Citrobacter freundii Methionine γ-Lyase: The Role of Serine 339 in the Catalysis of γ- and ß-Elimination Reactions.

Serine 339 of the active site of Citrobacter freundii methionine γ-lyase (MGL) is a conserved amino acid in most pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzymes of the cystathionine ß-lyase subclass, to which MGL belongs. The reaction mechanism of the MGL-catalyzed γ-elimination reaction is poorly explored. We replaced serine 339 with alanine using site-directed mutagenesis. The replacement of serine 339 with alanine led to a significant (by two orders of magnitude) decrease in efficiency in the catalysis of the γ- and ß-elimination reactions by the mutant form of the enzyme. The exchange rates of the C-α- and C-ß-protons in the amino acids in complexes consisting of the enzyme and competitive inhibitors decreased by one-two orders of magnitude. The spectral characteristics of the mutant form indicated that the replacement did not lead to significant changes in the conformation and tautomerism of MGL internal aldimine. We crystallized the holoenzyme and determined its spatial structure at 1.7 E resolution. The replacement of serine 339 with alanine did not affect the overall course of the polypeptide chain of the MGL subunit and the tetrameric enzyme structure. An analysis of the obtained kinetic and spectral data, as well as the known spatial structures of C. freundii MGL, indicates that serine 339 is necessary for efficient catalysis of γ- and ß-elimination reactions at the stage of C-α-proton abstraction from the external aldimine, the γ-elimination reaction at the stages of coenzyme C4'-atom protonation, and C-ß-proton abstraction from a ketimine intermediate.

Kinetic and spectral parameters of interaction of Citrobacter freundii methionine γ-lyase with amino acids.

Kinetic parameters of Citrobacter freundii methionine γ-lyase were determined with substrates in γ-elimination reactions as well as the inhibition of the enzyme in the γ-elimination of L-methionine by amino acids with different structure. The data indicate an important contribution of the sulfur atom and methylene groups to the efficiency of binding of substrates and inhibitors. The rate constants of the enzyme-catalyzed exchange of C-α- and C-ß-protons with deuterium were determined, as well as the kinetic isotope effect of the deuterium label in the C-α-position of inhibitors on the rate of exchange of their ß-protons. Neither stereoselectivity in the ß-proton exchange nor noticeable α-isotope effect on the exchange rates of ß-protons was found. The ionic and tautomeric composition of the external Schiff base of methionine γ-lyase was determined. Spectral characteristics (absorption and circular dichroism spectra) of complexes with substrates and inhibitors were determined. The spectral and kinetic data indicate that deamination of aminocrotonate should be the rate-determining stage of the enzymatic reaction.

[Regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism in Hep G2 cells by delta8(14)-15-ketoergostane derivatives].

The comparative study of effects of 5alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-on-3beta-ol (I), (22E)-5alpha-ergosta-8(14),22-dien-15-on-3beta-ol (II), (22S,23S)-22,23-oxido-5alpha-ergost-8(14)-en- 15-on-3beta-ol (III) and (22R,23R)-22,23-oxido-5alpha-ergost-8(14)-en-15-on-3beta-ol (IV) on HMG-CoA reductase, CYP27A1 and CYP3A4 genes expression in Hep G2 cells was performed. In the contrast to 15-ketocholestane derivative (I), 15-ketoergostane derivatives (II - IV) decreased the HMG- CoA reductase mRNA level; (22R,23R)-22,23-oxido-5alpha-ergost-8(14)-en-15-on-3beta-ol (IV) significantly increased CYP3A4 mRNA level (320% from control). Ketosterol (II) was found to be a more potent inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis in Hep G2 cells at a prolong incubation, compared with ketosterol (I). The side chain conformation of compounds (I) - (IV) was evaluated by computational modeling; the correlation between biological activity of these compounds and conformational flexibility of their side chains was found. The results obtained indicated that delta8(14)-15-ketoergostane derivatives may be used as a sterol biosynthesis and metabolism regulators in liver cells.

[Synthesis of secasterol and 24-episecasterol and their toxicity in MCF-7 cells].

A convergent synthesis of biosynthetic precursors of brassinosteroids - secasterol and 24-episecasterol with Δ²-bond in cycle A is described. The key stages in the construction of the side chain of these compounds were Julia olefination of steroid 22-aldehyde followed by asymmetric Sharpless dihydroxylation of the intermediate Δ²²-olefin. Toxicity of synthesized compounds against breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells was studied.

[(22R,23R)-3beta-Hydroxy-22,23-epoxy-5alpha-ergost-8(14)-en-15-one: improved synthesis and toxicity to MCF-7 cells].

The chemical synthesis of (22R,23R)-3beta-hydroxy-22,23-epoxy-5alpha-ergost-8(14)-en-15-one from (22E)-3beta-acetoxy-5alpha-ergosta-7,14,22-triene was improved. The stages of obtaining and isomerizing (22E)-3beta-acetoxy-14alpha,15alpha-epoxy-5alpha-ergosta-7,22-diene were optimized. The introduction of the (22R,23R)-epoxide cycle was carried out by a basic treatment of intermediate (22S,23R)-3beta,23-diacetoxy-22-iodo-5alpha-ergost-8(14)-en-15-one. In cells of human mammary gland carcinoma MCF-7 (22R,23R)-3beta-hydroxy-22,23-epoxy-5alpha-ergost-8(14)-en-15-one showed a high toxicity (TC(50) = 0.4 +/- 0.1 microM for 48-h incubation in serum-free medium).

Spin label method reveals barnase-barstar interaction: a temperature and viscosity dependence approach.

Spin labeling was used to study the protein-protein interaction between the enzyme barnase (Bn) and its inhibitor barstar (Bs). A mutant of barstar (C40A), which contains only one cysteine, C82, located near the Bn-Bs contact region, was selectively modified by two spin labels having different lengths and structures of the flexible tether. The formation of a strong protein complex resulted in significant restriction of spin label mobility at the C82 residue of barstar, as indicated by notable changes in the recorded EPR spectra. The dependence of the separation between broad outer peaks of the EPR spectra on viscosity at constant temperature was used to evaluate the order parameter S and the rotational correlation time tau (a temperature-viscosity dependence approach). The order parameter S, which characterizes fast reorientation of a spin label relative to the protein molecule, sharply increases and approaches unity when Bs binds to Bn. In addition, formation of a Bs-Bs complex was observed; it is also accompanied by restriction of spin label mobility. At the same time, the rotational correlation times tau of spin-labeled Bs, its complex with Bn, and the Bs dimer in solution agree well with their molecular masses. This indicates that barstar, its complex with barnase, and barstar dimer are rigid protein entities. The described approach is suitable for studying any spin-labeled macromolecular complexes.

Dynamic spin label study of the barstar-barnase complex.

The dynamic spin label method was used to study protein-protein interactions in the model complex of the enzyme barnase (Bn) with its inhibitor barstar. The C40A mutant of barstar (Bs) containing a single cysteine residue was modified with two different spin labels varying in length and structure of a flexible linker. Each spin label was selectively bound to the Cys82 residue, located near the Bn-Bs contact site. The formation of the stable protein complex between Bn and spin labeled Bs was accompanied by a substantial restriction of spin label mobility, indicated by remarkable changes in the registered EPR spectra. Order parameter, S, as an estimate of rapid reorientation of spin label relative to protein molecule, was sharply increasing approaching 1. However, the rotational correlation time tau for spin-labeled Bs and its complex with Bn in solution corresponded precisely to their molecular weights. These data indicate that both Bs and its complex with Bn are rigid protein entities. Spin labels attached to Bs in close proximity to an interface of interaction with Bn, regardless of its structure, undergo significant restriction of mobility by the environment of the contact site of the two proteins. The results show that this approach can be used to investigate fusion proteins containing Bn or Bs.

[Cytotoxic derivatives of (22R,23R)-22,23-dihydroxystigmastane].

(22R,23R)-22,23-dihydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one, (22R,23R)-22,23-dihydroxystigmast-4-en-3,6-dione, (22R,23R)-3beta,5alpha,6beta,22,23-pentahydroxystigmastane, (22R,23R)-5alpha,6alpha-oxido-3beta,22,23-trihydroxystigmastane, (22R,23R)-5beta,6beta-oxido-3beta,22,23-trihydroxystigmastane, and (22R,23R)-3beta,6beta,22,23-tetrahydroxystigmast-4-ene were synthesized. Their cytotoxicities were comparatively studied using the MCF-7 line of carcinoma cells of human mammary gland and cells of human hepatoma of the Hep G2 line.

[Delta5-7-Ketosterols with modified side chain: the synthesis and the effects on viability and cholesterol biosynthesis in Hep G2 cells].

(22E)-3beta-Hydroxysitosta-5,22-dien-7-one, (22R, 23R)-3beta,22,23-trihydroxysitost-5-en-7-one, and (22R, 23R)-3beta-hydroxy-22,23-isopropylidenedioxysitost-5-en-7-one were synthesized. The cytotoxicity and effects on cholesterol biosynthesis of the resulting 7-ketosterols, 7-ketocholesterol, and (22S,23S)-3beta-hydroxy-22,23-oxidositost-5-en-7-one were studied in hepatoblastoma Hep G2 cells.

[A simple synthesis of 3beta-acetoxy-20-oxomethylpregn-5-ene and 3beta-acetoxy-20-hydroxymethylpregn-5-ene].

3beta-Acetoxy-20-oxomethylpregn-5-ene and 3beta-acetoxy-20-hydroxymethylpregn-5-ene were synthesized from (22R,23R)-sitost-5-ene-3beta,22,23-triol in 66% overall yields.

[A comparative structural analysis of Fab-fragments of monoclonal rheumatoid and non-rheumatoid immunoglobulins M].

The spin-labeling method was used to study the Fab- and Fab-RF-fragments of IgM and IgM-RF, respectively. The spin-label 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-dichloro-sym-triazinyl-aminopiperidine-1-oxyl was introduced into the peptide moiety of the proteins. The rotational correlation time t of the spin-label carrier was determined based on the temperature-viscosity dependence of the EPR spectra parameters of the spin-labeled proteins. The tau values for Fab- and Fab-RF-fragments were 21 +/- 2 and 12 +/- 1 ns, respectively. The data strongly suggest that the significantly lower tau value for the Fab-RF-fragment may be due to the local structural flexibility of the fragment, which in turn may explain the peculiarities of IgM-RF as an autoantibody.

[22,23-epoxides of sitosterol and related 7-oxygenated delta5-sterols].

(22S,23S)-22,23-Epoxysitosterol, (22R,23R)-22,23-epoxysitosterol, (22S,23S)-22,23-epoxy-7-ketositosterol, (22R,23R)-22,23-epoxy-7-ketositosterol, (22S,23S)-22,23-epoxy-7alpha-hydroxysitosterol, (22R,23R)-22,23-epoxy-7alpha-hydroxysitosterol, (22S,23S)-22,23-epoxy-7beta-hydroxysitosterol, and (22R,23R)-22,23-epoxy-7beta-hydroxysitosterol were synthesized. Their 1H and 13C NMR and the mass spectra of their trimethylsilyl derivatives were studied.

Is the Fab-fragment from monoclonal rheumatoid IgM flexible? A spin label dynamics study.

A comparative study of the Fab- and Fab-RF-fragments in the molecules of monoclonal IgM and IgM-RF, respectively, was performed by the spin label method. The spin label, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-dichloro-triazinylaminopiperidine-1-oxyl, was introduced into the peptide part of the protein. On the basis of the data on the temperature-viscosity dependences of the EPR spectral parameters of the resultant spin-labeled proteins, the rotational correlation time tau of the spin carrier was determined. It turned out that the reduced to normal conditions tau values for the molecules of the Fab- and Fab-RF-fragments were 21+/-2 and 11+/-1 ns, respectively. Analysis of the resultant data provides sufficient grounds for assuming that such a sharp decrease in the tau value for the molecule of the Fab-RF fragment is due to local flexibility of its globular structure, which, in turn, can determine the specific features of the IgM-RF functioning as an autoantibody.

[New delta8(14)-ketosterols with an oxygenated side chain].

New analogues of 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (15-ketosterol) with modified 17-chains [(22S,23S,24S)- and (22R,23R,24S)-3beta-hydroxy-24-methyl-22,23-oxido-5alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-ones and (22RS,23xi,24S)-24-methyl-5alpha-cholesta-3beta,22,23-triol-15-one] were synthesized from (22E,24S)-3beta-acetoxy-24-methyl-5alpha-cholesta-8(14),22-dien-15-one. The chiralities of their 22 and 23 centers were determined by NMR spectroscopy. The isomeric 22,23-epoxides effectively inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatoma Hep G2 cells (IC50 0.9 +/- 0.2 and 0.7 +/- 0.2 microM, respectively), and their activities significantly exceeded those of 15-ketosterol (IC50 4.0 +/- 0.5 microM), (22E,24S)-3beta-hydroxy-24-methyl-5alpha-cholesta-8(14),22-dien-15-one (IC50 3.1 +/- 0.4 microM), and the 3beta,22,23-triol synthesized (IC50 6.0 +/- 1.0 microM). The English version of the paper: Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2005, vol. 31, no. 3; see also http://www.maik.ru.

[The temperature dependence of high-resolution 1H NMR spectra of Rhodobacter sphaeroides photosynthetic reaction centres in a temperature range of 25-40 degrees C]. / Kharakter temperaturnoi zavisimosti spektrov protonnogo IAMR vysokogo razresheniia v fotosinteticheskikh reaktsionnykh tsentrakh Rhodobacter sphaeroides v intervale 25-40 C.

High-resolution 1H-NMR spectra registered within a temperature range of 25-40 degrees C revealed a nonmonotonous dome-shaped temperature dependence of the ratio between integral NMR signal intensities determined at ppm intervals 2.5-4.5 and 0.2-2.5 with a maximum at 30 degrees C. This may be due to RC structural changes accompanying the temperature rise and accelerating the recombination reaction between oxidized bacteriochlorophyll and reduced primary quinone at temperatures above 30 degrees C.

[Palmitates of isomeric 15-oxygenated delta8(14)-sterols]. / Pal'mitaty izomernykh 15-oksigenirovannykh delat 8(14)-sterinov.

3 beta-Hexadecanoyloxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one, 3 alpha-hexadecanoyloxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one, 15 beta- hexadecanoyloxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol, 15 alpha-hexadecanoyloxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol, 15 beta-hexadecanoyloxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3-one, and 15 alpha-hexadecanoyloxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3-one were synthesized and their chromatographic and 1H NMR characteristics were determined. The English version of the paper: Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2004, vol. 30, no. 2; see also http://www.maik.ru.

[Synthesis of new analogs of 15-ketosterine from ergosterine]. / Sintez novykh analogov 15-ketosterina iz érgosterina.

Ergosteryl acetate was converted through three stages into 3 beta-acetoxy-24-methyl-5 alpha-cholesta-8(14),22-diene-15-one in 32% overall yield. The product was transformed to 3 beta-hydroxy-24- methyl-5 alpha-cholesta-8(14),22-diene-15-one, 3 alpha-hydroxy-24-methyl-5 alpha-cholesta-8(14),22-diene-15-one, and 24-methyl-5 alpha-cholesta-8(14),22-diene-3,15-dione. The compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectra. The English version of the paper: Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2004, vol. 30, no. 1; see also http://www.maik.ru.

[Role of rapid movement of spin labels in interpreting EPR spectra for spin-labelled macromolecules]. / Rol' bystrogo dvizheniia spin-metki pri interpretatsii spektrov EPR spin-mechenykh makromolekul.

The method of spin labeling was used to monitor quick movements of side residues in protein monocrystals. The EPR spectra of monocrystals of spin-labeled lysozyme at different orientations of the tetrahonal crystal relative to the direction of the magnetic field were interpreted using the molecular dynamics method. A simple model was proposed, which enables one to calculate the trajectory of movements of the spin label by the molecular dynamic method over a relatively short period of time. The entire "frozen" protein molecule and a "defrozen" spin-labeled amino acid residue were considered in the framework of the model. To calculate the trajectories in vacuum, a model of spin-labeled lysozyme was constructed, and the parameters of force potentials for the atoms of the protein molecule and the spin label were specified. It follows from the calculations that the protein environment sterically hinders the range of eventual angular reorientations of the reporter NO-group of nitroxyl incorporated into the spin label, thereby affecting the shape of the EPR spectrum. However, the scatter in the positions of the reporter group in the angular space turned out to correspond to the Gauss distribution. Using the atomic coordinates of the spin label, obtained in a chosen time interval by the method of molecular dynamics, and taking into account the distribution of the states of the spin label in the ensemble of spin-labeled macromolecules in the crystal, we simulated the EPR spectra of monocrystals of spin-labeled lysozyme. The theoretical EPR spectra coincide well with the experimental.

[A simple method for preparation of 18alpha-glycyrretinic acid ant its derivatives]. / Prostoi metod polucheniia 18alpha-glitsirretinovoi kisloty i ee proizvodnykh.

Treatment of 18 beta-glycyrrhizic acid with a methanolic solution of HCl resulted in a 1:1 mixture of methyl esters of 18 alpha- and 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acids. Benzoylation of the mixture led to methyl esters of 3-benzoyl-18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid and 3-benzoyl-18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, which were separated by chromatography on silica gel. 18 alpha-Glycyrrhetinic acid was prepared by alkaline hydrolysis of methyl 3-benzoyl-18 alpha-glycyrrhetinate and was further used for the syntheses of 3-keto-18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid and methyl esters of 18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid and 3-keto-18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid.

Revealing of the spin-spin interaction due to incorporating a spin label in the carbohydrate parts of immuniglobulins M and G.

The EPR spectra of the preparations produced by spin labeling of the carbohydrate parts in monoclonal IgM and normal IgG with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine-1-oxyl as the spin label indicate the existence of a rapid spin-spin exchange interaction between two spin labels. In the case of spin-labeled IgM, the carrier of such a spectrum is shown to be a glycopeptide noncovalently bound to IgM; it includes two spin labels and may be detached from the macromolecule by a combination of dialysis and gel filtration.