM. K562 cells bind to BaG-I probably through interaction with alpha(5)beta(1) integrin, since anti-alpha(5)beta(1) antibodies inhibited K562 cell adhesion to BaG-I. In addition, BaG-I induces the detachment of K562 cells that were bound to fibronectin. In summary, we have purified a novel, dimeric snake venom metalloproteinase/disintegrin that binds to the alpha(5)beta(1) integrin.

Immune response to native NadA from Neisseria meningitidis and its expression in clinical isolates in Brazil

A mAb against the NadA protein from Neisseria meningitidis strain 3006 (serosubtype B : 2b : P1.2 : P5.2,8) demonstrated strong bactericidal activity against Brazilian epidemic serogroup B strain N44/89 (B : 4,7 : P1.19,15 : P5.5,7) and a serogroup C strain, IMC 2135 (C : 2a : P1.5,2), but not against another serogroup C strain, N1002/90 (C : 2b : P1.3 : P5.8). The immunogenicity of native NadA in an outer-membrane vesicle (OMV) preparation was also tested. Serum from mice immunized with OMV from serogroup B strain N44/89, which contains the NadA protein, showed bactericidal activity against serogroup B and C strains possessing NadA. In dot-blot analysis of 100 serogroup B and 100 serogroup C isolates from Brazilian patients, the mAb to NadA recognized about 60% of the samples from both serogroups. The molecular mass of the NadA protein from strain N44/89 determined by mass spectrometry was 37 971 Da and the peptide sequences were identical to those of NadA from N. meningitidis strain MC58.

Evidence for heterogeneous forms of the snake venom metalloproteinase jararhagin: a factor contributing to snake venom variability.

The reprolysin subfamily of metalloproteinases includes snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP) and mammalian disintegrin/metalloproteinase. These proteins are synthesized as zymogens and undergo proteolytic processing resulting in a variety of multifunctional proteins. Jararhagin is a P-III SVMP isolated from the venom of Bothrops jararaca. In crude venom, two forms of jararhagin are typically found, full-length jararhagin and jararhagin-C, a proteolytically processed form of jararhagin that is composed of the disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich domains of jararhagin. To better understand the structural and mechanistic bases for these forms of jararhagin in the venom of B. jararaca and the source of venom complexity in general, we have examined the jararhagin forms isolated from venom and the autolysis of isolated jararhagin under the conditions of varying pH, calcium ion concentration, and reducing agents. From our results, jararhagin isolated from venom appears as two forms: a predominant form that is stable to in vitro autolysis and a minor form that is susceptible to autolysis under a variety of conditions including alkaline pH, low calcium ion concentrations, or reducing agent. The autolysis site for production of jararhagin-C from isolated jararhagin was different from that observed for jararhagin-C as isolated from crude venom. Taken together, these data lead us to the conclusion that during the biosynthesis of jararhagin in the venom gland at least three forms are present: one form which is rapidly processed to give rise to jararhagin-C, one form which is resistant to processing in the venom and autolysis in vitro, and one minor form which is susceptible to autolysis under conditions that promote destabilization of its structure. The presence of these different forms of jararhagin contributes to greater structural and functional complexity of the venom and may be a common feature among all snake venoms. The biological and biochemical features in the venom gland responsible for these jararhagin isoforms are currently under investigation.

Evidence for heterogeneous forms of the snake venom metalloproteinase jararhagin A factor contributing to snake venom variability

A subfamília reprolisina de metaloproteinases inclui metaloproteinases veneno de serpente (SMVP) e desintegrina mamíferos / metaloproteinase. Estas proteínas são sintetizadas como zimogénios e submetidos a processamento proteolítico, resultando em uma variedade de proteínas multifuncionais.

Expression of foot and mouth disease virus non-structural polypeptide 3ABC induces histone H3 cleavage in BHK21 cells.

Auto-processing of the non-structural polypeptide 3ABC of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) expressed in Escherichia coli-BL21-DE3 was prevented by mutating either four glutamic acid residues at the 3A/3B1, 3B1/2, 3B2/3 and 3B3/3C junctions (3ABCtet) or a single cysteine residue at position 383 within the 3C domain (3ABCm). Independent expression of 3ABC and 3ABCtet genes induced expression of chaperone DnaK and degradation of ribosomal S1 protein in E. coli. They also induced cleavage of nucleosomal histone H3 when transiently expressed in BHK21 cells. 3ABCtet, 3ABCm, 3AB and 3A proteins concentrated in the perinuclear region suggesting that peptide sequences within the 3A domain specify intracellular targeting of 3ABC in BHK-21 cells. We propose that 3ABC molecules localized in the nuclear periphery are a source of protease 3C activity and are responsible for histone H3 processing during FMDV infections.

High-molecular-mass receptors for ammodytoxin in pig are tissue-specific isoforms of M-type phospholipase A(2) receptor.

Studying the molecular basis of presynaptic neurotoxicity of ammodytoxin C, a secretory phospholipase A(2) from the venom of Vipera a. ammodytes snake, we demonstrated the existence of two high-molecular-mass ammodytoxin C-binding proteins in porcine tissues, one in cerebral cortex and the other in liver. These proteins differ considerably in stability and Western blotting properties. However, as shown by immunological analysis and tandem mass spectrometry sequencing of several internal peptides derived from the purified receptors, both belong to secretory phospholipase A(2) receptors of the M type, which are Ca(2+)-dependent multilectins homologous to the macrophage mannose receptor. Based on Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA and deglycosylation of the receptors, the difference between the two proteins most likely stems from the different posttranscriptional and posttranslational modifications of a single gene product. Our findings raise the possibility that the M-type receptors for secretory phospholipases A(2) may display different physiological properties in different tissues.

Recombinant domains of mouse nidogen-1 and their binding to basement membrane proteins and monoclonal antibodies.

The basement membrane protein, nidogen-1, was previously shown to consist of three globular domains, G1 to G3, and two connecting segments. Nidogen-1 is a major mediator in the formation of ternary complexes with laminins, collagen IV, perlecan and fibulins. In the present study, we have produced recombinant proteins of these predicted domains in mammalian cells and used these proteins for crystallographic and binding epitope analyses. These fragments included G1, G2, the rod domain and a slightly larger G3 structure; all were obtained in good yields and were shown to be properly folded using electron microscopy. Surface plasmon resonance assays demonstrated high affinity binding (Kd = 3-9 nM) of domain G2 for collagen IV, perlecan domain IV-1 and fibulin-2, and a more moderate Kd for fibulin-1C. Domain G3 contained high affinity binding sites for the laminin gamma1 chain and collagen IV (Kd = 1 nM) and weaker binding sites for fibulin-1C and fibulin-2. A moderate binding affinity was also observed between domain G1 and fibulin-2, while no activity could be detected for the nidogen rod domain. Together, these data indicate the potential of nidogen-1 for multiple interactions within basement membranes. A similar binding repertoire was also identified for seven rat monoclonal antibodies that bound with Kd = 2-30 nM to either G1, G1-G2, G2, the rod domain or G3. Three of the antibodies showed strongly reduced binding to G2 and G3 after complex formation with either a perlecan domain or laminin-1.

Mutations in the X-linked filamin 1 gene cause periventricular nodular heterotopia in males as well as in females.

Periventricular heterotopia (PH) is a human neuronal migration disorder in which many neurons destined for the cerebral cortex fail to migrate. Previous analysis showed heterozygous mutations in the X-linked gene filamin 1 (FLN1), but examined only the first six (of 48) coding exons of the gene and hence did not assess the incidence and functional consequences of FLN1 mutations. Here we perform single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of FLN1 throughout its entire coding region in six PH pedigrees, 31 sporadic female PH patients and 24 sporadic male PH patients. We detected FLN1 mutations by SSCP in 83% of PH pedigrees and 19% of sporadic females with PH. Moreover, no PH females (0/7 tested) with atypical radiographic features showed FLN1 mutations, suggesting that other genes may cause atypical PH. Surprisingly, 2/24 males analyzed with PH (9%) also carried FLN1 mutations. Whereas FLN1 mutations in PH pedigrees caused severe predicted loss of FLN1 protein function, both male FLN1 mutations were consistent with partial loss of function of the protein. Moreover, sporadic female FLN1 mutations associated with PH appear to cause either severe or partial loss of function. Neither male could be shown to be mosaic for the FLN1 mutation in peripheral blood lymphocytes, suggesting that some neurons in the intact cortex of PH males may be mutant for FLN1 but migrate adequately. These results demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of DNA testing for FLN1 mutations and have important functional implications for models of FLN1 protein function in neuronal migration.

The inhibition of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation by Micropechis ikaheka venom.

Uncoagulable blood and life-threatening bleeding can result from the action of some snake venom toxins on haemostatic components of blood and vessel walls. Although envenoming by Micropechis ikaheka primarily affects neurones and muscle cells causing post-synaptic neuromuscular blockade and rhabdomyolysis, disturbances of haemostasis also occur. Therefore, the present study explored the effects of M. ikaheka venom on platelets and endothelium, which are important components of the haemostatic mechanism. The venom inhibited platelet aggregation in response to ADP and collagen, and also delayed clotting dependent on platelet activation or endothelial cell tissue factor expression. Some of these effects were reduced by the incubation of venom with a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor and could be reproduced by a 17 kDa venom fraction containing a PLA2. In addition, an 11 kDa fraction containing a long-chain neurotoxin reduced ADP-induced aggregation. The venom was also found to reduce endothelial cell adherence to vitronectin-, fibronectin- and collagen-coated surfaces. These results suggest that, by inhibiting procoagulant activities of platelets and endothelial cells, a 17 kDa PLA2 plays an important role in the anticoagulant action of M. ikaheka venom.

Characterization of aspercetin, a platelet aggregating component from the venom of the snake Bothrops asper which induces thrombocytopenia and potentiates metalloproteinase-induced hemorrhage.

Thrombocytopenia occurs in a number of patients bitten by Bothrops asper, a species responsible for the majority of snakebites in Central America and southern Mexico. In this work we describe the isolation of a new platelet-aggregating protein, named aspercetin, from the venom of B. asper, which induces thrombocytopenia in mice. Isolation was carried out by a combination of ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose and affinity chromatography on Affi-Gel Blue. Aspercetin is a disulfide-linked heterodimer, with a pI of 4.5 and a molecular mass of 29,759 Da, detemined by MALDI-ESI mass spectrometry. N-terminal sequence shows homology with a number of venom proteins which belong to the C-type lectin family. Aspercetin has functional similarities with botrocetin, from B. jararaca venom, since it induces platelet aggregation only in the presence of plasma or purified von Willebrand factor. Aspercetin-mediated platelet aggregation results from the interaction of von Willebrand factor with platelet receptor GPIb. Aspercetin lacks anticoagulant effect and does not agglutinate erythrocytes, in contrast with other representatives of the C-type lectin family isolated from snake venoms. Moreover, aspercetin is not lethal, nor does it induce myonecrosis, hemorrhage and edema. When injected intravenously or intramuscularly in mice it induces a rapid, dose-dependent drop in platelet counts and prolongs the bleeding time, suggesting that it may play a role in the thrombocytopenia that develops in a number of B. asper envenomations. Moreover, mice injected intravenously with aspercetin and then receiving an intradermal injection of B. asper hemorrhagic metalloproteinase BaP1 develop a larger hemorrhagic lesion than mice receiving only BaP1. This suggests that aspercetin, by reducing platelet numbers, may

BJ46a, a snake venom metalloproteinase inhibitor. Isolation, characterization, cloning and insights into its mechanism of action.

Fractionation of the serum of the venomous snake Bothrops jararaca with (NH4)2SO4, followed by phenyl-Sepharose and C4-reversed phase chromatographies, resulted in the isolation of the anti-hemorrhagic factor BJ46a. BJ46a is a potent inhibitor of the SVMPs atrolysin C (class P-I) and jararhagin (P-III) proteolytic activities and B. jararaca venom hemorrhagic activity. The single-chain, acidic (pI 4.55) glycoprotein has a molecular mass of 46 101 atomic mass units determined by MALDI-TOF MS and 79 kDa by gel filtration and dynamic laser light scattering, suggesting a homodimeric structure. mRNA was isolated from the liver of one specimen and transcribed into cDNA. The cDNA pool was amplified by PCR, cloned into a specific vector and used to transform competent cells. Clones containing the complete coding sequence for BJ46a were isolated. The deduced protein sequence was in complete agreement with peptide sequences obtained by Edman degradation. BJ46a is a 322-amino-acid protein containing four putative N-glycosylation sites. It is homologous to the proteinase inhibitor HSF (member of the fetuin family, cystatin superfamily) isolated from the serum of the snake Trimeresurus flavoviridis, having 85% sequence identity. This is the first report of a complete cDNA sequence for an endogenous inhibitor of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs). The sequence reveals that the only proteolytic processing required to obtain the mature protein is the cleavage of the signal peptide. Gel filtration analyses of the inhibitory complexes indicate that inhibition occurs by formation of a noncovalent complex between BJ46a and the proteinases at their metalloproteinase domains. Furthermore, the data shows that the stoichiometry involved in this interaction is of one inhibitor monomer to two enzyme molecules, suggesting an interesting mechanism of metalloproteinase inhibition.

A high affinity acceptor for phospholipase A2 with neurotoxic activity is a calmodulin.

One of the high affinity binding proteins for ammodytoxin C, a snake venom presynaptically neurotoxic phospholipase A(2), has been purified from porcine cerebral cortex and characterized. After extraction from the membranes, the toxin-binding protein was isolated in a homogenous form using wheat germ lectin-Sepharose, Q-Sepharose, and ammodytoxin-CH-Sepharose chromatography. The specific binding of (125)I-ammodytoxin C to the isolated acceptor was inhibited to different extents by some neurotoxic phospholipases A(2), ammodytoxins, bee venom phospholipase A(2), agkistrodotoxin, and crotoxin; but not by nontoxic phospholipases A(2), ammodytin I(2), porcine pancreatic phospholipase A(2), and human type IIA phospholipase A(2); suggesting the significance of the acceptor in the mechanism of phospholipase A(2) neurotoxicity. The isolated acceptor was identified as calmodulin by tandem mass spectrometry. Since calmodulin is generally considered as an intracellular protein, the identity of this acceptor supports the view that secretory phospholipase A(2) neurotoxins have to be internalized to exert their toxic effect. Moreover, since ammodytoxin is known to block synaptic transmission, its interaction with calmodulin as an acceptor may constitute a valuable probe for further investigation of the role of the latter in this Ca(2+)-regulated process.

Fingerprinting Trichoderma reesei hydrolases in a commercial cellulase preparation.

Polysaccharide degrading enzymes from commercial T. reesei broth have been subjected to "fingerprint" analysis by high-resolution 2-D gel electrophoresis. Forty-five spots from 11 x 25 cm Pharmacia gels have been analyzed by LC-MS/MS and the resulting peptide sequences were compared to existing databases. Understanding the roles and relationships of component enzymes from the T. reesei cellulase system acting on complex substrates is key to the development of efficient artificial cellulase systems for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to sugars. These studies suggest follow-on work comparing induced and noninduced T. reesei cells at the proteome level, which may elucidate substrate-specific gene regulation and response.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a proteomic approach to bacterial pathogenesis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium that is ubiquitous in the environment and can cause a variety of diseases in compromised patients. The genome of P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 has been reported to contain 5570 potential proteins. The value of this genomic database is that new proteins can be recognized to use as diagnostic markers, novel drug targets, and to better understand the physiology of this organism. However, similar to what has been observed in other sequenced bacterial genomes, approximately one third of the potential proteins have no known function. This is somewhat surprising given the long-standing interest in P. aeruginosa as an opportunistic pathogen. Obviously new tools, in addition to sequence similarity analysis, are needed to determine the role of these proteins. Proteomics using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry to detect and identify P. aeruginosa proteins represents a novel approach to address this gap.