Iron uptake and transfer from ceruloplasmin to transferrin.

BACKGROUND: Dietary and recycled iron are in the Fe(2+) oxidation state. However, the metal is transported in serum by transferrin as Fe(3+). The multi-copper ferroxidase ceruloplasmin is suspected to be the missing link between acquired Fe(2+) and transported Fe(3+). METHODS: This study uses the techniques of chemical relaxation and spectrophotometric detection. RESULTS: Under anaerobic conditions, ceruloplasmin captures and oxidizes two Fe(2+). The first uptake occurs in domain 6 (<1ms) at the divalent iron-binding site. It is accompanied by Fe(2+) oxidation by Cu(2+)D6. Fe(3+) is then transferred from the binding site to the holding site. Cu(+)D6 is then re-oxidized by a Cu(2+) of the trinuclear cluster in about 200ms. The second Fe(2+) uptake and oxidation involve domain 4 and are under the kinetic control of a 200s change in the protein conformation. With transferrin and in the formed ceruloplasmin-transferrin adduct, two Fe(3+) are transferred from their holding sites to two C-lobes of two transferrins. The first transfer (~100s) is followed by conformation changes (500s) leading to the release of monoferric transferrin. The second transfer occurs in two steps in the 1000-10,000second range. CONCLUSION: Fe(3+) is transferred after Fe(2+) uptake and oxidation by ceruloplasmin to the C-lobe of transferrin in a protein-protein adduct. This adduct is in a permanent state of equilibrium with all the metal-free or bounded ceruloplasmin and transferrin species present in the medium. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ceruloplasmin is a go-between dietary or recycled Fe(2+) and transferrin transported Fe(3+).

Transferrin receptor-1 iron-acquisition pathway - synthesis, kinetics, thermodynamics and rapid cellular internalization of a holotransferrin-maghemite nanoparticle construct.

BACKGROUND: Targeting nanoobjects via the iron-acquisition pathway is always reported slower than the transferrin/receptor endocytosis. Is there a remedy? METHODS: Maghemite superparamagnetic and theragnostic nanoparticles (diameter 8.6nm) were synthesized, coated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (NP) and coupled to four holotransferrin (TFe2) by amide bonds (TFe2-NP). The constructs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, FTIR, X-ray Electron Spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma with Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The in-vitro protein/protein interaction of TFe2-NP with transferrin receptor-1 (R1) and endocytosis in HeLa cells were investigated spectrophotometrically, by fast T-jump kinetics and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: In-vitro, R1 interacts with TFe2-NP with an overall dissociation constant KD=11nM. This interaction occurs in two steps: in the first, the C-lobe of the TFe2-NP interacts with R1 in 50µs: second-order rate constant, k1=6×10(10)M(-1)s(-1); first-order rate constant, k-1=9×10(4)s(-1); dissociation constant, K1d=1.5µM. In the second step, the protein/protein adduct undergoes a slow (10,000s) change in conformation to reach equilibrium. This mechanism is identical to that occurring with the free TFe2. In HeLa cells, TFe2-NP is internalized in the cytosol in less than 15min. CONCLUSION: This is the first time that a nanoparticle-transferrin construct is shown to interact with R1 and is internalized in time scales similar to those of the free holotransferrin. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: TFe2-NP behaves as free TFe2 and constitutes a model for rapidly targeting theragnostic devices via the main iron-acquisition pathway.

Uptake and release of metal ions by transferrin and interaction with receptor 1.

BACKGROUND: For a metal to follow the iron acquisition pathway, four conditions are required: 1-complex formation with transferrin; 2-interaction with receptor 1; 3-metal release in the endosome; and 4-metal transport to cytosol. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW: This review deals with the mechanisms of aluminum(III), cobalt(III), uranium(VI), gallium(III) and bismuth(III) uptake by transferrin and interaction with receptor 1. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: The interaction of the metal-loaded transferrin with receptor 1 takes place in one or two steps: a very fast first step (µs to ms) between the C-lobe and the helical domain of the receptor, and a second slow step (2-6h) between the N-lobe and the protease-like domain. In transferrin loaded with metals other than iron, the dissociation constants for the interaction of the C-lobe with TFR are in a comparable range of magnitudes 10 to 0.5µM, whereas those of the interaction of the N-lobe are several orders of magnitudes lower or not detected. Endocytosis occurs in minutes, which implies a possible internalization of the metal-loaded transferrin with only the C-lobe interacting with the receptor. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: A competition with iron is possible and implies that metal internalization is more related to kinetics than thermodynamics. As for metal release in the endosome, it is faster than the recycling time of transferrin, which implies its possible liberation in the cell. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Transferrins: Molecular mechanisms of iron transport and disorders.

In vitro interaction between ceruloplasmin and human serum transferrin.

The thermodynamics of the interactions of serum apotransferrin (T) and holotransferrin (TFe(2)) with ceruloplasmin (Cp), as well as those of human lactoferrin (Lf), were assessed by fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Cp interacts with two Lf molecules. The first interaction depends on pH and µ, whereas the second does not. Dissociation constants were as follows: K(11Lf) = 1.5 ± 0.2 µM, and K(12Lf) = 11 ± 2 µM. Two slightly different interactions of T or TFe(2) with Cp are detected for the first time. They are both independent of pH and µ and occur with 1:1 stoichiometry: K(1T) = 19 ± 7 µM, and K(1TFe2) = 12 ± 4 µM. These results can improve our understanding of the probable process of the transfer of iron from Cp to T in iron and copper transport and homeostasis.

Can uranium follow the iron-acquisition pathway? Interaction of uranyl-loaded transferrin with receptor 1.

Transferrin receptor 1 (R(D)) binds iron-loaded transferrin and allows its internalization in the cytoplasm. Human serum transferrin also forms complexes with metals other than iron, including uranium in the uranyl form (UO(2)(2+)). Can the uranyl-saturated transferrin (TUr(2)) follow the receptor-mediated iron-acquisition pathway? In cell-free assays, TUr(2) interacts with R(D) in two different steps. The first is fast, direct rate constant, k(1) = (5.2 +/- 0.8) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1); reverse rate constant, k(-1) = 95 +/- 5 s(-1); and dissociation constant K(1) = 18 +/- 6 microM. The second occurs in the 100-s range and leads to an increase in the stability of the protein-protein adduct, with an average overall dissociation constant K(d) = 6 +/- 2 microM. This kinetic analysis implies in the proposed in vitro model possible but weak competition between TUr(2) and the C-lobe of iron-loaded transferrin toward the interaction with R(D).

Thermodynamics and kinetics of the complexation reaction of lead by calix-DANS4.

The thermodynamics and kinetics of the complexation reaction between lead ions and the fluorescent sensor Calix-DANS4 are determined to optimize the geometry of the microreactor used for the flow-injection analysis of lead and to tune the working conditions of this microdevice. Under our experimental conditions (pH 3.2, low concentration of Calix-DANS4) the 1:1 Pb(2+)-Calix-DANS4 complex is predominantly formed with a high stability constant (log K(1:1)=6.82) and a slow second-order rate constant (k=9.4×10(4) L mol(-1) s(-1)). Due to this sluggish complexation reaction, the microchannel length must be longer than 130 mm and the flow rate lower than 0.25 mL h(-1) to have an almost complete reaction at the output of the microchannel and a high sensitivity for the heavy metal detection. After determination of the values of the reaction times in our different microdevices, it is possible to simulate the calibration curves for the fluorimetric detection of lead under different conditions. An original method is also presented to determine mixing times in microreactors.

In Vitro interaction between yeast frataxin and superoxide dismutases: Influence of mitochondrial metals.

BACKGROUND: Friedreich's ataxia results from a decreased expression of the nuclear gene encoding the mitochondrial protein, frataxin. Frataxin participates in the biosynthesis of iron-sulfur clusters and heme cofactors, as well as in iron storage and protection against oxidative stress. How frataxin interacts with the antioxidant defence components is poorly understood. METHODS: Therefore, we have investigated by kinetic, thermodynamic and modelling approaches the molecular interactions between yeast frataxin (Yfh1) and superoxide dismutases, Sod1 and Sod2, and the influence of Yfh1 on their enzymatic activities. RESULTS: Yfh1 interacts with cytosolic Sod1 with a dissociation constant, Kd = 1.3 ±â€¯0.3 µM, in two kinetic steps. The first step occurs in the 200 ms range and corresponds to the Yfh1-Sod1 interaction, whereas the second is slow and is assumed to be a change in the conformation of the protein-protein adduct. Furthermore, computational investigations confirm the stability of the Yfh1-Sod1 complex. Yfh1 forms two protein complexes with mitochondrial Sod2 with 1:1 and 2:1 Yfh1/Sod2 stoichiometry (Kd1 = 1.05 ±â€¯0.05 and Kd2 = 6.6 ±â€¯0.1 µM). Furthermore, Yfh1 increases the enzymatic activity of Sod1 while slightly affecting that of Sod2. Finally, the stabilities of the protein-protein adducts and the effect of Yfh1 on superoxide dismutase activities depend on the nature of the mitochondrial metal. CONCLUSIONS: This work confirms the participation of Yfh1 in cellular defence against oxidative stress.

Kinetics and thermodynamics of complex formation with iron of a new series of dicatecholspermidine siderophore-like ligands.

This article deals with the kinetics and thermodynamics of complex formation between Fe(3+) and a series of four synthetic chelators of the 1,2-dicatecholspermidine family (LA5, LA3, LE5 and LE3). LA5 and LA3 bear a carboxylic moiety linked to the central nitrogen by either a C(5) or a C(3) chain, whereas LE5 and LE3 bear an ethyl ester moiety. The following data concern LE5, LE3, LA5 and LA3, respectively. Each species undergoes four acid-base dissociations of the hydroxyls of the catechols with, for the two hydroxyls in position 1; average pK(2a)=7.30, 7.25, 7.45, 7.34 and, for the two hydroxyl in position 2; average pK(3a)=12.35, 12.65, 12.10, 12.60. The LA5 and LA3 species also undergo proton-dissociations of their carboxylic moieties; pK(1a)=5.20 and 5.10. The four species form one-to-one iron complexes with, for the 1-hydroxyl; an average pK(22a)=2.65, 2.25, 2.95, 2.80, for the 2-hydroxyl; pK(33a)=5.20, 5.40, 6.10, 5.40 and, for the carboxylic moieties; pK(11a)=3.90 and 4.45. In the vicinity of pH 5, Fe(3+) is rapidly exchanged between FeNta and the four ligands. This occurs with direct rate constants: k(1)=(1.3+/-0.1)x10(4), (1.4+/-0.2)x10(4), (3.3+/-0.2)x10(4), (1.4+/-0.1)x10(4)M(-1)s(-1), and reverse rate constants: k(-1)=(7+/-0.5)x10(4), (9+/-1)x10(4), (1.15+/-0.15)x10(5), (7+/-0.5)x10(4)M(-1)s(-1). The kinetic data, the pK(a) values of the free ligands, those of the iron complexes and the beta value of FeNta allow us to determine the affinity constants of the four ligands for iron: logbeta(1)=33, 34, 33, 34, and pFe=23.3, 24.6, 22.2, 24.3. This implies that these ligands of the dicatecholspermidine family may act as siderophores. They may also be used as drug carriers which can utilize the bacterial iron-acquisition paths.

The mechanism of iron release from the transferrin-receptor 1 adduct.

We report the determination in cell-free assays of the mechanism of iron release from the N-lobe and C-lobe of human serum transferrin in interaction with intact transferrin receptor 1 at 4.3< or =pH< or =6.5. Iron is first released from the N-lobe in the tens of milliseconds range and then from the C-lobe in the hundreds of seconds range. In both cases, iron loss is rate-controlled by slow proton transfers, rate constant for the N-lobe k(1)=1.20(+/-0.05)x10(6)M(-1)s(-1) and for the C-lobe k(2)=1.6(+/-0.1)x10(3)M(-1)s(-1). This iron loss is subsequent to a fast proton-driven decarbonation and is followed by two proton gains, (pK(1a))/2=5.28 per proton for the N-lobe and (pK(2a))/2=5.10 per proton for the C-lobe. Under similar experimental conditions, iron loss is about 17-fold faster from the N-lobe and is at least 200-fold faster from the C-lobe when compared to holotransferrin in the absence of receptor 1. After iron release, the apotransferrin-receptor adduct undergoes a slow partial dissociation controlled by a change in the conformation of the receptor; rate constant k(3)=1.7(+/-0.1)x10(-3)s(-1). At endosomic pH, the final equilibrated state is attained in about 1000 s, after which the free apotransferrin, two prototropic species of the acidic form of the receptor and apotransferrin interacting with the receptor coexist simultaneously. However, since recycling of the vesicle containing the receptor to the cell surface takes a few minutes, the major part of transferrin will still be forwarded to the biological fluid in the form of the apotransferrin-receptor protein-protein adduct.

Cd2+ and Pb2+ complexation by glutathione and the phytochelatins.

Phytochelatins or PCn, (γGlu-Cys)n-Gly, and their glutathione (GSH) precursor are thiol-rich peptides that play an important role in heavy metal detoxification in plants and microorganisms. Complex formation between Cd2+ and Pb2+ and GSH or PCn (n = 2, 4 and 6) are investigated by microcalorimetry, absorption spectrophotometry and T-jump kinetics. Complex formation with Pb2+ or Cd2+ is exothermic, and induces ligand metal charge transfer bands in UV absorption spectral range, which implies the formation of a coordination bond between the metal and the thiol groups of the phytochelatins. Absorption spectra and microcalorimetry experiments allow the determination of the affinity constants and the stoichiometry of the complexes. We show that the three PCn interact with Pb2+ to form the 1:1 and 2:1 M:L complexes, with similar affinity constants (log K11Pb∼4.6, log K21Pb∼11.4). These affinities are independent of the number of thiols and are, moreover, lower than those determined for complex formation with Cd2+. On the other hand, with Cd2+, PC2-Cd, PC2-Cd2, (PC2)3-Cd2, PC4-Cd, PC4-Cd2, PC6-Cd, (PC6)2-Cd3 and PC6-Cd3 complexes are detected. Furthermore, for PC4-Cd, the 1:1 complex is the most stable: affinity constant (log K11Cd∼7.5). Kinetic studies indicate that complex formation between Cd2+ and GSH occurs in the ms range; direct rate constant kobs = (6.8 ± 0.3) 106 M-1 s-1 and reverse rate constant k-obs = 340 ± 210 s-1. Thus, when encapsulated in a silica matrix, PCn can be good candidates for heavy metal detection.

Targeted Delivery of Amoxicillin to C. trachomatis by the Transferrin Iron Acquisition Pathway.

Weak intracellular penetration of antibiotics makes some infections difficult to treat. The Trojan horse strategy for targeted drug delivery is among the interesting routes being explored to overcome this therapeutic difficulty. Chlamydia trachomatis, as an obligate intracellular human pathogen, is responsible for both trachoma and sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydia develops in a vacuole and is therefore protected by four membranes (plasma membrane, bacterial inclusion membrane, and bacterial membranes). In this work, the iron-transport protein, human serum-transferrin, was used as a Trojan horse for antibiotic delivery into the bacterial vacuole. Amoxicillin was grafted onto transferrin. The transferrin-amoxicillin construct was characterized by mass spectrometry and absorption spectroscopy. Its affinity for transferrin receptor 1, determined by fluorescence emission titration [KaffTf-amox = (1.3 ± 1.0) x 108], is very close to that of transferrin [4.3 x 108]. Transmission electron and confocal microscopies showed a co-localization of transferrin with the bacteria in the vacuole and were also used to evaluate the antibiotic capability of the construct. It is significantly more effective than amoxicillin alone. These promising results demonstrate targeted delivery of amoxicillin to suppress Chlamydia and are of interest for Chlamydiaceae and maybe other intracellular bacteria therapies.

Direct thermodynamic and kinetic measurements of Fe²âº and Zn²âº binding to human serum transferrin.

Human serum transferrin (hTf) is a single-chain bilobal glycoprotein that efficiently delivers iron to mammalian cells by endocytosis via the transferrin/transferrin receptor system. While extensive studies have been directed towards the study of ferric ion binding to hTf, ferrous ion interactions with the protein have never been firmly investigated owing to the rapid oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) and the difficulty in maintaining a fully anaerobic environment. Here, the binding of Fe(2+) and Zn(2+) ions to hTf has been studied under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, respectively, in the presence and absence of bicarbonate by means of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The ITC data indicate the presence of one class of strong binding sites with dissociation constants of 25.2 nM for Fe(2+) and 6.7 nM for Zn(2+) and maximum binding stoichiometries of 1 Zn(2+) (or 1 Fe(2+)) per hTf molecule. With either metal, the binding interaction was achieved by both favorable enthalpy and entropy changes (ΔH(0)~-12 kJ/mol and ΔS(0)~106 J/mol·K for Fe(2+) and ΔH(0)~-18 kJ/mol and ΔS(0)~97 J/mol·K for Zn(2+)). The large and positive entropy values are most likely due to the change in the hydration of the protein and the metal ions upon interaction. Rapid kinetics stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy revealed two different complexation mechanisms with different degrees of conformational changes upon metal ion binding. Our results are discussed in terms of a plausible scenario for iron dissociation from transferrin by which the highly stable Fe(3+)-hTf complex might be reduced to the more labile Fe(2+) ion before iron is released to the cytosol.

Can uranium be transported by the iron-acquisition pathway? Ur uptake by transferrin.

Transferrin (T) is one of the major protein targets of uranyl (Ur) and the Ur-loaded protein (TUr(2)) interacts with receptor 1. In vitro, Ur is transferred from one of the major plasma complexes, tricarbonated Ur (Ur(CO(3))(3)(4-)) to T in four kinetically differentiated steps. The first is very fast and accompanied by HCO(3)(-) loss. It yields a first intermediate ternary complex between dicarbonated Ur and the phenolate of one of the two tyrosine ligands in the C-lobe; direct rate constant, k(1) = (7.0 ± 0.4) × 10(5) M(-1) s(-1); reverse rate constant, k(-1) = (4.7 ± 0.2) × 10(3) M(-1) s(-1); dissociation constant, K(1) = (6.7 ± 0.6) × 10(-3) and an affinity of the T for the dicarbonated Ur (Ur(CO(3))(2)(2-)) close to that of the latter to CO(3)(2-), K'(3) ~ 1 × 10(4). This first kinetic product undertakes a fast rate-limiting conformation change leading to the loss of a second HCO(3)(-): direct rate constant, k(2) = 33 ± 14 s(-1). This second ternary complex undergoes two very slow conformation changes (1 and 5 h), at the end of which both C- and N-lobes become loaded with Ur. When unexposed to uranium, the Ur concentrations in the bloodstream are much too low to favor receptor-mediated transport. However, in the case of exposure, these concentrations can grow considerably. This, added to the fast Ur complex formation with the C-lobe and the fast interaction of the Ur-loaded T with the receptor, can allow a possible internalization by the iron-acquisition pathway.

Norbadione a: kinetics and thermodynamics of cesium uptake in aqueous and alcoholic media.

Norbadione A (NbA) is a mushroom pigment, which is assumed to be involved in (137)Cs accumulation all over Europe during the Chernobyl nuclear accident. NbA bears seven acid-base functional groups, among which are two enolic and two carboxylic acid moieties. This work deals with complex formation of Cs(+) and NbA in ethanol, ethanol/water (9:1) (M1), and water with, when required, the support of two Cs(+) ionophore probes, calix[4]arene-bis(crown-6-ether)dioxycoumarine (A1) and its tetrasuslfonated form (A2). In ethanol, two Cs(+) complexes are formed, with the affinity constants K(1EtOH) = (1.1 ± 0.25) × 10(5) and K(2EtOH) = (2.1 ± 0.4) × 10(3). In M1, a single Cs(+) complex occurs when only the enols are deprotonated, whereas a bicomplex is formed when both enols and carboxylic acids are deprotonated: K(1M1) = (1.5 ± 0.3) × 10(5) and K(2M1) = (4 ± 2) × 10(3). These data are confirmed by stopped-flow and T-jump kinetics. In ethanol, a fast Cs(+) exchange occurs between NbA and A1: direct rate constant, k(1) = (3.1 ± 0.1) × 10(7) M(-1) s(-1); reverse rate constant k(-1) = (2.8 ± 1) × 10(5) M(-1) s(-1); and Cs(+) exchange constant, K(1Exchange) = (9 ± 4) × 10(-3). In M1, the quenching of A2 fluorescence by NbA is used to determine the kinetics of complex formation with Cs(+): k(2) = (1.8 ± 0.4) × 10(9) M(-1) s(-1); k(-2) = (1.80 ± 0.15) × 10(4) s(-1); and K(1M1) = (1.5 ± 0.5) × 10(5). The affinity of NbA for Cs(+) is probably the result of the particular structure in which the two pulvinic acid arms adopt a conformation that forms two complexation sites composed of the two enolates and/or the two carboxylates. This renders the efficiency in Cs(+) uptake comparable to that of some calixarenes or crown ethers.

Kinetics, thermodynamics, and modeling of complex formation between calix[4]biscrowns and cesium.

Complex formations between calix[4]arene-bis(crown-6-ether) calix-COU2 (A1) and the tetrasulfonated species calix-COUSULF (A2) with Cs(+) are investigated in water and ethanol, and in 9:1 (M1) and 1:9 (M2) H(2)O/EtOH v:v mixtures, by chemical relaxation and molecular modeling. In ethanol and M2, two Cs(+) are included in A1 in two kinetic steps, whereas complex formation in M1 becomes controlled by a slow first-order kinetic process, which is accompanied by very fast Cs(+) inclusions, second-order rate constant: k'(1) = (3.4 +/- 0.8) x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1). In water and M1, A2 forms 1:1 and 1:2 cesium complexes in a single kinetic step, whereas in M2, two Cs(+) are included in two kinetic steps. The rate and thermodynamic constants involved are reported. They show that the second-order rate constants increase with the ethanol-to-water ratio, e.g., A2, second-order rate constant for the first Cs(+) in water: k(1A2water) = (9.7 +/- 0.3) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) and in M2: k(1A2M2) = (6.3 +/- 0.4) x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). The affinities of both A1 and A2 for Cs(+) also increase with the ethanol-to-water ratio, e.g., first inclusion of A1 in M1: K(1A1M1) = (5 +/- 1.3) x 10(3) and in ethanol: K(1A1EtOH) = (7 +/- 3) x 10(6). The deviation from the expected mechanism of complex formation with alkali is attributed to the comparatively more difficult access of Cs(+) to the inclusion cavity of the capped calixarene. An analysis of calix-COU2 and calix-COUSULF and their Cs(+) complexes with only one rim capped by the crown ether confirms the thermodynamic and kinetic results, by showing that the inclusion cavity of calix-COUSULF is more adapted to Cs(+) than that of calix-COU2. This added to the presence of the shielding effect of the negative sulfonates can explain that the affinity of calix-COUSULF for Cs(+) is higher than that of calix-COU2. These results can be of interest in the search of an efficient Cs(+) decontaminant.

Cobalt and the iron acquisition pathway: competition towards interaction with receptor 1.

During iron acquisition by the cell, complete homodimeric transferrin receptor 1 in an unknown state (R1) binds iron-loaded human serum apotransferrin in an unknown state (T) and allows its internalization in the cytoplasm. T also forms complexes with metals other than iron. Are these metals incorporated by the iron acquisition pathway and how can other proteins interact with R1? We report here a four-step mechanism for cobalt(III) transfer from CoNtaCO(3)(2-) to T and analyze the interaction of cobalt-loaded transferrin with R1. The first step in cobalt uptake by T is a fast transfer of Co(3+) and CO(3)(2-) from CoNtaCO(3)(2-) to the metal-binding site in the C-lobe of T: direct rate constant, k(1)=(1.1+/-0.1) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1); reverse rate constant, k(-1)=(1.9+/-0.6) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1); and equilibrium constant, K=1.7+/-0.7. This step is followed by a proton-assisted conformational change of the C-lobe: direct rate constant, k(2)=(3+/-0.3) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1); reverse rate constant, k(-2)=(1.6+/-0.3) x 10(-2) s(-1); and equilibrium constant, K(2a)=5.3+/-1.5 nM. The two final steps are slow changes in the conformation of the protein (0.5 h and 72 h), which allow it to achieve its final thermodynamic state and also to acquire second cobalt. The cobalt-saturated transferrin in an unknown state (TCo(2)) interacts with R1 in two different steps. The first is an ultra-fast interaction of the C-lobe of TCo(2) with the helical domain of R1: direct rate constant, k(3)=(4.4+/-0.6)x10(10) M(-1) s(-1); reverse rate constant, k(-3)=(3.6+/-0.6) x 10(4) s(-1); and dissociation constant, K(1d)=0.82+/-0.25 muM. The second is a very slow interaction of the N-lobe of TCo(2) with the protease-like domain of R1. This increases the stability of the protein-protein adduct by 30-fold with an average overall dissociation constant K(d)=25+/-10 nM. The main trigger in the R1-mediated iron acquisition is the ultra-fast interaction of the metal-loaded C-lobe of T with R1. This step is much faster than endocytosis, which in turn is much faster than the interaction of the N-lobe of T with the protease-like domain. This can explain why other metal-loaded transferrins or a protein such as HFE-with a lower affinity for R1 than iron-saturated transferrin but with, however, similar or higher affinities for the helical domain than the C-lobe-competes with iron-saturated transferrin in an unknown state towards interaction with R1.

Gallium uptake by transferrin and interaction with receptor 1.

The kinetics and thermodynamics of Ga(III) exchange between gallium mononitrilotriacetate and human serum transferrin as well as those of the interaction between gallium-loaded transferrin and the transferrin receptor 1 were investigated in neutral media. Gallium is exchanged between the chelate and the C-site of human serum apotransferrin in interaction with bicarbonate in about 50 s to yield an intermediate complex with an equilibrium constant K (1) = (3.9 +/- 1.2) x 10(-2), a direct second-order rate constant k (1) = 425 +/- 50 M(-1) s(-1) and a reverse second-order rate constant k (-1) = (1.1 +/- 3) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1). The intermediate complex loses a single proton with proton dissociation constant K (1a) = 80 +/- 40 nM to yield a first kinetic product. This product then undergoes a modification in its conformation which lasts about 500 s to produce a second kinetic intermediate, which in turn undergoes a final extremely slow (several hours) modification in its conformation to yield the gallium-saturated transferrin in its final state. The mechanism of gallium uptake differs from that of iron and does not involve the same transitions in conformation reported during iron uptake. The interaction of gallium-loaded transferrin with the transferrin receptor occurs in a single very fast kinetic step with a dissociation constant K (d) = 1.10 +/- 0.12 microM and a second-order rate constant k (d) = (1.15 +/- 0.3) x 10(10) M(-1) s(-1). This mechanism is different from that observed with the ferric holotransferrin and suggests that the interaction between the receptor and gallium-loaded transferrin probably takes place on the helical domain of the receptor which is specific for the C-site of transferrin and HFE. The relevance of gallium incorporation by the transferrin receptor-mediated iron-acquisition pathway is discussed.

Transferrin's mechanism of interaction with receptor 1.

The kinetics and thermodynamics of the interactions of transferrin receptor 1 with holotransferrin and apotransferrin in neutral and mildly acidic media are investigated at 37 degrees C in the presence of CHAPS micelles. Receptor 1 interacts with CHAPS in a very fast kinetic step (<1 micros). This is followed in neutral media by the interaction with holotransferrin which occurs in two steps after receptor deprotonation, with a proton dissociation constant (K(1a)) of 10.0 +/- 1.5 nM. The first step is detected by the T-jump technique and is associated with a molecular interaction between the receptor and holotransferrin. It occurs with a first-order rate constant (k(-1)) of (1.6 +/- 0.2) x 10(4) s(-1), a second-order rate constant (k(1)) of (3.20 +/- 0.2) x 10(10) M(-1) s(-1), and a dissociation constant (K(1)) of 0.50 +/- 0.07 microM. This step is followed by a slow change in the conformation with a relaxation time (tau(2)) of 3400 +/- 400 s and an equilibrium constant (K(2)) of (4.6 +/- 1.0) x 10(-3) with an overall affinity of the receptor for holotransferrin [(K'1)(-1)] of (4.35 +/- 0.60) x 10(8) M(-1). Apotransferrin does not interact with receptor 1 in neutral media, between pH 4.9 and 6, it interacts with the receptor in two steps after a receptor deprotonation (K(2a) = 2.30 +/- 0.3 microM). The first step occurs in the range of 1000-3000 s. It is ascribed to a slow change in the conformation which rate-controls a fast interaction between apotransferrin and receptor 1 with an overall affinity constant [(K(3))(-1)] of (2.80 +/- 0.30) x 10(7) M(-1). These results imply that receptor 1 probably exists in at least two forms, the neutral species which interacts with holotransferrin and not with apotransferrin and the acidic species which interacts with apotransferrin. At first, the interaction of the neutral receptor with holotransferrin is extremely fast. It is followed by the slow change in conformation, which leads to an important stabilization of the thermodynamic structure. In the acidic media of the endosome, the interaction of apotransferrin with the acidic receptor is sufficiently strong and rate-controlled by a very slow change in conformation which allows recycling back to the plasma membrane.

Aluminum exchange between citrate and human serum transferrin and interaction with transferrin receptor 1.

The kinetics and thermodynamics of Al(III) exchange between aluminum citrate (AlL) and human serum transferrin were investigated in the 7.2-8.9 pH range. The C-site of human serum apotransferrin in interaction with bicarbonate removes Al(III) from Al citrate with an exchange equilibrium constant K1 = (2.0 +/- 0.6) x 10(-2); a direct second-order rate constant k1 = 45 +/- 3 M(-1) x s(-1); and a reverse second-order rate constant k(-1) = (2.3 +/- 0.5) x 10(3) M(-1) x s(-1). The newly formed aluminum-protein complex loses a single proton with proton dissociation constant K1a = (15 +/- 3) nM to yield a first kinetic intermediate. This intermediate then undergoes a modification in its conformation followed by two proton losses; first-order rate constant k2 = (4.20 +/- 0.02) x 10(-2) s(-1) to produce a second kinetic intermediate, which in turn undergoes a last slow modification in the conformation to yield the aluminum-loaded transferrin in its final state. This last process rate-controls Al(III) uptake by the N-site of the protein and is independent of the experimental parameters with a constant reciprocal relaxation time tau3(-1) = (6 +/- 1) x 10(-5) x s(-1). The affinities involved in aluminum uptake by serum transferrins are about 10 orders of magnitude lower than those involved in the uptake of iron. The interactions of iron-loaded transferrins with transferrin receptor 1 occur with average dissociation constants of 3 +/- 1 and 5 +/- 1 nM for the only C-site iron-loaded and of 6.0 +/- 0.6 and 7 +/- 0.5 nM for the iron-saturated ST in the absence or presence of CHAPS, respectively. No interaction is detected between receptor 1 and aluminum-saturated or mixed C-site iron-loaded/N-site aluminum-loaded transferrin under the same conditions. The fact that aluminum can be solubilized by serum transferrin in biological fluids does not necessarily imply that its transfer from the blood stream to cytoplasm follows the receptor-mediated pathway of iron transport by transferrins.

Mechanism of formation of the complex between transferrin and bismuth, and interaction with transferrin receptor 1.

The kinetics and thermodynamics of Bi(III) exchange between bismuth mononitrilotriacetate (BiL) and human serum transferrin as well as those of the interaction between bismuth-loaded transferrin and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR) were investigated at pH 7.4-8.9. Bismuth is rapidly exchanged between BiL and the C-site of human serum apotransferrin in interaction with bicarbonate to yield an intermediate complex with an effective equilibrium constant K(1) of 6 +/- 4, a direct second-order rate constant k(1) of (2.45 +/- 0.20) x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1), and a reverse second-order rate constant k(-1) of (1.5 +/- 0.5) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). The intermediate complex loses a single proton with a proton dissociation constant K(1a) of 2.4 +/- 1 nM to yield a first kinetic product. This product then undergoes a modification in its conformation followed by two proton losses with a first-order rate constant k(2) = 25 +/- 1.5 s(-1) to produce a second kinetic intermediate, which in turn undergoes a last modification in the conformation to yield the bismuth-saturated transferrin in its final state. This last process rate-controls Bi(III) uptake by the N-site of the protein and is independent of the experimental parameters with a constant reciprocal relaxation time tau(3)(-1) of (3 +/- 1) x 10(-2) s(-1). The mechanism of bismuth uptake differs from that of iron and probably does not involve the same transition in conformation from open to closed upon iron uptake. The interaction of bismuth-loaded transferrin with TFR occurs in a single very fast kinetic step with a dissociation constant K(d) of 4 +/- 0.4 microM, a second-order rate constant k(d) of (2.2 +/- 1.5) x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1), and a first-order rate constant k(-d) of 900 +/- 400 s(-1). This mechanism is different from that observed with the ferric holotransferrin and implies that the interaction between TFR and bismuth-loaded transferrin probably takes place on the helical domain of the receptor which is specific for the C-site of transferrin and HFE. The relevance of bismuth incorporation by the transferrin receptor-mediated iron acquisition pathway is discussed.