Structures of three polycystic kidney disease-like domains from Clostridium histolyticum collagenases ColG and ColH.

Clostridium histolyticum collagenases ColG and ColH are segmental enzymes that are thought to be activated by Ca(2+)-triggered domain reorientation to cause extensive tissue destruction. The collagenases consist of a collagenase module (s1), a variable number of polycystic kidney disease-like (PKD-like) domains (s2a and s2b in ColH and s2 in ColG) and a variable number of collagen-binding domains (s3 in ColH and s3a and s3b in ColG). The X-ray crystal structures of Ca(2+)-bound holo s2b (1.4 Šresolution, R = 15.0%, Rfree = 19.1%) and holo s2a (1.9 Šresolution, R = 16.3%, Rfree = 20.7%), as well as of Ca(2+)-free apo s2a (1.8 Šresolution, R = 20.7%, Rfree = 27.2%) and two new forms of N-terminally truncated apo s2 (1.4 Šresolution, R = 16.9%, Rfree = 21.2%; 1.6 Šresolution, R = 16.2%, Rfree = 19.2%), are reported. The structurally similar PKD-like domains resemble the V-set Ig fold. In addition to a conserved ß-bulge, the PKD-like domains feature a second bulge that also changes the allegiance of the subsequent ß-strand. This ß-bulge and the genesis of a Ca(2+) pocket in the archaeal PKD-like domain suggest a close kinship between bacterial and archaeal PKD-like domains. Different surface properties and indications of different dynamics suggest unique roles for the PKD-like domains in ColG and in ColH. Surface aromatic residues found on ColH s2a-s2b, but not on ColG s2, may provide the weak interaction in the biphasic collagen-binding mode previously found in s2b-s3. B-factor analyses suggest that in the presence of Ca(2+) the midsection of s2 becomes more flexible but the midsections of s2a and s2b stay rigid. The different surface properties and dynamics of the domains suggest that the PKD-like domains of M9B bacterial collagenase can be grouped into either a ColG subset or a ColH subset. The conserved properties of PKD-like domains in ColG and in ColH include Ca(2+) binding. Conserved residues not only interact with Ca(2+), but also position the Ca(2+)-interacting water molecule. Ca(2+) aligns the N-terminal linker approximately parallel to the major axis of the domain. Ca(2+) binding also increases stability against heat and guanidine hydrochloride, and may improve the longevity in the extracellular matrix. The results of this study will further assist in developing collagen-targeting vehicles for various signal molecules.

From fragment screening to in vivo efficacy: optimization of a series of 2-aminoquinolines as potent inhibitors of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1).

Using fragment-based screening of a focused fragment library, 2-aminoquinoline 1 was identified as an initial hit for BACE1. Further SAR development was supported by X-ray structures of BACE1 cocrystallized with various ligands and molecular modeling studies to expedite the discovery of potent compounds. These strategies enabled us to integrate the C-3 side chain on 2-aminoquinoline 1 extending deep into the P2' binding pocket of BACE1 and enhancing the ligand's potency. We were able to improve the BACE1 potency to subnanomolar range, over 10(6)-fold more potent than the initial hit (900 µM). Further elaboration of the physical properties of the lead compounds to those more consistent with good blood-brain barrier permeability led to inhibitors with greatly improved cellular activity and permeability. Compound 59 showed an IC(50) value of 11 nM on BACE1 and cellular activity of 80 nM. This compound was advanced into rat pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies and demonstrated significant reduction of Aß levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Effect of prepackage and postpackage pasteurization on postprocess elimination of Listeria monocytogenes on deli turkey products.

Surface pasteurization for inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated for radiant heat prepackage pasteurization, submersed water postpackage pasteurization, and combinations of the two techniques on various types of ready-to-eat deli turkey products obtained from at least four different manufacturers. Products were inoculated either by in-package liquid inoculum or surface sponge-contact with approximately 10(9) CFU of L. monocytogenes. Additional testing of radiant heat pasteurization was performed with low-level inoculation of product undersides with approximately 100 CFU of L. monocytogenes followed by enrichment recovery after pasteurization. Prepackage pasteurization provided 2.0 to 2.8 log reductions when processed for 60 s and 2.8 to 3.8 log reductions when processed for 75 s. An improved radiant oven provided 3.53 (60 s) and 4.76 (75 s) log reductions of L. monocytogenes. No positive samples were detected after enrichment when 40 samples of deli turkey (4 to 4.5 kg) undersides were inoculated at low levels and processed for 75 s. Submersed water postpackage pasteurization provided 1.95 to 3.0 log reductions when processed for 2, 3, 4, or 5 min, and combinations of the two processes gave 3.0 to 4.0 log inactivation of L. monocytogenes using either 60 + 60 s or 60 + 90 s for the prepackage and postpackage pasteurization processes, respectively. These processes, either individually or in combination, can provide postprocess elimination of bacteria for the manufacture of safe ready-to-eat deli meats.