ABSTRACT
Rapid tissue differentiation at the molecular level is a prerequisite for precise surgical resection, which is of special value for the treatment of malignant tumors, such as glioblastoma (GBM). Herein, a SERS-active microneedle is prepared by modifying glutathione (GSH)-responsive molecules, 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), on the surface of Au@Ag substrates for the distinction of different GBM tissues. Since the Raman signals on the surface of the DTNB@Au@Ag microneedle can be collected by both portable and benchtop Raman spectrometers, the distribution of GSH in different tissues at centimeter scale can be displayed through Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging, and the entire analysis process can be accomplished within 12 min. Accordingly, in vivo brain tissues of orthotopic GBM xenograft mice and ex vivo tissues of GBM patients are accurately differentiated with the microneedle, and the results are well consistent with tissue staining and postoperative pathological reports. In addition, the outline of tumor, peritumoral, and normal tissues can be indicated by the DTNB@Au@Ag microneedle for at least 56 days. Considering that the tumor tissues are quickly discriminated at the molecular level without the restriction of depth, the DTNB@Au@Ag microneedle is promising to be a powerful intraoperative diagnostic tool for surgery navigation.
Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms , Glioblastoma , Glutathione , Gold , Spectrum Analysis, Raman , Glioblastoma/pathology , Glioblastoma/metabolism , Glioblastoma/diagnostic imaging , Animals , Humans , Glutathione/analysis , Glutathione/metabolism , Gold/chemistry , Mice , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Brain Neoplasms/metabolism , Brain Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Needles , Silver/chemistry , Mice, Nude , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Cell Line, Tumor , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistryABSTRACT
BAHD acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) acyltransferases play key roles in a large number of biosynthetic reactions involved in plant specialized metabolism. One approach to measure reaction rates for these enzymes is to quantify the amide or ester reaction products following chromatographic separation of reaction components, an approach that can be labor intensive and time consuming, and complicated by a lack of pure standards. We previously developed and validated an alternative approach using 5,5'-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB, Ellman's reagent) to spectrophotometrically monitor reaction progress by the release of free CoA in the reaction. This approach allows near-real time measurement of reaction rates, permitting reaction conditions (buffer, reactant, and enzyme concentrations, etc.) to be changed "on the fly." The ease and rapidity of data collection allows a high density of data points to be collected for determination of kinetic parameters. Here we provide a detailed procedure for using DTNB to measure BAHD acyl-CoA acyltransferase reaction rates, and as an example, use it to determine kinetic parameters for red clover hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:shikimate hydroxycinnamoyltransferase, a BAHD acyl-CoA hydroxycinnamoyltransferase not previously characterized with respect to kinetic parameters. This approach may be more generally applicable to transferases using CoA donors.
Subject(s)
Acyltransferases , Coenzyme A-Transferases , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Acyltransferases/metabolismABSTRACT
A promising area in the analytical chemistry of thiol-containing compounds is the use of heterocyclic disulfides as analytical agents, but now only a few of them are widely used. In this paper, we evaluate the possibility of using three different heterocyclic disulfides 2,2'-dithiobis[5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole] (I), 2,2'-dithiobis[benzoxazole] (II) and 8,8'-dithiobis-quinoline (III) as analytical reagents for the low-mass aminothiols cysteine and glutathione determination. The optimal analysis conditions were found. Spectrophotometric, kinetic, CE, and HPLC methods using I, II, III for the determination of cysteine and glutathione were developed. The obtained methods are characterized by accuracy and sensitivity (detection limits in the range of 10-5-10-6 M) sufficient to quantify cysteine and glutathione in their physiological concentrations. Finally, the proposed disulfides were used to determine the SH-content in the bovine serum albumin (BSA). Considering a number of criteria (applicable pH range, absorption properties, susceptibility to hydrolysis) it was concluded that the proposed reagents have advantages over the commonly used ones (such as the Ellman reagent).
Subject(s)
Disulfides , Sulfhydryl Compounds , Cysteine/chemistry , Disulfides/chemistry , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Glutathione/chemistry , Serum Albumin, Bovine , Sulfhydryl Compounds/chemistryABSTRACT
We report the effect of pH on the supramolecular complexation of two biothiols, viz., homocysteine (Hcy) and cysteine (Cys), with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]). Under basic pH conditions, Cys did not complex with CB[7], whereas Hcy efficiently complexed with CB[7], as confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and Ellman's reagent (5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), DTNB) assay. 1H NMR and Raman spectroscopic studies revealed that, in the absence of CB[7], Hcy auto-oxidized slowly (~36 h) to homocystine (HSSH) under basic pH conditions. However, the rate of Hcy oxidation increased by up to 150 fold in the presence of CB[7], as suggested by the DTNB assay. Thus, supramolecular complexation under basic pH conditions led to the formation of a HSSH-CB[7] complex, and not Hcy-CB[7]. The results indicate that Hcy is rapidly oxidized to HSSH under the catalysis of CB[7], which acts as a reaction chamber, in basic pH conditions. Our studies suggest that Hcy concentration, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, can be selectively and more easily quantified by supramolecular complexation with CB [7].
Subject(s)
Homocysteine , Homocystine , Cysteine , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Heterocyclic Compounds, 2-Ring , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Imidazolidines , Macrocyclic CompoundsABSTRACT
A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunochromatographic assay (ICA) has been developed for rapid, ultrasensitive, and quantitative detection of rotavirus in feces using double Raman molecule-labeled Au-core Ag-shell nanoparticles. The Raman signals are generated by 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) and the intensity of the characteristic peak at 1334-1 cm was detected as the analytical signal. The Raman signals were enhanced by the SERS-enhanced effect of both Au and Ag, the large amount of Raman molecules, and the hot-spot effect in the narrow gap between the Au core and Ag shell. The SERS ICA can quantitatively detect rotavirus in a concentration range of 8- 40,000 pg/mL, with detection limits of 80 pg/mL and 8 pg/mL based on naked eye observation and SERS signal detection, respectively. No cross-reaction was observed from other common pathogens. The standard deviation of the intra- and inter-batch repetitive tests is less than 10%, and the coincidence between SERS ICA and RT-qPCR as well as commercial colloidal gold ICA is 100%. The results indicated that this SERS ICA is able to quantitatively detect rotavirus in feces in 20 min with high sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility, and accuracy and might be a promising method for the early detection of rotavirus in clinical analysis.
Subject(s)
Chromatography, Affinity/methods , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Rotavirus/isolation & purification , Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods , Antibodies, Immobilized/immunology , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/immunology , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Feces/virology , Gold/chemistry , Humans , Limit of Detection , Reproducibility of Results , Rotavirus/immunology , Silver/chemistryABSTRACT
A duplex surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based lateral flow immunosensor was established for the simultaneous detection of two common antibiotic residues including tetracycline and penicillin in milk. The newly synthesized Au@Ag nanoparticles were labeled with different Raman molecules including 5,5-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) or 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA), followed by the conjugation of anti-tetracycline monoclonal antibody or anti-penicillin receptor, forming two kinds of SERS nanoprobes. The two nanoprobes can recognize tetracycline-BSA and ampicillin-BSA, respectively, which facilitates the simultaneous detection of the two types of antibiotics on a single test line. After optimization, detection limits of tetracycline and penicillin as low as 0.015 ng/mL and 0.010 ng/mL, respectively, were achieved. These values were far below those of most of other documented bio-analytical approaches. Moreover, the spiking test demonstrates an excellent assay accuracy with recoveries of 88.8% to 111.3%, and satisfactory assay precision with relative standard deviation below 16%. Consequently, the results demonstrate that the SERS-based lateral flow immunosensor developed in this study has the advantages of excellent assay sensitivity and remarkable multiplexing capability, thus it will have great application potential in food safety monitoring.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/analysis , Biosensing Techniques , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Drug Residues/analysis , Food Contamination/analysis , Milk/chemistry , Animals , Antibodies, Monoclonal/chemistry , Benzoates/chemistry , Gold/chemistry , Limit of Detection , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Penicillins/analysis , Reproducibility of Results , Scattering, Radiation , Serum Albumin, Bovine/metabolism , Silver/chemistry , Spectrum Analysis, Raman , Sulfhydryl Compounds/chemistry , Surface Properties , Tetracycline/analysisABSTRACT
Multifunctional nanoprobes play important roles in cell imaging and sensing. Here, we present a novel optical nanoprobe based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface enhanced fluorescence (SEF), which can realize the SERS-fluorescence and superresolution triple-mode imaging of cancer cells. Compared with other previously reported multifunctional nanoprobes, the proposed nanoprobe holds two exquisite properties. The first one is that, in addition to normal SERS and fluorescence imaging, the nanoprobe can also be used for single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) imaging, which helps compensate for the diffraction limited spatial resolution of normal SERS and fluorescence imaging. The second one is that, other than simple fluorescence, SEF is used in the nanoprobe to produce a stronger signal for fluorescence imaging and, more importantly, better photo-switching for SMLM imaging. In the experiment, we optimized the structure of the nanoprobe to obtain the best SEF effect. With the optimal structure, the triple-mode imaging of a breast cancer cell line (SKBR3) is realized. Since such triple-mode imaging of cancer cells has never been achieved before, we believe that the presented nanoprobe holds great potential for cancer cell targeting or the investigation of cell-nanomaterial interactions.
Subject(s)
Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry , Nanotubes/chemistry , Carbocyanines/chemistry , Cell Line, Tumor , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Fluorescence , Humans , Microscopy, Fluorescence/methods , Polyamines/chemistry , Silver/chemistry , Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methodsABSTRACT
A novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis strategy has been designed combining Au@DTNB@Ag core-shell nanoparticles (DTNB attachment on gold nanoparticles, then encapsulated in Ag shell nanoparticles named as ADANPs) and duplex-specific nuclease signal amplification (DSNSA) platform. Firstly, ADANPs and magnetic substrate of Fe3O4 nanoparticles were covalently attached to the 3'- and 5'- end of capture probe (CP) targeting miRNA-21. Upon the addition of target miRNA-21, these heteroduplexes were specifically cleaved by DSN and resulted in ADANPs that were released from the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs). At the same time, miRNA-21 remained intact and can rehybridize another DNA probe to trigger the signal-amplifying reaction. Based on this principle, the developed SERS method exhibited good linearity in the range 0 to 1 nM for miRNA-21 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.084 fM and has an ability to differentiate even a single-base mismatched sequence on the target sequence or other miRNA sequence. The results provide a novel SERS method which can successfully been applied to the miRNA-21 detection in human serum. Graphical abstract a shows the synthesis of Fe3O4 NPs and the conjugation of Au@DTNB@Ag NPs (ADANPs) for the detection of miRNA-21, b shows the operating principle of DSN-assisted signal amplification strategy for miRNA detection based on Fe3O4@CP@ADA NPs.
Subject(s)
Endonucleases/chemistry , Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry , MicroRNAs/blood , Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods , Base Sequence , Cell Line, Tumor , DNA/chemistry , DNA/genetics , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Gold/chemistry , Humans , Immobilized Nucleic Acids/chemistry , Immobilized Nucleic Acids/genetics , Limit of Detection , MicroRNAs/chemistry , MicroRNAs/genetics , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Silver/chemistryABSTRACT
Herein we report a multiplated and biopolymeric-based optical bioassay for organophosphate detection based on the use of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as biocomponent and biopolymeric electrospun fibrous mats as eco-designed supports for AChE immobilisation. The principle of the detection relays on the decrease of enzymatic activity due to the capability of the organophosphorus pesticides to irreversibly inhibit AChE, which is optically detected using Ellman colorimetric method. The proposed bioassay consists in a novel, cost-effective, and multiplex-based 96-well system, in combination with customised biopolymeric membranes modified with AChE, with the aim to deliver a sustainable analytical tool. Indeed, the designed set-up should provide and guarantee several advantages, including: i) the re-use of plastic multi-plate with the only replacement of polymer dishes in the case of inhibition absence; ii) the exploiting of the properties of the immobilised enzyme, i.e. multiple analysis using the same amount of enzyme, reducing the AChE amount for analysis. In detail, three different biopolymers (i.e. polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and poly-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV)) were investigated and morphologically characterised, as supports for enzyme immobilisation, to identify the optimal one. Among them, PHBV was selected as the best support to immobilise AChE by cross-linking method. The analytical features of the bioassay were then assessed by measuring standard solutions of paraoxon in a range of concentrations between 10 and 100 ppb, achieving a linear range up to 60 ppb and a detection limit of 10 ppb. Thus, the suitability of this sustainable bioassay to detect organophosphate at ppb level was demonstrated.
Subject(s)
Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism , Colorimetry/methods , Pesticides/analysis , Acetylcholinesterase/chemistry , Biopolymers/chemistry , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/metabolism , Enzymes, Immobilized/chemistry , Enzymes, Immobilized/metabolism , Limit of Detection , Microarray Analysis , Paraoxon/analysis , Polyesters/chemistry , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
An efficient and stable fluorescent sensor is described for the detection and imaging of thiols. It is making use of silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) which can be rapidly prepared. They were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray power diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. The SiQDs have an absorption maximum at 300 nm and displayed blue-green fluorescence with excitation/emission maxima at 410/480 nm. A mixture of SiQDs and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) exhibits strong fluorescence emission which however is quenched within 30 s of incubation with thiols. This is assumed to be due to an inner filter effect caused by the reaction of DTNB and thiols. The following thiols were tested: cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione. The sensor has a linear response in the 3-100 µM thiol concentration range, and the LODs are between 0.80 and 0.96 µM. The sensor displays low cytotoxicity and was applied to fluorescence imaging of MCF-7 cells and Hela cells where it demonstrated excellent biocompatibility.
Subject(s)
Biosensing Techniques/methods , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Fluorescence , Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry , Quantum Dots , Silicon/chemistry , Sulfhydryl Compounds/analysis , HeLa Cells , Humans , MCF-7 Cells , Spectrometry, Fluorescence , Sulfhydryl Compounds/chemistryABSTRACT
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is usually employed as a model protein because of being homologous with human serum albumin. Cysteine-34 of BSA has been oxidised with Ellman's reagent to produce BSA labelled with an Ellman's moiety (BSA-SE). The BSA-SE was then reacted with glutathione, N-acetylcysteine and D-penicillamine (D-pen). The two were able to release the Ellman's moiety bound at cysteine-34 while D-pen did not. Albumin labeled using Ellman's reagent was used to demonstrate the cleavage of a protein mixed disulphide. The kinetics of thiol disulfide interchange reactions involving formation of a chromophoric thiolate were determined by UV-visible spectroscopy. The reaction of thiolates with excess Ellman's reagent is used for quantitative estimation of thiol by measuring the absorption at λ, 412 nm. The disulfide exchange reactions occurring at Cys-34 of BSA was determined and the reduction of oxidized Cys-34 was studied in order to understand the reverse reaction. Spectroscopic evidence suggested that glutathione and N-acetylcysteine remove the label and produce BSA in a disulfide form. In contrast, D-pen reaction returned BSA to its thiolate form via mediation. It was observed that thio-disulfide exchange occurred at cysteine-34 labelled with Ellman's moiety. The implications to the redox status of plasma are discussed.
Subject(s)
Disulfides/chemistry , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Serum Albumin, Bovine/chemistry , Sulfhydryl Compounds/chemistrySubject(s)
Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry , Hydroxylamine/chemistry , Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Acrylates/chemistry , Animals , Collagenases/metabolism , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Lung/cytology , Male , Materials Testing , Mechanical Phenomena , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Sulfhydryl Compounds/chemistry , Tissue EngineeringABSTRACT
We characterized the metal tolerance of recombinant strains harboring metallothionein from the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense (ShMT) in vivo and metal binding properties of ShMT purified in vitro. The recombinant strains harboring ShMT were exposed to 0.1â¯mM Cd2+, 0.3â¯mM Cu2+, 0.5â¯mMâ¯Pb2+, and 0.8â¯mM Zn2+. The growth curves and spot assays of recombinant strains and the contents of heavy metal ions were analysed in the media supplemented with above metal ions provided to recombinant E. coli synthesis. The structural characteristics of the Cd-, Cu-, Pb-, and Zn-ShMT were determined through ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-vis), circular dichroism (CD), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The in vivo results showed that, compared to control strains, recombinant strains tolerated Cd2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+. Furthermore, the contents of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in media decreased substantially. In vitro and the Cd-ShMT had a higher degree of folding compactness in solution. 5,5'-Dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic) acid (DTNB) reaction and ITC results demonstrated that ShMT yielded Cd6-, Cu7-, and Pb6-ShMT. The binding stability order was Cu-ShMTâ¯>â¯Cd-ShMTâ¯>â¯Pb-ShMTâ¯>â¯Zn-ShMT. Overall, ShMT is a canonical crustacean MT and is defined as a Cd-specific MT isoform that functions mainly in a detoxifying Cd2+ and Pb2+ and in regulating Zn2+ homeostasis in S. henanense. This research on the metal binding properties of ShMT provides a better understanding of the physiological function of ShMT reducing heavy metal bioavailability and by regulating essential trace metals.
Subject(s)
Brachyura/metabolism , Metallothionein/metabolism , Metals, Heavy/metabolism , Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism , Animals , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Escherichia coli/genetics , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Fresh Water , Gene Expression Regulation , Protein Isoforms/genetics , Protein Isoforms/metabolism , SeafoodABSTRACT
Beta-hemolytic, Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) is a life-threating pathogen and the reason for prominent disease, pharyngitis. The conventional analysis of GAS, gold standard, takes 48 hours and the related rapid tests lack in accuracy and sensitivity. In this study, firstly, the efficiency of swab sampling, which is a must in the GAS detection, was discussed with the proposed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based batch assay and each step was controlled by the plate-counting method. Secondly, SERS-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) test strips were constructed and the variation in the SERS intensity of 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) was observed. Thus, a linear correlation was found with a R2 value of 0.9926 and the LOD was calculated to be 0.2 CFU mL-1 of GAS which could be counted as one cell. The combination of the gold standard with the LFIA-SERS technique enabled the fast and accurate pathogen detection. In addition, GAS was quantified with paper-based test strips up to 100 CFU ml-1 level of bacteria for the first time without any interference. Besides, this study was featured with the discussion of the whole cell and pretreated cell detection of pathogens with LFIAs. Therefore, this work enlightens the points that have never been discussed on pathogen detection with paper-based platforms.
Subject(s)
Streptococcus pyogenes/isolation & purification , Antibodies/immunology , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Gold/chemistry , Immunoassay/methods , Limit of Detection , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Saliva/microbiology , Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods , Streptococcus pyogenes/immunologyABSTRACT
Thioamides (Thm) have diverse biological activities. This work presents the development and validation of simple, rapid and accurate spectrophotometric method for the analysis of Thm derivatives in pure form and in plasma. This spectrophotometric method has not been used before for determination of Thm. A review of the literature revealed that the monitoring of S- group assay is based on the reaction with DTNB according to the Ellman method to form a yellow complex which absorbs at 412â¯nm. To assay the thioamides according to this method it is necessary to make the basic medium have S- to react with the DTNB. Experimental conditions affecting the color development were studied and optimized. The proposed spectrophotometric procedures were effectively validated with respect to linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, detection and quantification limits. Calibration curves of the formed colored product with DTNB showed good linear relationships over the concentration ranges (0, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 1500â¯mg/L). The proposed method was successfully applied to the assay of Thm monitoring with good accuracy. The principal advantages of the proposed method were rapidity and suitability for the routine quality control assay of the drug alone and in monitoring form without interference.
Subject(s)
Colorimetry/methods , Thioamides/analysis , Calibration , Celecoxib/analysis , Chemical Fractionation , Cystine/analysis , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Limit of Detection , Sensitivity and Specificity , Tablets/analysis , Thioamides/blood , Thioamides/chemistry , Time FactorsABSTRACT
In this work, a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) polymer (PNIPAAm) was prepared via the photoinduced reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using Ru(bpy)3Cl2·6H2O as photoinitiator. The design and spontaneous assembly of thiol-functionalized DNA-Thiol/PNIPAAm polymeric capsule (DNAsomes) by water-in-oil Pickering emulsion method and effective response with small molecules (Sybr green and phenanthrene) were described. The intermediate product, DNA-Thiol/PNIPAAm conjugates and DNAsomes were characterized by using 1H NMR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), SEM, TEM and UV-vis methods. The obtained results indicated that DNA-Thiol/PNIPAAm constructs assembled in a Pickering emulsion could produce DNA-based spherical DNAsomes with typically 3.3-267.7⯵m in diameter. The DNAsomes showed a vesicle formation approximately 2⯵m in diameter, resulting in phenanthrene molecule intercalating with DNAsomes. The phenomenon indicated that the DNA-Thiol/PNIPAAm conjugates may have potential applications in recognition polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules. The membrane of the DNAsomes could effective response toward small molecules such as Sybr green or phenanthrene, and DNAsomes has release capability of protein (BSA) under reductive agent glutathione (GSH). Our results highlight the potential of integrating aspects of supramolecular and polymer chemistry into the design and construction of DNA-polymeric capsule, guest molecule encapsulation, control delivery of drugs, recognition organic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules and gene-directed capsule synthesis.
Subject(s)
DNA/chemistry , Serum Albumin, Bovine/metabolism , Sulfhydryl Compounds/chemistry , Acrylic Resins/chemistry , Animals , Cattle , Cysteine/chemistry , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Dynamic Light Scattering , Fluorescence , Ions , Metals/chemistry , Particle Size , Phenanthrenes/chemistry , Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid/chemistryABSTRACT
The reaction of 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate), DTNB, with hemoglobin sulfhydryl groups is linked to three negatively contributing Bohr effect groups: His2ß is present in all avian hemoglobins but absent in some mammalian hemoglobins; His77ß and His143ß are absent in avian but present in nearly all mammalian hemoglobins. To probe the consequences of these differences, we determined the influence of inositol hexakisphosphate (inositol-P6) on the DTNB affinities of avian and mammalian carbonmonoxyhemoglobins. Inositol-P6decreases by two orders of magnitude the DTNB affinity of guinea pig hemoglobin, which has His2ß and the R2 quaternary structure. It decreases, or has no effect on, the DTNB affinities of hemoglobins that have His2ß and whose structures lie along the R2 â R quaternary equilibrium. Finally, inositol-P6increases by one to two orders of magnitude the DTNB affinities of hemoglobins that lack His2ß. Thus His2ß, DTNB and inositol-P6, in combination, distinguish the R2 from the R quaternary structure.
Subject(s)
Carboxyhemoglobin/antagonists & inhibitors , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Phytic Acid/pharmacology , Animals , Carboxyhemoglobin/chemistry , Chickens , Guinea Pigs , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Phytic Acid/chemistry , Protein Structure, QuaternaryABSTRACT
This paper introduces three ways to determine host-guest complexation of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) with homocysteine (Hcy). After preincubating Hcy and cysteine (Cys) with CB[7], Ellman's reagent (DTNB) was used to detect Hcy and Cys. Only Cys reacted with DTNB and Hcy gave a retarded color change. This suggests that the -SH group of Hcy is buried inside CB[7]. Human cystathionine γ-lyase (hCGL) decreased the level of Hcy degradation after preincubating Hcy and CB[7]. These results suggest that the amount of free Hcy available was decreased by the formation of a Hcy-CB[7] complex. The immunological signal of anti-Hcy monoclonal antibody was decreased significantly by preincubating CB[7] with Hcy. The ELISA results also show that ethanethiol group (-CH2CH2SH) of Hcy, which is an epitope of anti-Hcy monoclonal antibody, was blocked by the cavity in CB[7]. Overall, CB[7] can act as a host by binding selectively with Hcy, but not Cys. The calculated half-complexation formation concentration of CB[7] was 58.2 nmol using Ellman's protocol, 97.9 nmol using hCGL assay and 87.7 nmol using monoclonal antibody. The differing binding abilities of Hcy and Cys towards the CB[7] host may offer a simple and useful method for determining the Hcy concentration in plasma or serum.
Subject(s)
Biological Assay/methods , Bridged-Ring Compounds/chemistry , Homocysteine/analysis , Homocysteine/chemistry , Imidazoles/chemistry , Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Cystathionine gamma-Lyase/chemistry , Cysteine/chemistry , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Epitopes/immunology , Homocysteine/immunology , Humans , Models, Molecular , Molecular Structure , Sulfhydryl Reagents/chemistryABSTRACT
The dengue virus protease (NS2B-NS3pro) plays a critical role in the dengue viral life cycle, making it an attractive drug target for dengue-related pathologies, including dengue hemorrhagic fever. A number of studies indicate that NS2B-NS3pro undergoes a transition between two widely different conformational states: an "open" (inactive) conformation and a "closed" (active) conformation. For the past several years, the equilibrium between these states and the resting conformation of NS2B-NS3pro have been debated, although a strong consensus is emerging. To investigate the importance of such conformational states, we developed versions of NS2B-NS3pro that allow us to trap the enzyme in various distinct conformations. Our data from these variants suggest that the enzymatic activity appears to be dependent on the movement of NS2B and may rely on the flexibility of the protease core. Locking the enzyme into the "closed" conformation dramatically increased activity, strongly suggesting that the "closed" conformation is the active conformation. The observed resting state of the enzyme depends largely on the construct used to express the NS2B-NS3pro complex. In an "unlinked" construct, in which the NS2B and NS3 regions exist as independent, co-expressed polypeptides, the enzyme rests predominantly in a "closed", active conformation. In contrast, in a "linked" construct, in which NS2B and NS3 are attached by a nine-amino acid linker, NS2B-NS3pro adopts a more relaxed, alternative conformation. Nevertheless, even the unlinked construct samples both the "closed" and other alternative conformations. Given our findings, and the more realistic resemblance of NS2B-NS3pro to the native enzyme, these data strongly suggest that studies should focus on the "unlinked" constructs moving forward. Additionally, the results from these studies provide a more detailed understanding of the various poses of the dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease and should help guide future drug discovery efforts aimed at this enzyme.
Subject(s)
Cysteine/chemistry , Dengue Virus/enzymology , Disulfides/chemistry , Serine Endopeptidases/chemistry , Viral Nonstructural Proteins/chemistry , Dithionitrobenzoic Acid/chemistry , Escherichia coli/genetics , Pliability , Protein Conformation , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/chemistry , Sulfones/chemistry , Viral Nonstructural Proteins/antagonists & inhibitorsABSTRACT
There is a dire need for new treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Principal drugs have reached maturity, and the number of people affected by AD is growing at a rapid rate. After years of research and many clinical trials, only symptomatic treatments are available. An effective disease-modifying drug for AD needs to be discovered. The research presented in this paper aims to facilitate in the discovery of new potential targets that could help in the ongoing AD research. Aryl methanesulfonate derivatives were screened for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activities. IC50 values between 0.660 and 3.397 µM against AChE and 0.885 and 2.596 µM against BuChE were obtained.