Enzymic characteristics of ecto-phosphoprotein phosphatase in goat epididymal intact spermatozoa

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (7) ◽  
pp. 602-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhabi Barua ◽  
Gopal C. Majumder

Intact washed spermatozoa from goat cauda epididymis possess an ecto-phosphoprotein phosphatase that causes dephosphorylation of phosphoserine and phosphothreonine residues of exogenous 32P-labelled histones. The cell-bound ecto-enzyme has high affinity for proteins (histones, casein, phosvitin, and protamine) rather than phosphate esters, such as p-nitrophenyl phosphate, β-glycerophosphate, AMP, and ATP. The activity of the enzyme is inhibited by 4 mM Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, or Co2+. Pi (10 mM), NaF (10 mM), and Zn2+ (1 mM) inhibit the enzyme by approximately 50, 35, and 100%, respectively. Polyamines such as spermine and spermidine at 10 mM each caused significant inhibition (60 and 30%, respectively) of the cell-bound phosphoprotein phosphatase activity, whereas cAMP, orthovanadate, and calmodulin (with or without Ca2+) had no appreciable effect. Under the standard assay conditions, spermatozoa remain intact as evidenced by assay of cytosolic enzyme markers. Both the washed and "native" intact spermatozoa showed nearly the same specific activity of the ectoenzyme. The product of the reaction (Pi) was found in the extracellular medium. Sonication doubled the enzymic activity of the intact cells. The specific activity of the enzyme was nearly fourfold higher in the intact forwardly motile cells than the "composite" spermatozoa. These data provide further support for the localization of a phosphoprotein phosphatase on the external surface of spermatozoa and that the ectoenzyme may have a role in the regulation of flagellar motility.

1969 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-228
Author(s):  
Alex G. Alexander

Acid phosphatases which readily hydrolyzed components of the adenylic acid system and phosphate monoesters were precipitated from cane-leaf extracts between 48- and 58-percent saturation with ammonium sulfate. The two general types were distinguished by their response to variable pH, substrate concentration, temperature, and inhibitors. ATP and ß-glycerophosphate were employed as representative substrates for the two groups. Both types of phosphatase were stimulated by arsenate. The ß-glycerophosphate reaction was inhibited by boron, zinc, manganese, bromide, copper, molybdenum, and tungsten. Molybdenum and tungsten also inhibited the ATP reaction. None of the inhibitors was effective in the presence of 10 µmoles per milliliter of arsenate. Copper appeared to serve as an activator in the presence of arsenate. Molybdenum and tungsten acted as competitive inhibitors of phosphatase. Molybdenum severely inhibited the ß-glycerophosphate reaction at 0.001 µmole per milliliter of digest, whereas 50 to 70 µmoles caused much of the activity to return. Both molybdenum and tungsten caused significant inhibition at concentrations as low as 0.0001 µmole per milliliter of digest. Tungsten was more effective than molybdenum against the ß-glycerophosphate reaction, causing significant suppression at concentrations 1/6 to 1/10 of the molybdenum levels needed for a comparable inhibition. Dialysis against distilled water had no appreciable effect on the phosphatase preparation. Meristem tissue was the best source of phosphatase, both in terms of specific activity and total phosphatase product. The possible mode of action of the inhibitor-activator relationships, and the significance of acid phosphatases in cane, is briefly discussed.


1993 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 445-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimír Žúbor ◽  
Albert Breier ◽  
Marta Horváthová ◽  
Dagmar Hagarová ◽  
Peter Gemeiner ◽  
...  

The crude extract of cytosole enzymes was obtained from homogenized cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by partition. The enzyme was then isolated from the lower aqueous phase displaying higher glycerol kinase activity by dye-ligand chromatography on Cibacron Blue (CB) or Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RB)-derivatized bead-cellulose, ATP being the eluent. The specific activity of glycerol kinase rised more than 10 and 7-times after affinity dye-ligand chromatography and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, respectively. Glycerol kinase obtained by the latter method was purified by CB-bead cellulose. The final preparation maintained its enzymic activity without noticeable losses during a long-term storage at 4 °C in dark.


1986 ◽  
Vol 239 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Okada ◽  
K Owada ◽  
H Nakagawa

A [phosphotyrosine]protein phosphatase (PTPPase) was purified almost to homogeneity from rat brain, with [32P]p130gag-fps, an oncogene product of Fujinami sarcoma virus, as substrate. The characteristics of the purified preparation of PTPPase were as follows: the enzyme was a monomer with a molecular mass of 23 kDa; its optimum pH was 5.0-5.5; its activity was not dependent on bivalent cations; its activity was strongly inhibited by sodium vanadate, but was not inhibited by ZnCl2, L(+)-tartrate or NaF; it catalysed the dephosphorylation of [32P]p130gag-fps, [[32P]Tyr]casein, p-nitrophenyl phosphate and L-phosphotyrosine, but did not hydrolyse [[32P]Ser]tubulin, L-phosphoserine, DL-phosphothreonine, 5′-AMP, 2′-AMP or beta-glycerophosphate significantly. During the purification, most of the PTPPase activity was recovered in distinct fractions from those of conventional low-molecular-mass acid phosphatase (APase), which was reported to be a major PTPPase [Chernoff & Li (1985) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 240, 135-145], from DE-52 DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and those two enzymes could be completely separated by Sephadex G-75 column chromatography. APase also showed PTPPase activity with [32P]p130gag-fps, but the specific activity was lower than that of PTPPase with molecular mass of 23 kDa, and it was not sensitive to sodium vanadate. These findings suggested that PTPPase (23 kDa) was the major and specific PTPPase in the cell.


1969 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 618-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Zmigrod ◽  
H. R. Lindner

ABSTRACT A microsomal fraction from rat ovaries incubated with [4-14C] progesterone in the presence of NADPH produced radioactive 3β-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one as the major metabolite. Identification of this compound, not hitherto isolated from mammalian ovaries, was based on (i) paper and gas-chromatographic behaviour of the free compound and its acetate, (ii) gas-chromatographic characterization of the thioketal derivative and the oxidation product, and (iii) recrystallization with authentic carrier to constant specific activity. Ovaries from both pregnant and prooestrous rats showed this enzymic activity. The possible biological function of ovarian steroid reductases is discussed.


Blood ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 727-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Kon ◽  
N Maeda ◽  
T Shiga

The effect of shear force (depending on shear rate and viscosity of extracellular medium) and hematocrit of RBC suspension on RBC deformation was studied quantitatively using a cone-plate rheoscope with various kinds of cells, ie, partially hemolyzed (PH) cells, density-fractionated intact cells, and diamide-treated cells. The deformation index (DI) of ellipsoidally deformed cells was shown to be a function of beta gamma eta ex(eta ex/eta in)alpha, where gamma eta ex is applied shear stress, eta ex and eta in are external and internal viscosities, respectively, and alpha and beta are adjustable parameters related to the membrane viscoelastic properties. The increase of suspension viscosity at higher hematocrits (Hts) generally enhanced the ellipsoidal deformation of cells, in the same manner as increasing the suspending medium viscosity of a diluted cell suspension. The suppressing effect on cell deformation appeared above a certain Ht. When intact cells were mixed with glutaraldehyde-treated, hardened cells, the ellipsoidal deformation of intact cells was disturbed. The suppression of deformation probably occurred through disturbance of laminar flow-lines around intact cells.


1997 ◽  
Vol 322 (2) ◽  
pp. 671-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziana BISOGNO ◽  
Nunzio SEPE ◽  
Dominique MELCK ◽  
Stefano MAURELLI ◽  
Luciano De PETROCELLIS ◽  
...  

The monoacylglycerol 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) has been recently suggested as a possible endogenous agonist at cannabinoid receptors both in brain and peripheral tissues. Here we report that a widely used model for neuronal cells, mouse N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells, which contain the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, also biosynthesize, release and degrade 2-AG. Stimulation with ionomycin (1–5 μM) of intact cells prelabelled with [3H]arachidonic acid ([3H]AA) led to the formation of high levels of a radioactive component with the same chromatographic behaviour as synthetic standards of 2-AG in TLC and HPLC analyses. The amounts of this metabolite were negligible in unstimulated cells, and greatly decreased in cells stimulated in the presence of the Ca2+-chelating agent EGTA. The purified component was further characterized as 2-AG by: (1) digestion with Rhizopus arrhizus lipase, which yielded radiolabelled AA; (2) gas chromatographic–MS analyses; and (3) TLC analyses on borate-impregnated plates. Approx. 20% of the 2-AG produced by stimulated cells was found to be released into the incubation medium when this contained 0.1% BSA. Subcellular fractions of N18TG2 cells were shown to contain enzymic activity or activities catalysing the hydrolysis of synthetic [3H]2-AG to [3H]AA. Cell homogenates were also found to convert synthetic [3H]sn-1-acyl-2-arachidonoylglycerols (AcAGs) into [3H]2-AG, suggesting that 2-AG might be derived from AcAG hydrolysis. When compared with ionomycin stimulation, treatment of cells with exogenous phospholipase C, but not with phospholipase D or A2, led to a much higher formation of 2-AG and AcAGs. However, treatment of cells with phospholipase A2 10 min before ionomycin stimulation caused a 2.5–3-fold potentiation of 2-AG and AcAG levels with respect to ionomycin alone, whereas preincubation with the phospholipase C inhibitor neomycin sulphate did not inhibit the effect of ionomycin on 2-AG and AcAG levels. These results suggest that the Ca2+-induced formation of 2-AG proceeds through the intermediacy of AcAGs but not necessarily through phospholipase C activation. By showing for the first time the existence of molecular mechanisms for the inactivation and the Ca2+-dependent biosynthesis and release of 2-AG in neuronal cells, the present paper supports the hypothesis that this cannabimimetic monoacylglycerol might be a physiological neuromodulator.


1988 ◽  
Vol 139 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
T. J. RINK ◽  
D. E. KNIGHT

Many investigators are using numerous preparations for contributing to our present understanding of stimulus-secretion coupling, by which we mean stimulus-dependent exocytosis, sometimes known as the regulated pathway. However, a few model systems have been particularly illuminating and several of these were exploited by Peter Baker and his close associates: namely, the motor nerve terminal, the adrenal chromaffin cell, the sea urchin egg and the blood platelet. In fact, Peter's first real contribution in this area came from his seminal studies on calcium transport in his favourite preparation, the squid giant axon, where he investigated Ca2+/Na+ exchange, Ca2+ distribution and voltage-gated Ca2+ entry. More direct investigations into stimulus-secretion coupling came from work on neurone transmitter release in collaboration with Andrew Crawford, and on catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla in collaboration (with TJR). His most important generic contribution to this field was in the development (with DEK), of the electropermeabilized cell, which allows control of the low molecular weight components of the cytosol while leaving the exocytotic apparatus and process intact. In the initial experiments on the cells it was finally proved that Ca2+-dependent secretion of catecholamines is indeed from the granules and not from the cytosol. The quantification of the Ca2+ requirement of secretory exocytosis was an important step, as was the investigation of many factors purported to be important in the coupling mechanism or in the exocytotic process itself. Work with the human platelet, using this technique, has proved to be especially valuable in unravelling the complex interactions between different second messengers and has been neatly complemented by work in intact cells containing Ca2+-indicator fluorescent dyes. Peter was also intrigued by postsecretory events both in the early seventies, and at the end of his career when he embarked on analysis of the membrane retrieval process and the associated uptake of extracellular medium.


2000 ◽  
Vol 66 (7) ◽  
pp. 3016-3023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Conesa ◽  
Cees A. M. J. J. van den Hondel ◽  
Peter J. Punt

ABSTRACT To get insight into the limiting factors existing for the efficient production of fungal peroxidase in filamentous fungi, the expression of the Phanerochaete chrysosporium lignin peroxidase H8 (lipA) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) H4 (mnp1) genes in Aspergillus niger has been studied. For this purpose, a protease-deficient A. niger strain and different expression cassettes have been used. Northern blotting experiments indicated high steady-state mRNA levels for the recombinant genes. Manganese peroxidase was secreted into the culture medium as an active protein. The recombinant protein showed specific activity and a spectrum profile similar to those of the native enzyme, was correctly processed at its N terminus, and had a slightly lower mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Recombinant MnP production could be increased up to 100 mg/liter upon hemoglobin supplementation of the culture medium. Lignin peroxidase was also secreted into the extracellular medium, although the protein was not active, presumably due to incorrect processing of the secreted enzyme. Expression of the lipA and mnp1 genes fused to the A. niger glucoamylase gene did not result in improved production yields.


1981 ◽  
Vol 199 (2) ◽  
pp. 409-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Halliwell ◽  
R Vincent

The specific properties have been examined of the 1,4-beta-glucanase component of Trichoderma koningii that participates in an early and effective stage of random breakdown of native cellulose to short fibres. The enzyme was purified and freed from associated components of the cellulase complex (particularly beta-glucosidase) that interfere with, and complicate interpretation of, the action of such enzymes. Purification increased the specific activity 25-fold over culture filtrates; the enzyme hydrolysed CM-cellulose faster than the purified beta-glucosidase from the same organism hydrolysed any of its substrates (cellobiose or cellodextrins). The specificity of the glucanase was directed towards soluble derivatives of cellulose, CM-cellulose and cellodextrins, and not to insoluble cellulose or alpha-linked polymers. The approximate Km was 2.5 mg of CM-cellulose . ml-1 at 37 degrees C at the optimum pH, 5.5, where enzymic activity was maximal with 6--7 mg of CM-cellulose . ml-1 and inhibited by higher concentrations. The temperature optimum was 60 degrees C. The glucanase attacked larger cellodextrins (cellohexaose to cellotetraose, in that order) much more readily than smaller dextrins (cellobiose and cellotriose) and released a mixture of products, glucose up to cellopentaose, which was quantitatively determined after chromatography on charcoal. Similar examination of hydrolysates of the reduced cellodextrins showed clearly the high specificity of the enzyme for the central bond of its natural substrates (the cellodextrins), whatever their chain length, and indicated the nature of the enzyme as an endoglucanase. Outer bonds shared a weaker, but similar, susceptibility to enzymic cleavage. Transferase activity was absent and no larger dextrins than the initial substrate were formed.


1966 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Siekevitz ◽  
G. E. Palade

Amylase distribution was studied in guinea pig pancreas microsomes fractionated by centrifuging, for 2 hr at 57,000 g in a linear 10 to 30% sucrose gradient, a resuspended high speed pellet obtained after treating microsomes with 0.04% deoxycholate (DOC).1 Amylase appeared in the following positions in the gradient: (a) a light region which contained ∼35% of total enzymic activity and which coincided with a monomeric ribosome peak; (b) a heavy region which contained ∼10% of enzymic activity in a sharp peak but which had very little accompanying OD260 absorption; (c) a pellet at the bottom of the centrifuge tube which contained ∼20% of the enzymic activity. After 5 to 20 min' in vivo labeling with leucine-1-C14, radioactive amylase was solubilized from these three fractions by a combined DOC-spermine treatment and purified by precipitation with glycogen, according to Loyter and Schramm. In all cases, the amylase found in the pellet had five to ten times the specific activity (CPM/enzymic activity) of the amylase found in the light or heavy regions of the gradient. The specific radioactivity (CPM/mg protein) of the proteins or peptides not extracted by DOC-spermine was similar for all three fractions. Hypotonic treatment of the fractions solubilized ∼80% of the total amylase in the fraction from the heavy region of the gradient, but only ∼20% of the amylase in the monomer or pellet fraction. Electron microscope observation indicates that the monomer region of the gradient contained only ribosomes, that the heavy region of the gradient contained small vesicles with relatively few attached ribosomes, and that the pellet was composed mostly of intact or ruptured microsomes with ribosomes still attached to their membranes. It is concluded from the above, and from other evidence, that most of the amylase activity in the monomer region is due to old, adsorbed enzyme; in the heavy region mostly to enzyme already inside microsomal vesicles; and in the pellet to a mixture of newly synthesized and old amylase still attached to ribosomes. Furthermore, the ribosomes with nascent, finished protein still bound to them are more firmly attached to the membranes than are ribosomes devoid of nascent protein.


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