Structure of the nucleotide activation switch in glycogen phosphorylase a

Adenosine monophosphate is required for the activation of glycogen phosphorylase b and for release of the inhibition of phosphorylase a by glucose. Two molecules of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) bind to symmetry related sites at the subunit interface of the phosphorylase dimer. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binds to the same site, but does not promote catalytic activity. The structure of glucose-inhibited phosphorylase a bound to AMP and also of the complex formed with glucose and ATP is described. Crystallographic refinement of these complexes reveals that structural changes are associated with AMP but not ATP binding. The origin of these effects can be traced to different effector binding modes exhibited by AMP and ATP, respectively. The conformational changes associated with AMP binding traverse multiple paths in the enzyme and link the effector and catalytic sites.     

Phosphorylase kinase of the liver: deficiency in a girl with increased hepatic glycogen

Studies of a child with glycogenosis revealed an increased concentration of glycogen and low phosphorylase activity in her liver. Using mixtures of homogenates of the patient's liver and of normal liver, we found the low phosphorylase activity to be caused by a deficiency of phosphorylase kinase and not of hepatic phosphorylase. The fact that phosphorylase activity was restored to normal values by the addition of phosphorylase b kinase from rabbit muscle substantiates this conclusion.     

悬浮培养的Sycamore细胞淀粉体的磷酸化酶的研究

用含有糖原的聚丙烯酰胺凝胶亲和电泳技术,显示悬浮培养的Syca—more(Acer pseudoplatanus L.)细胞淀粉体含有亲和力低的磷酸化酶类型(质粒类型)。蛋白质印迹法试验表明,这种磷酸化酶与马铃薯磷酸化酶的抗体发生交叉反应。这与前人报道的菠菜叶绿体和马铃薯的磷酸化酶相似,属于同一类型的磷酸化酶。     

Histochemical and functional correlations in anterior horn neurons of the cat spinal cord

The histochemical reaction for phosphorylase is completely lost from anterior horn neurons rich in phosphorylase within 72 hours after proximal or distal axonal section. Using this new type of axonal reaction as a marking technique in the anterior horn of the seventh lumbar spinal cord segment of the cat, we demonstrated that (i) alpha motor neurons of slow twitch motor units, like those of fast twitch motor units, are rich in phosphorylase and poor in succinate dehydrogenase, and (ii) interneurons and Renshaw neurons are rich in succinate dehydrogenase and poor in phosphorylase. Gamma motor neurons, because of their small size, are considered to be rich in succinate dehydrogenase and poor in phosphorylase. Thus, anterior horn neurons capable of higher firing frequencies (Renshaw neurons, interneurons, and gamma motor neurons) are richer in mitochondrial oxidative enzyme activity as marked by succinate dehydrogenase. Those firing at lower frequencies (both types of alpha motor neurons) are richer in phosphorylase activity and glycogen content and, thus, apparently better equipped for anaerobic glycolysis.     

糖原贮积症Ⅴ型斑马鱼疾病模型的构建及其表型分析

建立肌型糖原磷酸化酶基因pygma和pygmb突变体斑马鱼疾病模型,对人类PYGM基因突变导致的糖原贮积症Ⅴ型(glycogen storage disease typeⅤ,GSDⅤ)的研究具有重要意义。利用CRISPR/Cas9技术成功敲除了斑马鱼pygma和pygmb基因,分别获得pygma^(-11bp-/-)和pygma^(+14bp-/-)两种纯合突变体,以及pygmb^(+1bp-/-)和pygmb^(-2bp-/-)两种纯合突变体。过碘酸希夫糖原染色(periodic acid Schiff stain)实验显示pygma^-/-和pygmb^-/-纯合突变体心脏和肌肉组织出现明显的糖原累积。对野生型斑马鱼15个早期发育时间点以及12个成鱼组织中pygma和pygmb基因表达分析显示,pygma和pygmb早期发育阶段表达模式相似,从24 hpf到125 hpf,两基因表达量总体呈上升趋势,且pygmb的上升幅度大于pygma的上升幅度。在检测的12个组织中,pygma和pygmb只在少数几个组织中有明显表达。pygma在肌肉组织中表达最高,其次为心脏和皮肤组织;pygmb在心脏、脑、眼睛3个组织中高表达,在肌肉组织中也有表达,但表达量相对较低。斑马鱼pygma^-/-和pygmb^-/-突变体具有GSDⅤ病肌肉糖原累积的典型特征,该疾病模型的建立为进一步研究糖原贮积症的发病进程、详细机制和药物筛选等治疗策略提供基础数据。     

Crystal structure of a complex between the catalytic and regulatory (RIalpha) subunits of PKA

The 2.0-angstrom structure of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) catalytic subunit bound to a deletion mutant of a regulatory subunit (RIalpha) defines a previously unidentified extended interface. The complex provides a molecular mechanism for inhibition of PKA and suggests how cAMP binding leads to activation. The interface defines the large lobe of the catalytic subunit as a stable scaffold where Tyr247 in the G helix and Trp196 in the phosphorylated activation loop serve as anchor points for binding RIalpha. These residues compete with cAMP for the phosphate binding cassette in RIalpha. In contrast to the catalytic subunit, RIalpha undergoes major conformational changes when the complex is compared with cAMP-bound RIalpha. The inhibitor sequence docks to the active site, whereas the linker, also disordered in free RIalpha, folds across the extended interface. The beta barrel of cAMP binding domain A, which is the docking site for cAMP, remains largely intact in the complex, whereas the helical subdomain undergoes major reorganization.     

Bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics: crystal structure of beta-lactamase from Staphylococcus aureus PC1 at 2.5 A resolution

beta-lactamases are enzymes that protect bacteria from the lethal effects of beta-lactam antibiotics, and are therefore of considerable clinical importance. The crystal structure of beta-lactamase from the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus PC1 has been determined at 2.5 angstrom resolution. It reveals a molecule of novel topology, made up of two closely associated domains. The active site is located at the interface between the domains, with the key catalytic residue Ser70 at the amino terminus of a buried helix. Examination of the disposition of the functionally important residues within the active site depression leads to a model for the binding of a substrate and a functional analogy to the serine proteases. The unusual topology of the secondary structure units is relevant to questions concerning the evolutionary relation to the beta-lactam target enzymes of the bacterial cell wall.     

Crystal structure of the catalytic subunit of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase

The crystal structure of the catalytic subunit of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase complexed with a 20-amino acid substrate analog inhibitor has been solved and partially refined at 2.7 A resolution to an R factor of 0.212. The magnesium adenosine triphosphate (MgATP) binding site was located by difference Fourier synthesis. The enzyme structure is bilobal with a deep cleft between the lobes. The cleft is filled by MgATP and a portion of the inhibitor peptide. The smaller lobe, consisting mostly of amino-terminal sequence, is associated with nucleotide binding, and its largely antiparallel beta sheet architecture constitutes an unusual nucleotide binding motif. The larger lobe is dominated by helical structure with a single beta sheet at the domain interface. This lobe is primarily involved in peptide binding and catalysis. Residues 40 through 280 constitute a conserved catalytic core that is shared by more than 100 protein kinases. Most of the invariant amino acids in this conserved catalytic core are clustered at the sites of nucleotide binding and catalysis.     

High-resolution chromosome sorting and DNA spot-blot analysis assign McArdle's syndrome to chromosome 11

A rapid gene-mapping system uses a high-resolution, dual-laser sorter to identify genes from separate human chromosomes prepared with a new stain combination. This system was used to sort 21 unique chromosome types onto nitrocellulose filter papers. Several labeled gene probes hybridized to the sorted chromosomal DNA types predicted by their previous chromosome assignments. The skeletal muscle glycogen phosphorylase gene was then mapped to a portion of chromosome 11 by spot blotting normal and translocated chromosomes.     

苏云金芽孢杆菌8010蛋白酶基因保守区克隆及序列分析

通过设计蛋白酶基因引物,对苏云金芽孢杆菌(Bacillus thuringiensis,简称Bt)库斯塔克亚种菌株8010蛋白酶基因进行克隆,获得了6个蛋白酶基因片段,即中性蛋白酶A、色氨酸合成酶β链、色氨酸合成酶α链、碱性蛋白酶A、磷酸化水解酶和糖原磷酸化酶基因,以及1个未知功能的DNA片段(可能是编码蜡质芽孢杆菌组特有蛋白的基因).     

耐盐性蓝藻Aphanothece halophytica的α-1.4-葡聚糖磷酸化酶的研究

耐盐性蓝藻A.halophyfica细胞中存在着二种低亲和力的磷酸化酶。它与引物糖原的亲和性质与高等植物中的质粒类型的磷酸化酶相似。本试验的结果支持叶绿体共生学说。     

The structure of a pH-sensing mycobacterial adenylyl cyclase holoenzyme

Class III adenylyl cyclases contain catalytic and regulatory domains, yet structural insight into their interactions is missing. We show that the mycobacterial adenylyl cyclase Rv1264 is rendered a pH sensor by its N-terminal domain. In the structure of the inhibited state, catalytic and regulatory domains share a large interface involving catalytic residues. In the structure of the active state, the two catalytic domains rotate by 55 degrees to form two catalytic sites at their interface. Two alpha helices serve as molecular switches. Mutagenesis is consistent with a regulatory role of the structural transition, and we suggest that the transition is regulated by pH.     

Crystal structure of the extracellular segment of integrin alpha Vbeta3

Integrins are alphabeta heterodimeric receptors that mediate divalent cation-dependent cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion through tightly regulated interactions with ligands. We have solved the crystal structure of the extracellular portion of integrin alphaVbeta3 at 3.1 A resolution. Its 12 domains assemble into an ovoid "head" and two "tails." In the crystal, alphaVbeta3 is severely bent at a defined region in its tails, reflecting an unusual flexibility that may be linked to integrin regulation. The main inter-subunit interface lies within the head, between a seven-bladed beta-propeller from alphaV and an A domain from beta3, and bears a striking resemblance to the Galpha/Gbeta interface in G proteins. A metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) in the betaA domain is positioned to participate in a ligand-binding interface formed of loops from the propeller and betaA domains. MIDAS lies adjacent to a calcium-binding site with a potential regulatory function.     

在不同烘烤环境下烟叶淀粉酶和淀粉磷酸化酶活性的变化规律研究

以红花大金元和K326烤烟品种的中部叶为材料,研究了烘烤过程中及不同烘烤环境下淀粉酶和淀粉磷酸化酶活性的变化规律。结果表明:烘烤过程中烟叶淀粉酶活性出现2次高峰,分别在烘烤的36和72h;在鲜烟叶中淀粉磷酸化酶活性较高,随着烘烤过程的推进,至24h达第1次高峰,之后降低,48h时出现低谷,随后又于72h达第2次高峰。在整个烘烤过程中,采用低温低湿变黄,慢速升温定色的烘烤环境,烟叶内淀粉酶和淀粉磷酸化酶活性较高,有利于烟叶淀粉的降解。     

Surface sites for engineering allosteric control in proteins

Statistical analyses of protein families reveal networks of coevolving amino acids that functionally link distantly positioned functional surfaces. Such linkages suggest a concept for engineering allosteric control into proteins: The intramolecular networks of two proteins could be joined across their surface sites such that the activity of one protein might control the activity of the other. We tested this idea by creating PAS-DHFR, a designed chimeric protein that connects a light-sensing signaling domain from a plant member of the Per/Arnt/Sim (PAS) family of proteins with Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). With no optimization, PAS-DHFR exhibited light-dependent catalytic activity that depended on the site of connection and on known signaling mechanisms in both proteins. PAS-DHFR serves as a proof of concept for engineering regulatory activities into proteins through interface design at conserved allosteric sites.     

A specific amino acid binding site composed of RNA

A specific, reversible binding site for a free amino acid is detectable on the intron of the Tetrahymena self-splicing ribosomal precursor RNA. The site selects arginine among the natural amino acids, and prefers the L- to the D-amino acid. The dissociation constant is in the millimolar range, and amino acid binding is at or in the catalytic rG splicing substrate site. Occupation of the G site by L-arginine therefore inhibits splicing by inhibiting the binding of rG, without inhibition of later reactions in the splicing reaction sequence. Arginine binding specificity seems to be directed at the side chain and the guanidino radical, and the alpha-amino and carboxyl groups are dispensable for binding. The arginine site can be placed within the G site by structural homology, with consequent implications for RNA-amino acid interaction, for the origin of the genetic code, for control of RNA activities, and for further catalytic capabilities for RNA.     

不同烘烤条件下烟叶淀粉降解酶活性变化

以烤烟品种红花大金元和K32 6的中部叶为材料,研究了烘烤过程中烟叶淀粉酶和淀粉磷酸化酶活性变化及烘烤条件对淀粉酶和淀粉磷酸化酶活性的影响。结果表明:烘烤过程中,烟叶淀粉酶活性出现2次高峰,分别处于烘烤的变黄中期和定色前期;鲜烟叶中淀粉磷酸化酶活性较高,随着烘烤过程的推进,至2 4h达第1次高峰,之后降低,4 8h时出现低谷,随后红花大金元于6 0h达第2次高峰,而K32 6于72h达第2次高峰。在整个烘烤过程中,采用低温低湿变黄,慢速升温定色的烘烤条件,烟叶内淀粉酶和淀粉磷酸化酶活性较高,有利于烟叶淀粉的降解。     

Specific interactions in RNA enzyme-substrate complexes

Analysis of crosslinked complexes of M1 RNA, the catalytic RNA subunit of ribonuclease P from Escherichia coli, and transfer RNA precursor substrates has led to the identification of regions in the enzyme and in the substrate that are in close physical proximity to each other. The nucleotide in M1 RNA, residue C92, which participates in a crosslink with the substrate was deleted and the resulting mutant M1 RNA was shown to cleave substrates lacking the 3' terminal CCAUCA sequence at sites several nucleotides away from the normal site of cleavage. The presence or absence of the 3' terminal CCAUCA sequence in transfer RNA precursor substrates markedly affects the way in which these substrates interact with the catalytic RNA in the enzyme-substrate complex. The contacts between wild-type M1 RNA and its substrate are in a region that resembles part of the transfer RNA "E" (exit) site in 23S ribosomal RNA. These data demonstrate that in RNA's with very different cellular functions, there are domains with similar structural and functional properties and that there is a nucleotide in M1 RNA that affects the site of cleavage by the enzyme.