In vivo 133Cs-NMR a probe for studying subcellular compartmentation and ion uptake in maize root tissue.

Three 133Cs-NMR signals were observed in the spectra of CsCl-perfused and CsCl-grown maize seedling root tips. Two relatively broad lower field resonances were assigned to the subcellular, compartmented Cs+ in the cytoplasm and vacuole, respectively. The rate of area increase of the broader cytoplasmic Cs resonance was about 9-times faster than that of the vacuolar signal during the first 300 min of tissue perfusion with CsCl. In addition, the spin lattice relaxation time of the cytoplasmic Cs resonance was approx. 3-times shorter than that of the extracellular resonance, while the Cs+ signal associated with the metabolically less active vacuolar compartment exhibited a relaxation time comparable to that of the extracellular signal. 133Cs spectra of excised, maize root tips and excised top sections of the root adjacent to the kernel, each grown in 10 mM CsCl showed a difference in the relative areas of the Cs resonance corresponding to the distinct cytoplasm/vacuole volume ratio of these well differentiated sections of the root. The high correlation of counterion concentration with 133Cs chemical shifts suggested that the larger downfield shift exhibited by the cytoplasmic confined Cs+ was due principally to the higher ionic strength and protein content in this compartment. Such observations indicate that 133Cs-NMR might be employed for studying ionic strength, and osmotic pressure associated chemical shifts and the transport properties of Cs+ (perhaps as an analogue for K+) in subcellular compartments of plant tissues.

alpha-Crystallin quaternary structure: molecular basis for its chaperone activity.

alpha-Crystallin, the major protein in all vertebrate lenses, functions as a chaperone. In the present analysis, an 'open' micellar structure composed of alpha A subunits is used to simulate chaperoning of partially heat denatured soluble gamma-crystallin. The interaction is both electrostatic and hydrophobic and satisfies experimental evidence for a 1:1 alpha/gamma molar ratio, a doubling of molecular mass and a minimal increase in the dimensions of the complex [J. Biol. Chem. (1994) 269, 13601-13608; Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. (1995) 36, 311-21]. These data are also in accord with Farahbaksh et al. [Biochemistry (1995) 34, 509-16]; i.e. the bound gamma-crystallin monomers are not in a central cavity, but are separated by alpha A subunits.

A multinuclear, high-resolution NMR study of bovine casein micelles and submicelles.

High-resolution, natural abundance 13C[1H] (100.5 MHz), 31P[1H] (161.8 MHz) and 1H (400.0 MHz) NMR spectroscopy was used to identify the calcium-binding sites of bovine casein and to ascertain the dynamic state of amino acid residues within the casein submicelles (in 125 mM KCl, pD = 7.4) and micelles (in 15 mM CaCl2/80 mM KCl, pD = 7.2). The presence of numerous, well-resolved peaks in the tentatively assigned 13C-NMR spectra of submicelles (90 A radius) and micelles (500 A radius) suggests considerable segmental motion of both side chain and backbone carbons. The partly resolved 31P-NMR spectra concur with this. Upon Ca2+ addition, the phosphoserine beta CH2 resonance (65.8 ppm vs DSS) shifts upfield by 0.2 ppm and is broadened almost beyond detection; a general upfield shift (up to 0.3 ppm) is also observed for the 31P-NMR peaks. The T1 values of the alpha CH envelope for submicelles and micelles are essentially identical corresponding to a correlation time of 8 ns for isotropic rotation of the caseins. Significant changes in the 31P T1 values accompany micelle formation. Data are consistent with a loose and mobile casein structure, with phosphoserines being the predominant calcium-binding sites.

Salt and pH effects on electrochemistry of myoglobin in thick films of a bilayer-forming surfactant.

Salt concentration and pH of external solutions were shown to control the electrochemistry of the heme protein myoglobin (MbFe(III)-H2O) in stable, ordered films of didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB). Protonation of aquometmyoglobin (MbFe(III)-H2O) in these films precedes electron transfer from electrodes, causing formal potentials to shift negative as pH increases from 5 to 8. At pH > 8, MbFe(III)-H2O dissociates to MbFe(III)-OH, which is reduced directly at the electrode at higher rates than MbFe(III)-H2O. Correlations of voltammetric data with FT-IR spectra suggested that at pH < 4.6, an unfolded form of Mb resides in the films and is reduced directly. The concentration of salt in solution influences electrochemical properties of Mb-DDAB films by its influence on Mb conformation and by effects on interfacial Donnan potentials. NMR indicated strong binding of anions to Mb within DDAB films. Bound anions may neutralize positive charge on Mb's surface so that it can reside in a partly hydrophobic environment, as postulated on the basis of previous ESR and linear dichroism studies.

Quantitation of the global secondary structure of globular proteins by FTIR spectroscopy: Comparison with X-ray crystallographic structure.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is potentially a powerful tool for determining the global secondary structure of proteins in solution, providing the spectra are analyzed using a statistically and theoretically justified methodology. We have performed FTIR experiments on 14 globular proteins and two synthetic polypeptides whose X-ray crystal structures are known to exhibit varying types and amounts of secondary structures. Calculation of the component structural elements of the vibrational bands was accomplished using nonlinear regression analysis, by fitting both the amide I and amide II bands of the Fourier self-deconvoluted spectra, the second-derivative spectra, and the original spectra. The methodology was theoretically justified by comparing (via nonlinear regression analysis) the global secondary structure determined after deconvolving into component bands the vibrational amide I envelopes with the calculated structure determined by first principles from Ramachandran analysis of the X-ray crystallographic structure of 14 proteins from the Brookhaven protein data bank. Justification of the nonlinear regression analysis model with respect to experimental and instrumental considerations was achieved by the decomposition of all the bands of benzene and an aqueous solution of ammonium acetate into component bands while floating the Gaussian/Lorentzian character of the line shapes. The results for benzene yield all pure Lorentzian line shapes with no Gaussian character while the ammonium acetate spectra yielded all Gaussian line shapes with no Lorentzian character. In addition, all-protein spectra yielded pure Gaussian line shapes with no Lorentzian character. Finally, the model was statistically justified by recognizing random deviation patterns in the regression analysis from all fits and by the extra sum of squares F-test which uses the degrees of freedom and the root mean square values as a tool to determine the optimum number of component bands required for the nonlinear regression analysis. Results from this study demonstrate that the globular secondary structure calculated from the amide I envelope for these 14 proteins from FTIR is in excellent agreement with the values calculated from the X-ray crystallographic data using three-dimensional Ramachandran analysis, providing that the proper contribution from GLN and ASN side chains to the 1667 and 1650 cm(-1) component bands has been taken into account. The standard deviation of the regression analysis for the per cent helix, extended, turn and irregular conformations was found to be 3.49%, 2.07%, 3.59% and 3.20%, respectively.

Reproducibility of the nonlinear regression fit to the FTIR spectra of lysozyme.

Controversy exists concerning the influence of experimental artifacts on the number of component FTIR vibrational bands which may be resolved from the amide I and II envelopes of proteins in water. Whether these bands represent unique populations of vibrating protein groups in a particular global 2 degrees structure or whether the bands are due to instrumental and environmental fluctuations has been addressed, T.F. Kumosinski and J.J. Unruh, Talanta, 43 (1996) 199-219. The repeatability of the methodology and the apparent uniqueness of the nonlinear regression fits are addressed in this study. We obtained a series of the spectra of lysozyme, and carried-out nonlinear regression analysis of each spectrum. Coefficients of variation (COV) were calculated for the wavenumber and area values of assigned component peaks obtained. Low COVs obtained attest to the precision of the methodology and the apparent uniqueness of the nonlinear regression fits. This methodology for acquisition and analysis of protein FTIR spectra yields results with good precision.

Protein-water interactions from 2H NMR relaxation studies: influence of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and electrostatic interactions.

The importance of water interactions with proteins in food systems is well documented. A controversy exists, however, as to the nature of these interactions and the effect of protein structural changes on them. To clarify these questions, a method has been developed for determining hydration from the protein concentration-dependence of deuteron resonance relaxation rates. Measurements were made in D2O on beta-lactoglobulin A to study effects of hydrophilic interactions, and on both casein micelles and submicelles to study hydrophobic and electrostatic effects. From the protein concentration-dependent relaxation rates, the second viral coefficients of the proteins were obtained by nonlinear regression analysis. Using either an isotropic tumbling or an intermediate asymmetry model, hydrations, upsilon, and correlation times, tau c, were calculated for the protein-associated water; from tau c, the Stokes radius, R, was obtained. Variations in upsilon and R were in accord with known structural changes in molecular states of the proteins. The NMR results are compared with hydrations and structural information derived independently from small-angle X-ray scattering.

Molecular dynamics of water in foods and related model systems: multinuclear spin relaxation studies and comparison with theoretical calculations.

A review of recent studies of molecular dynamics of water in foods and model systems is presented, and the theoretical results are compared with experimental data obtained by several techniques. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are discussed for electrolytes, carbohydrates, and food proteins in solution. Theoretical results from Monte Carlo simulations are compared with experimental NMR relaxation data for quadrupolar nuclei such as those of deuterium and oxygen-17. Hydration studies of wheat, soybean, corn, and myofibrillar proteins by multinuclear spin relaxation techniques are discussed, and several new approaches to the analysis of the experimental data are considered. Correlation times of water motions in hydrated food systems are determined from NMR and dielectric relaxation data. The values of the correlation times for dilute solutions of electrolytes and carbohydrates estimated by NMR are in good agreement with those calculated from dielectric relaxation data, but seem to differ significantly from those proposed from Monte Carlo simulations. Several new and important results concerning the hydration of potato and cereal starches are presented, showing the very different hydration behaviors of these two major groups of starches. The combination of molecular dynamics computations with NMR relaxation techniques will hopefully stimulate novel technological developments in food engineering based on such fundamental studies.

Calcium-induced associations of the caseins: thermodynamic linkage of calcium binding to colloidal stability of casein micelles.

The caseins occur in milk as colloidal complexes of protein aggregates, calcium, and inorganic phosphate. As determined by electron microscopy, these particles are spherical and have approximately a 650 A radius (casein micelles). In the absence of calcium, the protein aggregates themselves (submicelles) have been shown to result from mainly hydrophobic interactions. The fractional concentration of stable colloidal casein micelles can be obtained in a calcium caseinate solution by centrifugation at 1500 g. Thus, the amount of stable colloid present with varying Ca2+ concentrations can be determined and then analyzed by application of equations derived from Wyman's Thermodynamic Linkage Theory. Ca(2+)-induced colloid stability profiles were obtained experimentally for model micelles consisting of only alpha s1- (a calcium insoluble casein) and the stabilizing protein kappa-casein, eliminating the complications arising from beta- and minor casein forms. Two distinct genetic variants alpha s1-A and B were used. Analysis of alpha s1-A colloid stability profiles yielded a precipitation (salting-out) constant k1, as well as colloid stability (salting-in) parameter k2. No variations of k1 or k2 were found with increasing amounts of kappa-casein. From the variation of the amount of colloidal casein capable of being stabilized vs. amount of added kappa-casein an association constant of 4 L/g could be calculated for the complexation of alpha s1-A and kappa-casein. For the alpha s1-B and kappa-casein micelles, an additional Ca(2+)-dependent colloidal destabilization parameter, k3, was added to the existing k1 and k2 parameters in order to fully describe this more complex system. Furthermore, the value of k3 decreased with increasing concentration of kappa-casein. These results were analyzed with respect to the specific deletion which occurs in alpha s1-casein A in order to determine the sites responsible for these Ca(2+)-induced quaternary structural effects.

Quantification of alpha s1-casein in goat milk from French-Alpine and Anglo-Nubian breeds using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.

Samples of isoelectrically precipitated goat casein from the milks of French-Alpine and Anglo-Nubian breeds were separated into four components in a single run by reversed-phase HPLC. The proportion of alpha s1-casein thus resolved was determined quantitatively. The method uses a reversed-phase C-4 column and a linear gradient from 30 to 50% acetonitrile in 30 min with trifluoroacetic acid constant at .1%. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE was carried out to establish the identity of the isolated components. By a comparison with previously published results for caprine and bovine milk caseins, the four peaks were identified as kappa-, alpha s2-, alpha s1-, and beta-casein. Quantitative variations in the chromatographically resolved alpha s1-casein fraction of goat milk were evident. Some individual goat milks contained high levels of alpha s1-casein (2.70 g/L), but others contained significantly low levels (.12 g/L). There was no statistical difference in the overall means between breeds in alpha s1-casein composition, but cluster analysis statistics showed three distinct categories of alpha s1-producers: high, medium, and low. Interestingly, 6 of 15 French-Alpine goats and only one Anglo-Nubian goat fell into the "low" producer category (.38 +/- .2 g/L). Thus, expression of the alpha s1-component may be genetically regulated but may not be a breed-specific trait.

Three-dimensional molecular modeling of bovine caseins: kappa-casein.

Three-dimensional structures derived from X-ray crystallography are extremely important in elucidating relationships between structure and function for many proteins. However, not all proteins can be crystallized. The caseins of bovine milk are one class of noncrystallizable proteins. The complete primary and partial secondary structures of these proteins are known, but homologous proteins with known crystallographic structure are not available. In this report, sequence-based predictions of secondary structure were made and adjusted to conform with global secondary structures derived from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. With this information, a three-dimensional structure for kappa-casein was constructed using molecular modeling computer programs. The constructed model contains two unstranded beta-sheets; both are predominantly hydrophobic and capable of forming quaternary structural interaction sites with alpha s1-casein. This unrefined structure is in good agreement with much of the biochemical information available for kappa-casein.

Three-dimensional molecular modeling of bovine caseins: alpha s1-casein.

Structures derived from X-ray crystallography are extremely important in elucidating functional relationships for many proteins. However, the caseins of bovine milk are one class of noncrystallizable proteins. The complete primary and partial secondary structures of these proteins are known, but homologous proteins of known crystallographic structure cannot be found. Therefore, sequence-based predictions of secondary structure were made and adjusted to conform with global secondary structures determined by Raman spectroscopy. With this information, a three-dimensional structure for alpha s1-casein was constructed using molecular modeling programs. The predicted structure of alpha s1-casein contains a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic domain, which are connected by a segment of alpha-helix. This unrefined structure shows good agreement with global biochemical and chemical information concerning alpha s1-caseins A, B, and C.

Three-dimensional molecular modeling of bovine caseins: an energy-minimized beta-casein structure.

To obtain a molecular basis for the similarities and dissimilarities in the functional, chemical, and biochemical properties between beta-casein and the other caseins, a predicted three-dimensional model is presented. The predicted structure was assembled using molecular modeling techniques, as well as secondary structural prediction algorithms, in conjunction with global secondary structural information from Raman spectroscopy. To add validity to this model, the structure was refined using energy minimization techniques to diminish the likelihood of structural overlaps and energetically unfavorable van der Waals contacts arising from the large number of proline residues present in the beta-casein sequence. The refined model overall showed a loosely packed, asymmetrical structure with an axial ratio of 2:1. Hydrophobic side chains were uniformly dispersed over one end (C terminal) and the center surface of the structure; the other end (N terminal) was hydrophilic. The hydrophobic section also possessed a large loop through which water could easily travel. Such a suprasurfactant structure could account for the micellar type of hydrophobically driven self-association exhibited by beta-casein. Other chemical and biochemical data are in good agreement with the refined structure.

Three-dimensional molecular modeling of bovine caseins: a refined, energy-minimized kappa-casein structure.

A refined three-dimensional molecular model of kappa-casein has been produced using energy minimization techniques and a Kollman force field on a previously reported predicted three-dimensional structure. This initial model was constructed via molecular modeling techniques from sequence-based secondary structural prediction algorithms. Both the initial and refined structures agreed with global secondary structure analysis from vibration spectroscopy. The refined structure contained many of the features of the initial model, including two sets of antiparallel beta-sheet structures containing predominantly hydrophobic side chains, which could form interaction sites with alpha s1-casein. Two types of energy-minimized dimer and tetramer models are presented: 1) using Cys as potential intermolecular disulfide binding sites and 2) using the two sheets as possible hydrophobic self-association sites, without Cys interactions. All structures yielded good stabilization energies and are in agreement with chemical, biochemical, and physical chemical results obtained for kappa-casein.

An energy-minimized casein submicelle working model.

To develop a molecular basis for structure-function relationships of the complex milk protein system, an energy-minimized, three-dimensional model of a casein submicelle was constructed consisting of kappa-casein, four alpha s1-casein, and four beta-casein molecules. The models for the individual caseins were from previously reported energy-minimized, three-dimensional structures. Docking of one kappa-casein and four alpha s1-casein molecules produced a framework structure through the interaction of two hydrophobic antiparallel sheets of kappa-casein with two small hydrophobic antiparallel sheets (residue 163-174) of two preformed alpha s1-casein dimers. The resulting structure is approximately spherically symmetric, with a loose packing density; its external portion is composed of the hydrophilic domains of the four alpha s1-caseins, while the central portion contains two hydrophbic cavities on either side of the kappa-casein central structure. Symmetric and asymmetric preformed dimers of beta-casein formed from the interactions of C-terminal beta-spiral regions as a hinge point could easily be docked into each of the two central cavities of the alpha-kappa framework. This yielded two plausible energy-minimized, three-dimensional structures for submicellar casein, one with two symmetric beta-casein dimers and one with two asymmetric dimers. These refined submicellar structures are in good agreement with biochemical, chemical, and solution structural information available for submicellar casein.

Comparison of the three-dimensional molecular models of bovine submicellar caseins with small-angle X-ray scattering. Influence of protein hydration.

To test the applicability of two energy-minimized, three-dimensional structures of the bovine casein submicelle, theoretical small-angle X-ray scattering curves in the presence and absence of water were compared to experimental data. The published method simulates molecular dynamics of proteins in solution by employing adjustable Debye-Waller temperature factors (B factors) for the protein, for the solvent, and for protein-bound water. The programs were first tested upon bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor beginning with its known X-ray crystal structure. To approximate the degree of protein hydration previously determined by NMR relaxation experiments (0.01 g water/g protein), 120 water molecules were docked into the large void of the kappa-casein portion of the structure for both the symmetric and asymmetric casein submicelle models. To approximate hydrodynamic hydration (0.244 g water/g protein), 2703 water molecules were added to each of the above structures using the "droplet" algorithm in the Sybyl molecular modeling package. All structures were then energy-minimized and their solvation energies calculated. Theoretical small-angle X-ray scattering curves were calculated for all unhydrated and hydrated structures and compared with experimentally determined scattering profiles for submicellar casein. Best results were achieved with the 120-bound-water structure for both the symmetric and asymmetric submicelle models. Comparison of results for the protein submicelle models with those for the theoretical and literature values of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor demonstrates the applicability of the methodology.