Properties and reactivity of myoglobin reconstituted with chemically modified protohemin complexes.

The synthetic complexes protohemin-6(7)-L-arginyl-L-alanine (HM-RA) and protohemin-6(7)-L-histidine methyl ester (HM-H) were prepared by condensation of suitably protected Arg-Ala or His residues with protohemin IX. HM-RA and HM-H were used for reconstitution of apomyoglobin from horse heart, yielding the Mb-RA and Mb-H derivatives, respectively, of the protein. The spectral, binding and catalytic properties of Mb-RA and Mb-H are significantly different from those of Mb. As shown by MM and MD calculations, these differences are determined by some local structural changes around the heme which are generated by increased mobility of a key peptide segment (Phe43-Lys47), containing the residue (Lys45) that in native Mb interacts with one of the porphyrin carboxylate groups. In the reconstituted Mbs this carboxylate group is bound to the Arg-Ala or His residue and is no longer available for electrostatic interaction with Lys45. The mobility of the peptide segment near the active site allows the distal histidine to come to a closer contact with the heme, and in fact Mb-RA and Mb-H exist as an equilibrium between a high-spin form and a major low-spin, six-coordinated form containing a bis-imidazole ligated heme. The two forms are clearly distinguishable in the NMR spectra, that also show that each of them consists of a mixture of the two most stable isomers resulting from cofactor reconstitution, as also anticipated by MM and MD calculations. Exogenous ligands such as cyanide, azide, or hydrogen peroxide can displace the bound distal histidine, but their affinity is reduced. On the other hand, mobilization of the peptide chain around the heme in the reconstituted Mbs increases the accessibility of large donor molecules at the heme periphery, with respect to native Mb, where a rigid backbone limits access to the distal pocket. The increased active site accessibility of Mb-RA and Mb-H facilitates the binding and electron transfer of phenolic substrates in peroxidase-type oxidations catalyzed by the reconstituted proteins in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Molecular models of acidic peptides from pea bud chromatin and seminal plasma. Divalent cations-mediated interaction with DNA.

Small acidic peptides have been isolated from biological fluids (blood and seminal plasma) and from chromatin of several tissues. Their biological activity is related to the control of cell growth and gene expression. This work is an approach to the study of peptide structure-function relationship. Purified fractions from seminal plasma and pea bud chromatin were subjected to fast ion bombardment mass spectrometry. The results obtained were analyzed according to biochemical characteristics of the peptides studied and some possible molecular models have been designed. Two of the proposed sequences were synthesized and their biological activity assayed in cells and cell-free systems. The results demonstrate that the synthetic peptides are able to bind to DNA in the presence of divalent cations (Mg2+, Fe2+, Cu2+) with consequent inhibition of DNA transcription.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of new peptides containing basic amino acid residues.

In search of more potent compounds endowed with a cytotoxic activity, a new series of basic peptides was synthesized using solid-phase methods. All peptides were purified by preparative reverse-phase HPLC and characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry. The cytotoxic activity was determined in cultured HeLa cells. The hexadecapeptides 5 and 6 showed a 50% inhibition at the concentration of 30 micrograms/ml. The salmina and the polyamino acids of L-arginine, L-histidine and L-lysine, containing sixteen residues, were virtually inactive. This demonstrates that a specific peptide sequence is necessary to obtain a positive response in HeLa test.

Enhancement of cytotoxic activity by synthesis of peptide multimeric forms.

Synthesis of four multimeric H-Lys-His-His-Arg-Lys-Lys-His-Arg-Lys-Arg-Lys-His-His-Lys-Arg-Lys-oH peptides containing two, four, eight and sixteen branches was carried out by solid phase utilizing a lysine core matrix. These multimeric peptides enhanced activity by inhibiting the colony-forming ability of HeLa cells, from twenty-four to fifty-six times in comparison with the monomeric form. Unexpectedly the peptide with only two-branched sequences showed the highest inhibitory activity.

Purification, sequence determination and synthesis of seminal plasma peptides and synthesis of some of their analogues.

Three peptides were isolated from bovine seminal plasma and purified to homogeneity. The amino acid sequences, as determined by FAB mass spectrometry, are the following: pGlu-Ala-Glu-Ser-Asn-OH, pGlu-Ala-Glu-Ser(PO3H2-Asn-OH and pGlu-Val-Gly-Glu-Ser-Glu-Asn-OH. These three peptides and some of their analogues were synthesized using liquid- and solid-phase techniques. The pentapeptide pGlu-Ala-Glu- Ser-Asn-OH showed a remarkable affinity for kinase NII and a strong inhibiting activity in DNA transcription. These findings support the hypothesis that phosphorylated acidic domains of nuclear non-histone proteins could bind to DNA, thereby controlling transcription.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of peptides containing basic amino acids residues.

We synthesized eight peptides containing from three to twenty residues of arginine, lysine and histidine, using an automated synthetiser and Fmoc strategy. All peptides were purified by preparative reverse-phase HPLC and characterized by electrospay mass spectometry. Cytotoxic activity was assessed on HeLa cells. One peptide inhibited the colony-forming ability of tumor cells.

Characterization of putative neurotransmitter N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamic acid and some related compounds by fast atom bombardment and tandem mass spectrometry.

The characterization of the N-blocked neuropeptide N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamic acid and of some related compounds was carried out by negative-ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and collision-induced dissociation of the generated [M-H]- species. Thorough analysis of the fragment ion spectra allowed discrimination between sequence isomeric compounds, and highlighting of differences between dipeptides linked in the normal or iso mode.

Acidic pentapeptide phosphorylated in vitro by calf thymus protein kinase NII binds to DNA in the presence of Mg2+ cations.

The pentapeptide pyroGlu-Ala-Glu-Ser-Asn has been synthetized and phosphorylated in vitro at level of serine by protein kinase NII isolated from calf thymus chromatin. It is noteworthy that the calf thymus kinase NII shows a remarkable affinity for this peptide. The [32P]peptide is able to bind to several DNAs in the presence of Mg2+ (lambda phage, calf thymus, pBR540 plasmid). This binding appears not specific with regard to the type of DNA and its base sequence. These data support the hypothesis that phosphorylated acidic domains of nuclear nonhistone proteins could bind directly to DNA in the presence of Mg2+ cations.

Synthesis of peptide-immunogens corresponding to amino acid sequences from human histocompatibility class II membrane glycoproteins.

Six peptides with amino acid sequences of human histocompatibility Class II membrane glycoproteins were synthesized by conventional solution methods. Five peptides were prepared by stepwise procedures from the carboxyterminus. The sixth was synthesized by fragment condensation (5 + 10 coupling). Antibodies to synthetic peptides were then used to locate exposed and buried regions in the membrane glycoproteins.

Suppressive biological activity of a synthetic pentapeptide on highly enriched human and murine marrow hematopoietic progenitors: synergism with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma.

The synthetic pentapeptide pGlu-Glu-Asp-Cys-Lys (SPI) was evaluated in vitro alone and in combination with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and/or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) for effects on colony formation by hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) present in low-density (LD), nonadherent low-density T-lymphocyte-depleted (NALT-), and highly enriched sorted progenitor cells from normal human bone marrow. Progenitor cells in NALT- fractions were further enriched by cell sorting using two-color fluorescence on a Coulter Epics 753 flow cytometry apparatus with My10 and HLA-DR monoclonal antibodies. The sorted My10 DR+ progenitor cell population had a cloning efficiency of up to 38% for granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM), erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-E), and multipotential colony-forming units (CFU-GEMM). SP1 inhibited, by up to 86%, each of the colony-forming cells in a dose-dependent fashion. The sensitivities of the different progenitor cells to inhibition by the pentapeptide were the same when My10 DR+ marrow cells were used, and the progenitor cells in the My10 DR+ fraction were more sensitive than the cells in the LD or NALT- fraction to inhibition by SP1. The suppressive activity of SP1 on purified HPC was confirmed when 10(-3) M SP1 completely inhibited colony and cluster formation from a population of mouse bone marrow cells in which one of two cells was a CFU-GM. The effects of SP1 were not absolutely cell-cycle-specific for human HPC, but the non-S-phase cells were less sensitive than the S-phase cells to the suppressive effects of SP1. SP1 synergized with TNF-alpha and/or IFN-gamma to inhibit proliferation of progenitor cells using both LD or My10 DR+ human marrow cells stimulated by recombinant human interleukin 3 (IL-3). These studies suggest that the suppressive effect of SP1 occurs in the absence of certain accessory cells (e.g., monocytes and T-lymphocytes), that this effect may be mediated directly at the level of the HPC, and that this pentapeptide can be considered a candidate modulatory molecule for HPC proliferation.

Preparation and isolation of antibodies to human MHC class II alpha chains by aid of synthetic peptides.

Antibodies against HLA Class II alpha chains were prepared by using as immunogens synthetic peptides selected from the HLA-DQ1 alpha chains sequence. Antibodies raised against peptide E2, a 15-residue fragment of the polymorphic first domain, reacted preferentially with cells with the DQ1 phenotype; however, despite the low sequence homology of this fragment with corresponding segments in DQw2 and DQw3 alpha chains, a partial crossreactivity with cells not expressing the DQw1 specificity was detected. Antibodies to peptide H, selected from the monomorphic frame, might be specific for DQ alloantigens, and presumably do not react with DR antigens. The two peptides, in addition, bind anti-Class II antibodies from the serum of a rabbit immunized with human cells, and appear to represent immunogenic linear determinants in the native glycoprotein molecule.

Generation of rabbit antipeptide antibodies to HLA-class II antigens by the use of synthetic peptides.

A group of eight synthetic peptides, corresponding in sequence to selected regions of HLA-DQ histocompatibility antigens, was used for rabbit immunization to examine their antigenicity and for localizing exposed regions in the native glycoproteins. Those antibodies were then tested in their ability to recognize the HLA-DQ alloantigens. Seven peptides elicited rabbit antibodies, four of which reacted with human glycoproteins prepared from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells. The results indicate that sequence stretches 63 to 79 and probably 82 to 93 of the beta chain correspond to exposed regions in DQw1, DQw2 and DQw3 molecules. However, the specificity of those antipeptide antibodies was low, due to extensive crossreactions with amino acid sequencies of high homology occurring in DQ alloantigens.

Identification of linear HLA class II amino acid sequences recognized by rabbit antisera against native molecules.

A rabbit was immunized with B lymphoblastoid cells, and subsets of the antibodies produced were isolated on affinity columns made from synthetic peptides corresponding to known amino acid sequences from the human class II antigens DQ and DP. Those peptides for which specific antibodies were isolated could be assumed to contribute to the antigenic properties of the intact antigen. The antibody subsets were tested for binding to synthetic peptides, to glycoprotein fractions isolated from cells with different DR and DQ specificities, and to the cells used for immunization of the rabbit. The isolation of those antibodies directed against well-defined amino acid stretches of the histocompatibility antigens is proof of the role of those regions in determining the antigenic properties of these molecules.

Inhibitory activity of a synthetic pentapeptide on leukaemic myelopoiesis both in vitro and in vivo in rats.

The synthetic pentapeptide pGlu-Glu-Asp-Cys-Lys has recently been proposed as the active component of a granulocyte-derived inhibitor of normal haematopoiesis. We investigated its biological activity on leukaemic myelopoiesis both in vitro and in vivo in rats. Three different human permanent myeloid leukaemic cell lines (HL60, KG1, ML3) and a rat transplantable acute myeloid leukaemia (Shay leukaemia) were studied. Neither HL60 nor KG1 were sensitive to the peptide whereas a consistently reproducible inhibition of 3H-TdR uptake was observed in ML3 cells. This effect was not due to a unspecific toxic action on target cells and was spontaneously reversible. When injected i.p. twice daily at an appropriate concentration in rats bearing Shay leukaemia, the peptide caused a significant increase in survival. Our results therefore indicate that the synthetic pentapeptide studied inhibits not only normal but also leukaemic myelopoiesis.

Specificity of rabbit antibodies elicited by related synthetic peptides.

Three 17-residue peptides, presenting from 65% to 70% sequence homology, and one endecapeptide, with no apparent homology with the first three, were chemically synthesized and investigated in their ability to elicit rabbit antipeptide antibodies. The complex cross reactivities of the antisera were investigated by testing the binding of the antibodies to the intact peptides, to their enzymatic fragments, and by the use of specific immunoadsorbents. Antipeptide antibodies may or may not crossreact with related "parent" peptides, this depending upon number, distribution, and localization of amino acid differences in low or high antigenicity regions of the immunogen. Related peptides may elicit antibodies that crossreact almost completely, and therefore not specific for one or the other "parent" peptide. Those antibodies may therefore be of little use for the selective recognition of closely related structures.

Analytical and preparative isoelectric focusing of peptides in immobilized pH gradients.

A new method for peptide analysis and purification is described, based on isoelectric focusing in immobilized pH gradients. On the analytical scale, the peptide zones can now be revealed by any stain for primary and secondary amino groups (e.g. ninhydrin, fluorescamine, dansyl chloride) since the buffering species, unlike conventional carrier ampholytes, contain only carboxyl and tertiary amino groups. For preparative purposes, conditions have been described to remove most contaminants (e.g. unreacted monomers, non-cross-linked, short polyacrylamide chains) from the gel matrix before the electrophoretic run. However, ca. 2% of the gel dry mass is still present as extractable material. The focused peptides can be recovered in high yields (ca. 90%) with a fairly high degree of purity (75%), the contaminants being mostly components eluted from the polyacrylamide gel.

Iodine stain for detection of peptides after isoelectric focusing.

Iodine stain is used for the detection of peptides after isoelectric focusing has been developed. Ultrathin gels (240-360 micrometer) are cast and, after focusing, dried at 110 degrees C on a filter paper sheet. The paper-pasted gel is then exposed to iodine vapors for a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the peptide load. White peptide zones are visible on a brown, uniform background. The reaction is fully reversible and can be used also for small-scale preparative purification of peptides. Better than 80% recoveries of peptide from the gel can be obtained by elution in 80% acetic acid.

Isoelectric focusing of oligopeptides: detection by specific stains.

By using ultrathin (350 micrometers) polyacrylamide gels, which at the end of the fractionation are pasted to filter paper and dried in an oven at 110 degrees C, and after isoelectric focusing it has been possible to detect oligopeptides in the di- to tetradecapeptide range, which could not be detected by protein staining techniques. This is achieved by developing a series of specific stains for the following amino acids: Arg, Tyr, His, Trp, Met and Cys. Except for Met and Cys, the detection limits appear to be in the order of 0.2--2 micrograms of free amino acid loaded in the gel. The Pauli reaction for His and Tyr and the Sakaguchi stain for Arg can be developed sequentially in the same gel, thus allowing the detection of four different amino acids since, under these conditions, also Trp reacts. Unfortunately, more general reactions, such as the permanganate, the 'Lowry' and the ninhydrin stains, cannot be utilized since the carrier ampholytes react very strongly with all these reagents.