Chemical synthesis of yeast mitochondrial ATP synthase membranous subunit 8.

Chemical synthesis of highly hydrophobic peptides and proteins remains a challenging problem. Strong interchain associations within the peptide-resin matrix have to be overcome. A synthetic strategy for solid phase peptide synthesis is proposed, mainly based on prolonged coupling time using aprotic polar solvent mixtures. A tailored chromatographic purification was required to obtain a sample sufficiently pure for structural analysis. In this work, the total chemical synthesis of the membrane-embedded yeast mitochondrial ATP synthase subunit 8 is described. The quality of the synthetic protein was checked by electrospray mass spectrometry, its tendency to adopt alpha-helical secondary structure is evidenced by circular dichroism spectroscopy.

Arguments for two distinct gonadotropic activities triggered by different domains of the ovary maturating parsin of Locusta migratoria.

To complete previous results concerning the role of the ovary maturating parsin of Locusta migratoria (Lom OMP), we determined, by an enzyme immunoassay, the titers of circulating ecdysteroids and analyzed circulating vitellogenin (Vg) and oöcyte growth following (1) suppression of 20 hydroxyecdysone (20E) and (2) injection of the Lom OMP, either as an entire molecule in allatectomized adults or as smaller peptides in allatectomized fifth-instar larvae females. Titers of ecdysteroids appeared unrelated to the presence of circulating Vg but increased during the first phase of vitellogenesis and injection of OMP accelerated the occurrence of circulating 20E. Nevertheless, immunoneutralization of 20E at the beginning of adult life delayed but did not prevent rapid oöcyte growth contrary to immunoneutralization of Lom OMP suggesting an additive gonadotropic effect of the neurohormone, distinct from that of 20E. Of two synthetic peptides corresponding to the C- and N-terminal gonadotropic domains of the OMP, respectively, only the C-terminal peptide was able to induce Vg in allatectomized larvae. After metamorphosis, injection of OMP did not induce Vg in adults allatectomized at the beginning of imaginal life but improved the maintenance of circulating Vg in adults allatectomized after Vg appeared in the haemolymph. This result suggests that OMP either delays the Vg mRNA decay or increases the translation of Vg mRNA. Thus, Lom OMP appears to have two distinct roles: an ecdysteroidogenic effect triggered by its C-terminal domain with the ovary as the target tissue and a protecting effect on Vg mRNA probably triggered by its other gonadotropic domain, the N-terminal, with the fat body as the target tissue.

Synthesis and CD studies of an 88-residue peptide containing the main receptor binding site of HTLV-I SU-glycoprotein.

Essential HTLV-1 biological functions, like host-cell receptor recognition, depend on the structural motives on the surface glycoprotein gp46. We defined a peptide of 88 amino acids [Arg147-Leu234] corresponding to the central part of the protein sequence, where major neutralizing epitopes are localized. After evaluating the feasibility of its chemical synthesis, the chosen sequence was realized using the stepwise solid-phase methodology. Multiple chromatographic purification steps were required to obtain a sample suitable for structural analysis. Correct folding was supported by strong binding of monooclonal antibodies, recognizing known exposed immunodominant regions. Circular dichroism studies confirmed a non-random conformation of at least 70-80% of the synthetic peptide. Investigation of the 3D-structure of the synthetic peptide will provide useful information for future vaccine and drug-design strategies.

Immunogenicity of variable regions of the surface envelope glycoprotein of HTLV type I and identification of new major epitopes in the 239-261 region.

The reactivity of sera of 96 individuals infected with human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) was tested against various synthetic peptides corresponding to the gp46 immunodominant antigenic domains: residues 86-107, 175-199, and 239-261. The frequency of reactive sera was higher for 175-199 (93%) than for 239-261 (78%) or 86-107 (24%) with some variations in geographical regions and in diseases. The region 239-261 was extensively analyzed and five (linear or conformational) epitopes were found. The reactivity of sera toward functional or immunodominant domains may depend on the sequence of the infecting virus, and the role of three frequent substitutions (asparagine by tyrosine, proline by serine, and serine by proline or leucine at positions 93, 192, and 250 respectively) was established. Finally, the role of the genetic background of the host may condition the humoral immune response as individuals infected by HTLV-Is harboring the same predicted gp46 peptide sequence may recognize one, several, or all regions examined.

Chemical synthesis of a 7 kDa insect gonadotropic neurohormone.

An original insect neurohormone of 65 residues was synthesized by the solid-phase methodology using t-Boc strategy and Boc-Val-PAM-resin. The purification, conducted by several steps of liquid chromatography having mass, polarity or charge as separative criteria, yielded the product with the correct molecular weight of 6922 Da determined by mass spectrometry. The synthetic peptide had both the same affinity for the anti-native neurohormone serum and the same biological activity as the native neurohormone.

Restricted occurrence of Locusta migratoria ovary maturing parsin in the brain-corpora cardiaca complex of various insect species.

Ovary maturing parsin (OMP) is a gonadotrophic molecule previously isolated from the neurosecretory lobes of the corpora cardiaca of Locusta migratoria (acridian Orthoptera). A polyclonal antiserum directed against the two biologically active domains of the L. migratoria (Lom) OMP was used to investigate the occurrence of Lom OMP-like substances in brain-corpora cardiaca complexes of other insect species. Using immunohistochemistry, specimens of 40 different insect species belonging to 13 insect orders were tested. The Lom OMP-like substance was strictly limited to specimens of insect species belonging to the Acridae. It occurred in non-basophilic cells of the pars intercerebralis that project to the corpora cardiaca, as in Locusta. Although the antiserum only detected Lom OMP-like material in the Acridae, it is possible that related molecules exist in other insects. The antiserum may be very specific for domains of the Lom OMP molecule that have not been highly conserved during evolution or possibly these domains are not accessible to the antiserum in other insects.

Inhibition of activity of the protease from bovine leukemia virus.

In view of the close similarity between bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) we investigated the possibility of developing specific inhibitors of the proteases of these retroviruses using the purified enzyme from BLV. We tested the ability of this protease to specifically cleave various short oligopeptide substrates containing cleavage sites of BLV and HTLV-I proteases, as well as a recombinant BLV Gag precursor. The best substrate, a synthetic decapeptide bearing the natural cleavage site between the matrix and the capsid proteins of BLV Gag precursor polyprotein, was used to develop an inhibition assay. We determined the relative inhibitory effect of synthetic Gag precursor-like peptides in which the cleavable site was replaced by a non-hydrolyzable moiety. The encouraging inhibitory effect of these compounds indicates that potent non-peptidic inhibitors for retroviral proteases are not unattainable.

Recognition by human sera of a variable region of the surface glycoprotein of HTLV-I.

The region comprised between the amino acids 175 and 199 of the HTLV-I envelope surface glycoprotein is one of the immunodominant domains of this molecule. In this region, which is well recognized by sera from HTLV-I infected patients, a substitution of the proline at position 192 by a serine has been described in some isolates. Because this mutation could modify the secondary structure of the glycoprotein molecule, we studied the inference of the presence of proline or serine on the recognition of the region 175-199 by human sera. For this, three peptides have been synthetized (a 25-mer 175-199 corresponding to the sequence of the ATK prototype, and two internal 10-mer 190-Pro-199 and 190-Ser-199 having a proline or a serine at position 192) and tested by immunosorbent assay. While most sera reacted with 190-Pro-199 and with 190-Ser-199 synthetic peptides, a differential recognition was observed according to the pathology associated to HTLV-I infection. Moreover sera corresponding to patients infected with a virus harboring a serine at position 192 were found to recognize only the 10-mer with a serine. These data indicates that HTLV-I is subject to antigenic variability.

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies directed against the gp46 of human T-cell leukemia virus type I.

Essential HTLV-I biological functions depend on the structural motives of the surface glycoprotein (gp46). Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been generated in order to identify functional regions of gp46. We obtained three monoclonal antibodies (3F3F10, 4F5F6 and 7G5D8) by immunizing Balb/c mice with beta-propiolactone inactivated HTLV-I producing cells and partially purified gp46. The mAbs are of the IgG 1 subclass. They have been characterized by western blot analysis, reactivity with HTLV-I and HTLV-II producing cells and ELISA binding assays using synthetic peptides. The immunoblot analysis performed with sheets prepared with the virus released by HUT 102 and 2060 cells (an HTLV-I virus producing cell line established in our laboratory) indicate that the three mAbs recognize a 46 kDa product as did the anti -gp46 mAb 0.5 alpha (18). Reactivity of the three mAbs with various cell lines was examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay. The mAb 7G5D8 stained strongly the membrane of all HTLV-I producing cells (MT2, C91/PL, HUT102 and cells of seven lines established in our laboratory and by A. Gessain); uninfected lymphoid cells (HSB-2, MOLT 4, CEM and PHA activated lymphocytes from normal donors) were negative. Interestingly cells of a HTLV-II producing line (344 MO) were positive. The mAbs 3F3F10 and 4F5F6 reacted with the same cells as did 7G5D8 but the fluorescence intensity was much lower than that observed with this later. A long synthetic peptide corresponding to the immunodominant region of the gp46 defined by the amino acids 175-199 and 10-mer peptides overlapping this region were used in an approach to identify the recognized epitope(s). The long 175-199 peptide was recognized by the three mAbs. 3F3F10 and 4F5F6 recognized none of the 10-mer peptides whereas 7G5D8 bound to 186-195 and 182-191 peptides. In addition 7G5D8 did not inhibit either syncytia formation or virus infection. In view of the data concerning the previously described mAbs 0.5 alpha, LAT 27 (5) and KE36-11 (6), our results suggest that the epitope recognized by 7G5D8 is different from those recognized by the former ones. As the 183-191 sequence corresponds to a region in which HTLV-I and HTLV-II harbour six common amino acids and two similar ones, this is consistent with the observation that 7G5D8 stained the HTLV-II producing cells 344 MO as well as all HTLV-I producing ones. Altogether our data support the hypothesis whereby this epitope recognized by 7G5D8 is contained within a sequence defined by amino acids 183-191.

Detection of purine cytosine permease of S. cerevisiae: use of antibodies against a synthetic peptide corresponding to a predicted sequence in the N-terminal domain of the protein.

A synthetic peptide, selected in the predicted N-terminal amino-acid sequence of the purine cytosine permease (gene FCY2), linked to albumins proved a remarkably good immunogen in rabbits. In ELISA, sera reacted with the synthetic peptide and with specific proteins of plasma-membrane-enriched fractions of mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae pAB strains (amplified FCY2 gene) with high titers and high avidity. Western blots of plasma membrane proteins of pAB strain probed with antisera showed two bands: a major (45 kDa) and minor band (50 kDa). On the contrary, plasma-membrane-enriched fractions of mutant S. cerevisiae pJDB strain (deficient in FCY2 gene) gave no signal when probed in the same conditions. These results demonstrate the specificity of the antisera and also suggest that the 45 kDa and 50 kDa proteins are both products of the FCY2 gene.

Modelling, synthesis and biological activity of a BLV proteinase, made of (only) 116 amino acids.

Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) is the aetiological agent of Leukosis enzootica bovis [Viral Oncology (1980), G. Klein (Ed.) Raven Press, New York, pp. 231-238], a widely spread disease in cattle. BLV is reported as the animal model of human T-cell leukaemia virus (HLTV) which is the causative agent of adult T-cell leukaemia and tropical spastic paraparesis. Like the viruses themselves, the two retroviral proteinases (PR) are very closely related [Virology 142 (1985) 357-377]. BLV and HTLV-I PR are reported as putative proteins made of 126 [J. Virol. 57 (1986) 826-832] and 125 [FEBS Lett. 293 (1991) 106-110] amino acids, respectively (long sequences), belonging to the aspartyl proteinase family [Nature 329 (1987) 351-354], with the aid of molecular modelling, we show that BLV and HTLV-I proteinases made of only 116 and 115 amino acids, respectively (short sequences), display three-dimensional structures similar to that observed for other retroviral aspartyl proteinases. The models are based on three-dimensional structures of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV PR) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 PR). We used solid phase peptide synthesis to produce the putative proteolytic enzyme of BLV (116 amino acids). In this study, we show that the folded synthetic protease accurately hydrolyzes a decapeptide corresponding to the sequence of the Matrice-Capside (MA/CA) cleavage site of the gag polyprotein. In addition, the proteolytic activity is inhibited by a statine ((4S,3S)-4-amino-3-hydroxyl-6-methylheptanoic acid) containing an analogous sequence.

Conformational study of a putative HLTV-1 retroviral protease inhibitor.

The crystal structure of prolyl-glutaminyl-valyl-statyl-alanyl-leucine (Pro-Gln-Val-Sta-Ala-Leu, C(32)H(57)N(7)0(9).5H(2)0, M(r) = 683.9 + 90.1), a putative HTLV-1 protease inhibitor based on one of the consensus retroviral protease cleavage sequences, and containing the statine residue [(4S,3S)-4-amino-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid], has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The same molecule has been modelled in the active site of the HTLV-1 protease and both conformations have been compared. The peptide crystallizes as a pentahydrate in space group P2(1) with a = 10.874(2), b = 9.501(2), c = 21.062(5) A, beta = 103.68 (1) degrees, Z = 2, V= 2114.3 A(3), D(x) = 1.21 g cm(-3), micro = 8.02 cm(-1), T= 293 K, lambda(Cu Kalpha) = 1.5418 A. The structure has been refined to an R value of 0.070 for 2152 observed reflections. The peptide main chain can be described as extended and adopts the usual zigzag conformation from the prolyl to the statyl residue. The main difference in conformation between the individual observed and modelled molecules is located on the Sta, Ala and Leu residues with the main chain of the modelled molecule rotated by about 180 degrees as compared to the observed conformation in the crystal state.

Bovine leukemia virus: purification and characterization of the aspartic protease.

To develop efficient bovine leukemia virus (BLV) protease (PR) inhibitors, pure enzyme is required. For this, we have developed a two-step chromatographic nondenaturing purification protocol of PR from virions. As expected, the purified protein presents a molecular weight (14 kDa) and a NH2 terminal end fitting with previously reported data. The enzymatic activity of BLV PR was characterized using a synthetic peptide containing a potential cleavage site of the BLV gag-pro polypeptide precursor as substrate. The protease was most active at pH 6, 40 degrees, and high salt concentration (1-2 M NaCl or ammonium sulfate). In contrast, using a natural substrate such as a human T-cell leukemia virus recombinant gag precursor, BLV PR activity was higher at a low salt concentration (0.5 M NaCl). Besides, the use of different potentially cleavable molecules revealed that PR activity may be influenced by the substrate conformational structure around the cleavage site. Replacement of the two amino acids of a synthetic substrate cleavable site by a statin residue completely inhibited the enzymatic activity of the BLV PR.

Crystal structure and conformational analysis of angiotensinogen fragments.

The tripeptide acetyl-L-prolyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-histidine crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with eight molecules in a unit cell of dimensions a = 9.028(2), b = 140.54(6) and c = 42.41(1)A. The structure has been solved by direct methods and refined to an R value of 0.056 for 2904 observed reflections. The molecule exists as a zwitterion with terminal (His)CO2- and (imidazole)H+ as charged groups. The two peptide molecules in the structure adopt a type I beta-turn with Pro and Phe as the corner residues. The main conformational difference between the two crystallographically independent molecules is seen to be in the histidine side-chain orientations. The molecules arrange themselves in sheets perpendicular to the c axis. All hydrophobic side chains lie on one side of the sheets thus generated, whereas the hydrophilic groups are located on the other side. An interesting feature of the crystal structure is the existence of a water layer between adjacent peptide sheets. The conformational study of the isolated Ac-His-Pro-Phe-His-MA using energy calculations gives a rather limited number of stable conformers. The most stable corresponds to a type I beta-turn stabilized through two hydrogen bonds, followed by a less stable type II beta-turn (delta E = 2.0 kcal) and a partly helical structure (delta E = 2.6 kcal).

Electrophysiological effects of FLFQPQRF amide, an endogenous brain morphine modulating peptide, on cultured mouse spinal-cord neurons.

Intracellular recordings were made from dissociated fetal mouse spinal cord neurones in primary culture. Micropressure application of FLFQPQRFamide (10(-5) M in the delivery pipette), an endogenous mammalian brain morphine modulating peptide, onto the surface of spinal cord neurones induced, in a dose dependent manner, a transitory hyperpolarization followed by a long lasting depolarization of the membrane potential (n = 37). In contrast, no response was observed when the peptide was applied on dorsal root ganglia neurones (n = 30). The depolarizing phase of this response was underlied by an increase of the input resistance. Extrapolated reversal potential for the depolarizing phase was close to -80 mV while it was close to -40 mV for the hyperpolarizing phase. Increasing extracellular K+ concentration raised the reversal potential value of depolarizing phases to more positive values. The amplitude of the depolarizing phase was reduced by application of tetraethylammonium (50 mM) while it was enhanced by application of 4-aminopyridine (3 mM). CaCl2 application (3 mM) reversibly blocked the hyperpolarization and decreased the subsequent depolarization. In presence of Ba2+ the extrapollated reversal potential of the hyperpolarizing phase was dramatically shifted to a more positive value. Finally FLFQPQRFamide induced response can be partially mimicked by FMRFamide application. Our observations indicate that FLFQPQRFamide can have multiple effects on membrane conductance of mammalian spinal cord neurones by acting on a single class of receptor. These effects of FLFQPQRFamide were found to be mainly excitatory.

Characterization of rat spinal cord receptors to FLFQPQRFamide, a mammalian morphine modulating peptide: a binding study.

An in vitro binding assay, using 125I-YLFQPQRFamide, a newly synthetized iodinated analog of FLFQPQRFamide, in which Phe1 (F) has been substituted by a Tyr (Y), was developed to demonstrate and characterize putative binding sites of this brain morphine modulating peptide. This radioligand bound in a time-dependent manner to rat spinal cord membrane preparation. This binding was dose-dependent, saturable and reversible. Both kinetic data and saturation measured at equilibrium lead to the existence of a homogenous population of high affinity binding sites with a Kd value of 0.09-0.1 nM and a maximal capacity Bmax of 14.5 +/- 2 fmol/mg protein. Results of competition experiments show that both FLFQPQRFamide and its analog YLFQPQRFamide had a similar capacity to inhibit the 125I-YLFQPQRFamide binding, suggesting that this radioiodinated analog is a good tool to study binding characteristics of FLFQPQRFamide receptors. The related octadecapeptide AGEGLSSPFWSLAAPQRFamide, another mammalian morphine modulating peptide competes for radioligand binding with similar potency. Our results also show that mu, delta and kappa opiate receptor agonists as well as the antagonist naloxone were not able to affect binding either in presence or in absence of 120 mM NaCl. Together, these data demonstrate that FLFQPQRFamide does not function as an endogenous opiate receptor antagonist and that is capacity to reduce opiate-induced analgesia is supported by specific binding sites.

The renin-angiotensin system: an example of the study of linear peptides by x-ray crystallography.

In order to get information on the bioactive conformations of the endogenic renin substrate, a few peptide segments of angiotensinogen, along with a pepstatin analogue, were studied in the solid state by x-ray crystallography. These results are compared with the conformations of acidic proteinase inhibitors observed at the level of the active site. Such a comparison allows us to point out some analogies and differences between the observed conformation for the peptide alone and the conformations on the active sites. The analysis of the results should be a good starting point for making hypotheses on the renin substrate bioactive conformation(s).

[Cardiovascular effects of peptide inhibitors of the renin-substrate reaction in rats with renovascular hypertension. Goldblatt: 2 kidneys--1 clip]. / Effets cardio-vasculaires d'inhibiteurs peptidiques de la réaction rénine-substrat chez le rat atteint d'hypertension réno-vasculaire. Goldblatt: 2 reins--1 clip.

The antihypertensive effects of 2 different peptidic substrate analogs: AG 84-10 AG 85-12 were investigated in renovascular hypertensive (Goldblatt, 2 kidneys--1 clip) Sprague-Dawley male rats. AG 84-10 (Ac-Pro-Phe-His-Leu-Val-Tyr) is similar to Angiotensinogen 6-13 and AG 85-12 (Ac-Ile-His-Pro-Phe-His-Leu) mimics the C-terminal portion of Angiotensin I. 6 weeks after clipping, hemodynamic profiles of these molecules [Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), filling parameters, peripheral vascular resistances (PR) and cardiac output (CO)] during 90 minutes, were determined in the anesthetized animals. CO was measured using a thermodilution technique. Parallel radio-immunologic dosages of plasma renin activity were performed. Measurements and calculation of previously defined hemodynamic variables, every 10 minutes, demonstrated that: AG 84-10 exerted an early but transient decrease of MAP and PR, an increase of CO without modification of other hemodynamic parameters. AG 85-12 induced a late and durable decrease of MAP and PR with a significant decrease of heart rate, but without modification of CO and other hemodynamic variables. Example: PR mmHg/ml/mn/kg (mean +/- SD): *p less than 0.05 ** p less than 0.01. (Table: see text). The different levels of plasma renin activity were in accordance with hemodynamic data. So, the 2 peptidic substrate analogs elicited antihypertensive effects with a more efficient action of AG 85-12.

Reactivity of consecutive basic amino acid residues in peptides.

Different tetrapeptides of general formula L-Ala-X-X-Gly, possessing a basic doublet in the second and third position (X = Arg or Lys), have been synthesized as free or N-acetylated molecules. The chemical reactivity of the arginine guanidino group and of the lysine epsilon-amino group were studied using respectively the Sakaguchi and the ortho-diacetylbenzene reactions, in the tetrapeptides as well as in related molecules. In both cases, the colour yield is markedly influenced by the length of the polypeptide chain and by the relative positions of the arginine and lysine residues, suggesting the occurrence of intramolecular bonds within the tetrapeptide molecule. Tryptic hydrolysis of the tetrapeptides was followed by evaluating the amino acids or peptides which appear to be specific for the different possible cleavages at the arginyl or at the lysyl bonds. The susceptibility to trypsin of the carboxylic group of the second basic amino acid decreases progressively in the order Lys-Arg greater than Arg-Arg much greater than Lys-Lys greater than Arg-Lys, which shows a fair correlation with the intra-cellular cleavage of the bonds observed during the processing of preproteins of of the precursors of several physiologically active peptides.