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Members of the glycoside hydrolase family 4 (GH4) employ an unusual glycosidic bond cleavage mechanism utilizing NAD(H) and a divalent metal ion, under reducing conditions. These enzymes act upon a diverse range of glycosides, and unlike most other GH families, homologs here are known to accommodate both α- and β-anomeric specificities within the same active site. Here, we report the catalytic properties and the crystal structures of TmAgu4B, an α-d-glucuronidase from the hyperthermophile Thermotoga maritima. The structures in three different states include the apo form, the NADH bound holo form, and the ternary complex with NADH and the reaction product d-glucuronic acid, at 2.15, 1.97 and 1.85 Å resolutions, respectively. These structures reveal the step-wise route of conformational changes required in the active site to achieve the catalytically competent state, and illustrate the direct role of residues that determine the reaction mechanism. Furthermore, a structural transition of a helical region in the active site to a turn geometry resulting in the rearrangement of a unique arginine residue governs the exclusive glucopyranosiduronic acid recognition in TmAgu4B. Mutational studies show that modifications of the glycone binding site geometry lead to catalytic failure and indicate overlapping roles of specific residues in catalysis and substrate recognition. The data highlight hitherto unreported molecular features and associated active site dynamics that determine the structure-function relationships within the unique GH4 family., (© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

TMEM165 was highlighted in 2012 as the first member of the Uncharacterized Protein Family 0016 (UPF0016) related to human glycosylation diseases. Defects in TMEM165 are associated with strong Golgi glycosylation abnormalities. Our previous work has shown that TMEM165 rapidly degrades with supraphysiological manganese supplementation. In this paper, we establish a functional link between TMEM165 and SPCA1, the Golgi Ca2+/Mn2+ P-type ATPase pump. A nearly complete loss of TMEM165 was observed in SPCA1-deficient Hap1 cells. We demonstrate that TMEM165 was constitutively degraded in lysosomes in the absence of SPCA1. Complementation studies showed that TMEM165 abundance was directly dependent on SPCA1's function and more specifically its capacity to pump Mn2+ from the cytosol into the Golgi lumen. Among SPCA1 mutants that differentially impair Mn2+ and Ca2+ transport, only the Q747A mutant that favors Mn2+ pumping rescues the abundance and Golgi subcellular localization of TMEM165. Interestingly, the overexpression of SERCA2b also rescues the expression of TMEM165. Finally, this paper highlights that TMEM165 expression is linked to the function of SPCA1., (© 2019 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

ATP-dependent phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases (PEPCKs, EC 4.1.1.49) from C4 and CAM plants have been widely studied due to their crucial role in photosynthetic CO2 fixation. However, our knowledge on the structural, kinetic and regulatory properties of the enzymes from C3 species is still limited. In this work, we report the recombinant production and biochemical characterization of two PEPCKs identified in Arabidopsis thaliana: AthPEPCK1 and AthPEPCK2. We found that both enzymes exhibited high affinity for oxaloacetate and ATP, reinforcing their role as decarboxylases. We employed a high-throughput screening for putative allosteric regulators using differential scanning fluorometry and confirmed their effect on enzyme activity by performing enzyme kinetics. AthPEPCK1 and AthPEPCK2 are allosterically modulated by key intermediates of plant metabolism, namely succinate, fumarate, citrate and α-ketoglutarate. Interestingly, malate activated and glucose 6-phosphate inhibited AthPEPCK1 but had no effect on AthPEPCK2. Overall, our results demonstrate that the enzymes involved in the critical metabolic node constituted by phosphoenolpyruvate are targets of fine allosteric regulation., (© 2019 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

Bacterial pathogens encounter a variety of adverse physiological conditions during infection, including metal starvation, metal overload and oxidative stress. Here, we demonstrate that group A Streptococcus (GAS) utilises Mn(II) import via MtsABC during conditions of hydrogen peroxide stress to optimally metallate the superoxide dismutase, SodA, with Mn. MtsABC expression is controlled by the DtxR family metalloregulator MtsR, which also regulates the expression of Fe uptake systems in GAS. Our results indicate that the SodA in GAS requires Mn for full activity and has lower activity when it contains Fe. As a consequence, under conditions of hydrogen peroxide stress where Fe is elevated, we observed that the PerR-regulated Fe(II) efflux system PmtA was required to reduce intracellular Fe, thus protecting SodA from becoming mismetallated. Our findings demonstrate the co-ordinate action of MtsR-regulated Mn(II) import by MtsABC and PerR-regulated Fe(II) efflux by PmtA to ensure appropriate Mn(II) metallation of SodA for optimal superoxide dismutase function., (© 2019 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

YlaD, a membrane-anchored anti-sigma (σ) factor of Bacillus subtilis , contains a HX 3 CXXC motif that functions as a redox-sensing domain and belongs to one of the zinc (Zn)-co-ordinated anti-σ factor families. Despite previously showing that the YlaC transcription is controlled by YlaD, experimental evidence of how the YlaC-YlaD interaction is affected by active cysteines and/or metal ions is lacking. Here, we showed that the P yla promoter is autoregulated solely by YlaC. Moreover, reduced YlaD contained Zn and iron, while oxidized YlaD did not. Cysteine substitution in YlaD led to changes in its secondary structure; Cys3 had important structural functions in YlaD, and its mutation caused dissociation from YlaC, indicating the essential requirement of a HX 3 CXXC motif for regulating interactions of YlaC with YlaD. Analyses of the far-UV CD spectrum and metal content revealed that the addition of Mn ions to Zn-YlaD changed its secondary structure and that iron was substituted for manganese (Mn). The ylaC gene expression using βGlu activity from P yla : gusA was observed at the late-exponential and early-stationary phase, and the ylaC -overexpressing mutant constitutively expressed gene transcripts of clpP and sigH , an important alternative σ factor regulated by ClpXP. Collectively, our data demonstrated that YlaD senses redox changes and elicits increase in Mn ion concentrations and that, in turn, YlaD-mediated transcriptional activity of YlaC regulates sporulation initiation under oxidative stress and Mn-substituted conditions by regulating clpP gene transcripts. This is the first report of the involvement of oxidative stress-responsive B. subtilis extracytoplasmic function σ factors during sporulation via a Mn-dependent redox-sensing molecular switch., (© 2018 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

The Asp-His-His and Asp-His-His-associated (DHH/DHHA1) domain-containing phosphodiesterases (PDEs) that catalyze degradation of cyclic di-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) could be subdivided into two subfamilies based on the final product [5'-phosphadenylyl-adenosine (5'-pApA) or AMP]. In a previous study, we revealed that Rv2837c, a stand-alone DHH/DHHA1 PDE, employs a 5'-pApA internal flipping mechanism to produce AMPs. However, why the membrane-bound DHH/DHHA1 PDE can only degrade c-di-AMP to 5'-pApA remains obscure. Here, we report the crystal structure of the DHH/DHHA1 domain of GdpP (GdpP-C), and structures in complex with c-di-AMP, cyclic di-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP), and 5'-pApA. Structural analysis reveals that GdpP-C binds nucleotide substrates quite differently from how Rv2837c does in terms of substrate-binding position. Accordingly, the nucleotide-binding site of the DHH/DHHA1 PDEs is organized into three (C, G, and R) subsites. For GdpP-C, in the C and G sites c-di-AMP binds and degrades into 5'-pApA, and its G site determines nucleotide specificity. To further degrade into AMPs, 5'-pApA must slide into the C and R sites for flipping and hydrolysis as in Rv2837c. Subsequent mutagenesis and enzymatic studies of GdpP-C and Rv2837c uncover the complete flipping process and reveal a unified catalytic mechanism for members of both DHH/DHHA1 PDE subfamilies., (© 2018 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

Despite its importance in the regulation of growth and differentiation processes of a variety of organisms, the mechanism of synthesis and degradation of cAMP (cyclic AMP) has not yet been described in Giardia lamblia In this work, we measured significant quantities of cAMP in trophozoites of G. lamblia incubated in vitro and later detected how it increases during the first hours of encystation, and how it then returns to basal levels at 24 h. Through an analysis of the genome of G. lamblia , we found sequences of three putative enzymes - one phosphodiesterase (gPDE) and two nucleotidyl cyclases (gNC1 and gNC2) - that should be responsible for the regulation of cAMP in G. lamblia Later, an RT-PCR assay confirmed that these three genes are expressed in trophozoites. The bioinformatic analysis indicated that gPDE is a transmembrane protein of 154 kDa, with a single catalytic domain in the C-terminal end; gNC1 is predicted to be a transmembrane protein of 74 kDa, with only one class III cyclase homology domain (CHD) at the C-terminal end; and gNC2 should be a transmembrane protein of 246 kDa, with two class III CHDs. Finally, we cloned and enriched the catalytic domain of gNC1 (gNC1cd) from bacteria. After that, we confirmed that gNC1cd has adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity. This enzymatic activity depends on the presence of Mn 2+ and Ca 2+ , but no significant activity was displayed in the presence of Mg 2+ Additionally, the AC activity of gNC1cd is competitively inhibited with GTP, so it is highly possible that gNC1 has guanylyl cyclase activity as well., (© 2017 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

Kinase-mediated phosphorylation is a pivotal regulatory process in stomatal responses to stresses. Through a redox proteomics study, a sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase (SnRK2.4) was identified to be redox-regulated in Brassica napus guard cells upon abscisic acid treatment. There are six genes encoding SnRK2.4 paralogs in B. napus Here, we show that recombinant BnSnRK2.4-1C exhibited autophosphorylation activity and preferentially phosphorylated the N-terminal region of B. napus slow anion channel (BnSLAC1-NT) over generic substrates. The in vitro activity of BnSnRK2.4-1C requires the presence of manganese (Mn 2+ ). Phosphorylation sites of autophosphorylated BnSnRK2.4-1C were mapped, including serine and threonine residues in the activation loop. In vitro BnSnRK2.4-1C autophosphorylation activity was inhibited by oxidants such as H 2 O 2 and recovered by active thioredoxin isoforms, indicating redox regulation of BnSnRK2.4-1C. Thiol-specific isotope tagging followed by mass spectrometry analysis revealed specific cysteine residues responsive to oxidant treatments. The in vivo activity of BnSnRK2.4-1C is inhibited by 15 min of H 2 O 2 treatment. Taken together, these data indicate that BnSnRK2.4-1C, an SnRK preferentially expressed in guard cells, is redox-regulated with potential roles in guard cell signal transduction., (© 2017 The Author(s); published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

The mammalian SPCA1 and SPCA2 ATPases localize in membranes of the secretory pathway and transport ions of Ca(2+) and Mn(2+) The role of tissue-specific SPCA2 isoform, highly expressed in lungs, mammary gland and gastrointestinal tract, is poorly understood. To elucidate the function of SPCA2, we studied human colon cancer HCT116 cells, grown under ambient and decreased O2 levels. We found that in contrast with other Ca(2+)-ATPase isoforms the expression of SPCA2 was up-regulated under hypoxia (3% O2), in both adherent (2D) and spheroid (3D) cultures. In spheroids, experiencing lowest O2 levels (30-50 μM, measured by phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy), we observed lower staining with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-specific fluorescent probe, which correlated with increased SPCA2. However, SPCA2 expression was up-regulated in cells exposed to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species donors, and when grown at higher density. We noticed that the culture exposed to hypoxia showed overall increase in S phase-positive cells and hypothesized that SPCA2 up-regulation under hypoxia can be linked to Mn(2+)-dependent cell cycle arrest. Consequently, we found that SPCA2-transfected cells display a higher number of cells entering S phase. Altogether, our results point at the important role of SPCA2 in regulation of cell cycle in cancer cells., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

CMP-sialic acid synthetase (CSAS) is a key enzyme of the sialylation pathway. CSAS produces the activated sugar donor, CMP-sialic acid, which serves as a substrate for sialyltransferases to modify glycan termini with sialic acid. Unlike other animal CSASs that normally localize in the nucleus, Drosophila melanogaster CSAS (DmCSAS) localizes in the cell secretory compartment, predominantly in the Golgi, which suggests that this enzyme has properties distinct from those of its vertebrate counterparts. To test this hypothesis, we purified recombinant DmCSAS and characterized its activity in vitro Our experiments revealed several unique features of this enzyme. DmCSAS displays specificity for N-acetylneuraminic acid as a substrate, shows preference for lower pH and can function with a broad range of metal cofactors. When tested at a pH corresponding to the Golgi compartment, the enzyme showed significant activity with several metal cations, including Zn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+) and Mn(2+), whereas the activity with Mg(2+) was found to be low. Protein sequence analysis and site-specific mutagenesis identified an aspartic acid residue that is necessary for enzymatic activity and predicted to be involved in co-ordinating a metal cofactor. DmCSAS enzymatic activity was found to be essential in vivo for rescuing the phenotype of DmCSAS mutants. Finally, our experiments revealed a steep dependence of the enzymatic activity on temperature. Taken together, our results indicate that DmCSAS underwent evolutionary adaptation to pH and ionic environment different from that of counterpart synthetases in vertebrates. Our data also suggest that environmental temperatures can regulate Drosophila sialylation, thus modulating neural transmission., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest with the contents of this article., (© 2016 The Author(s). published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.)

FosB is a divalent-metal-dependent thiol-S-transferase implicated in fosfomycin resistance among many pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. In the present paper, we describe detailed kinetic studies of FosB from Staphylococcus aureus (SaFosB) that confirm that bacillithiol (BSH) is its preferred physiological thiol substrate. SaFosB is the first to be characterized among a new class of enzyme (bacillithiol-S-transferases), which, unlike glutathione transferases, are distributed among many low-G+C Gram-positive bacteria that use BSH instead of glutathione as their major low-molecular-mass thiol. The K(m) values for BSH and fosfomycin are 4.2 and 17.8 mM respectively. Substrate specificity assays revealed that the thiol and amino groups of BSH are essential for activity, whereas malate is important for SaFosB recognition and catalytic efficiency. Metal activity assays indicated that Mn(2+) and Mg(2+) are likely to be the relevant cofactors under physiological conditions. The serine analogue of BSH (BOH) is an effective competitive inhibitor of SaFosB with respect to BSH, but uncompetitive with respect to fosfomycin. Coupled with NMR characterization of the reaction product (BS-fosfomycin), this demonstrates that the SaFosB-catalysed reaction pathway involves a compulsory ordered binding mechanism with fosfomycin binding first followed by BSH which then attacks the more sterically hindered C-1 carbon of the fosfomycin epoxide. Disruption of BSH biosynthesis in S. aureus increases sensitivity to fosfomycin. Together, these results indicate that SaFosB is a divalent-metal-dependent bacillithiol-S-transferase that confers fosfomycin resistance on S. aureus.

Reversible phosphorylation is a widespread molecular mechanism to regulate the function of cellular proteins, including transcription factors. Phosphorylation of the nuclear receptor PPARγ (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ) at two conserved serine residue (Ser(112) and Ser(273)) results in an altered transcriptional activity of this transcription factor. So far, only a very limited number of cellular enzymatic activities has been described which can dephosphorylate nuclear receptors. In the present study we used immunoprecipitation assays coupled to tandem MS analysis to identify novel PPARγ-regulating proteins. We identified the serine/threonine phosphatase PPM1B [PP (protein phosphatase), Mg(2+)/Mn(2+) dependent, 1B; also known as PP2Cβ] as a novel PPARγ-interacting protein. Endogenous PPM1B protein is localized in the nucleus of mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes where it can bind to PPARγ. Furthermore we show that PPM1B can directly dephosphorylate PPARγ, both in intact cells and in vitro. In addition PPM1B increases PPARγ-mediated transcription via dephosphorylation of Ser(112). Finally, we show that knockdown of PPM1B in 3T3-L1 adipocytes blunts the expression of some PPARγ target genes while leaving others unaltered. These findings qualify the phosphatase PPM1B as a novel selective modulator of PPARγ activity.

The VPs (versatile peroxidases) secreted by white-rot fungi are involved in the natural decay of lignin. In the present study, a fusion gene containing the VP from Pleurotus eryngii was subjected to six rounds of directed evolution, achieving a level of secretion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (21 mg/l) as yet unseen for any ligninolytic peroxidase. The evolved variant for expression harboured four mutations and increased its total VP activity 129-fold. The signal leader processing by the STE13 protease at the Golgi compartment changed as a consequence of overexpression, retaining the additional N-terminal sequence Glu-Ala-Glu-Ala that enhanced secretion. The engineered N-terminally truncated variant displayed similar biochemical properties to those of the non-truncated counterpart in terms of kinetics, stability and spectroscopic features. Additional cycles of evolution raised the T50 8°C and significantly increased the enzyme's stability at alkaline pHs. In addition, the Km for H2O2 was enhanced up to 15-fold while the catalytic efficiency was maintained, and there was an improvement in peroxide stability (with half-lives for H2O2 of 43 min at a H2O2/enzyme molar ratio of 4000:1). Overall, the directed evolution approach described provides a set of strategies for selecting VPs with improvements in secretion, activity and stability.

ADPRibase-Mn (Mn2+-dependent ADP-ribose/CDP-alcohol pyrophosphatase) was earlier isolated from rat liver supernatants after separation from ADPRibase-I and ADPRibase-II (Mg2+-activated ADP-ribose pyrophosphatases devoid of CDP-alcohol pyrophosphatase activity). The last mentioned are putative Nudix hydrolases, whereas the molecular identity of ADPRibase-Mn is unknown. MALDI (matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization) MS data from rat ADPRibase-Mn pointed to a hypothetical protein that was cloned and expressed and showed the expected specificity. It is encoded by the RGD1309906 rat gene, which so far has been annotated simply as 'hydrolase'. ADPRibase-Mn is not a Nudix hydrolase, but it shows the sequence and structural features typical of the metallophosphoesterase superfamily. It may constitute a protein family of its own, the members of which appear to be specific to vertebrates, plants and algae. ADP-ribose was successfully docked to a model of rat ADPRibase-Mn, revealing its putative active centre. Microarray data from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database indicated that the mouse gene 2310004I24Rik, an orthologue of RGD1309906, is preferentially expressed in immune cells. This was confirmed by Northern-blot and activity assay of ADPRibase-Mn in rat tissues. A possible role of ADPRibase-Mn in immune cell signalling is suggested by the second-messenger role of ADP-ribose, which activates TRPM2 (transient receptor potential melastatin channel-2) ion channels as a mediator of oxidative/nitrosative stress, and by the signalling function assigned to many of the microarray profile neighbours of 2310004I24Rik. Furthermore, the influence of ADPRibase-Mn on the CDP-choline or CDP-ethanolamine pathways of phospholipid biosynthesis cannot be discounted.

Oxalate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.2) catalyses the conversion of oxalate into carbon dioxide and formate. It requires manganese and, uniquely, dioxygen for catalysis. It forms a homohexamer and each subunit contains two similar, but distinct, manganese sites termed sites 1 and 2. There is kinetic evidence that only site 1 is catalytically active and that site 2 is purely structural. However, the kinetics of enzymes with mutations in site 2 are often ambiguous and all mutant kinetics have been interpreted without structural information. Nine new site-directed mutants have been generated and four mutant crystal structures have now been solved. Most mutants targeted (i) the flexibility (T165P), (ii) favoured conformation (S161A, S164A, D297A or H299A) or (iii) presence (Delta162-163 or Delta162-164) of a lid associated with site 1. The kinetics of these mutants were consistent with only site 1 being catalytically active. This was particularly striking with D297A and H299A because they disrupted hydrogen bonds between the lid and a neighbouring subunit only when in the open conformation and were distant from site 2. These observations also provided the first evidence that the flexibility and stability of lid conformations are important in catalysis. The deletion of the lid to mimic the plant oxalate oxidase led to a loss of decarboxylase activity, but only a slight elevation in the oxalate oxidase side reaction, implying other changes are required to afford a reaction specificity switch. The four mutant crystal structures (R92A, E162A, Delta162-163 and S161A) strongly support the hypothesis that site 2 is purely structural.

TAB1 [TAK1 (transforming growth factor-beta-activated kinase 1)-binding protein 1] is one of the regulatory subunits of TAK1, a protein kinase that lies at the head of three pro-inflammatory kinase cascades. In the current study we report the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of TAB1. Surprisingly, TAB1 possesses a fold closely related to that of the PPM (Mg2+- or Mn2+-dependent protein phosphatase) family as demonstrated by the close structural similarity with protein phosphatase 2C alpha. However, we were unable to detect any phosphatase activity for TAB1 using a phosphopeptide or p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate. Although the overall protein phosphatase 2C alpha fold is conserved in TAB1, detailed structural analyses and mutagenesis studies show that several key residues required for dual metal-binding and catalysis are not present in TAB1, although binding of a single metal is supported by soaking experiments with manganese and isothermal titration calorimetry. Thus, it appears that TAB1 is a 'pseudophosphatase', possibly binding to and regulating accessibility of phosphorylated residues on substrates downstream of TAK1 or on the TAK1 complex itself.

DMT1 (divalent metal transporter; also known as SLC11A2, DCT1 or Nramp2) is responsible for ferrous iron uptake in the duodenum, iron exit from endosomes during the transferrin cycle and some transferrin-independent iron uptake in many cells. Four protein isoforms differ by starting in exon 1A or 2 and ending with alternative peptides encoded by mRNA that contains or lacks an IRE (iron responsive element; +/-IRE). We have compared 1A/+IRE and 2/-IRE DMT1 during regulated ectopic expression. HEK-293-F (human embryonic kidney-293-fast growing variant) cells were stably transfected with each construct expressed from a tetracycline-regulated CMV promoter. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis showed that construct expression responded to doxycycline. Immunofluorescence staining of cells, using antibodies specific for DMT1 isoforms, confirmed an increase in expression in the plasma membrane and cytosolic vesicles after doxycycline treatment, but with isoform specific distributions. Immunoblotting also revealed stimulation of expression. Nevertheless, both DMT1 isoforms performed similarly in assays for functional properties based on 54Mn2+ and 59Fe2+ uptake. Mn incorporation after doxycycline treatment was approximately 10-fold greater than that of untreated cells, while expression in the untreated cells was approximately 5-fold greater than in the untransfected cells. Uptake of Mn depended on addition of doxycycline, with half maximal response at approximately 1 nM doxycycline. Doxycycline-stimulated Mn and Fe uptake was linear with time for 10 min but not over longer periods. Transport exhibited a pH optimum at approximately 5.5 and dependence on incubation temperature and Mn or Fe concentration. The new cell lines should prove useful for research on metal homoeostasis, toxicological studies and efforts to identify distinctive properties of the isoforms.

Both ATP and a bivalent nucleotide-bound metal activator, normally Mg2+, are required for nitrogenase activity. EPR and ESEEM (electron spin-echo envelope modulation) measurements have been carried out on adenosine nucleotides in which the Mg2+ ion that is usually bound is replaced by Mn2+ in the presence of Kp2 (nitrogenase Fe-protein from Klebsiella pneumoniae). The Mn2+ zero-field splitting parameters have been determined from the EPR-spectrum to be |D|=0.0125 cm(-1) with a rhombicity lambda=E/D=0.31 by direct diagonalization of the complete spin Hamiltonian. ESEEM spectra of the Fe-protein with MnADP and MnATP both show an ESEEM line pair with one signal component at about 3.6 MHz and a relatively broad resonance at 8 MHz originating from a superhyperfine coupling to a 31P nuclear spin from one or more directly co-ordinated phospho group(s) of the nucleotide. A pronounced resonance overlapping the low-frequency component of the (31)P-signal at about 3.5 MHz is attributed to an interaction of Mn2+ with univalent 23Na nuclei. ESEEM lines at frequencies <3.5 MHz have been ascribed to interactions with 14N nuclei. Differences in the 14N features that depend on the type of nucleotide are consistent with substantial conformational rearrangements at the nucleotide-binding site upon hydrolysis. In addition, four-pulse HYSCORE (hyperfine sublevel correlation spectroscopy) experiments not only confirm the three-pulse ESEEM results, but also achieve significantly better spectral deconvolution, especially of the 31P-couplings, and demonstrate that the nucleotide is at least a unidentate ligand of Mn2+. Moreover it was also possible to identify peaks from an 14N interaction more clearly; these most probably arise from outer-sphere interactions with nitrogen atom(s) of non-co-ordinated residues which are affected by conformational rearrangements upon nucleotide hydrolysis. In addition, different redox states of the [4Fe-4S] cluster of the Fe-protein show disparate conformations of the metal-nucleotide co-ordination environment, demonstrating that also the cluster site communicates with the nucleotide binding site.

We have investigated effects of neuronal differentiation on hormone-induced Ca2+ entry. Fura-2 fluorescence measurements of undifferentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, stimulated with methacholine, revealed the presence of voltage-operated Ca2+-permeable, Mn2+-impermeable entry pathways, and at least two voltage-independent Ca2+- and Mn2+-permeable entry pathways, all of which apparently contribute to both peak and plateau phases of the Ca2+ signal. Similar experiments using 9-cis retinoic acid-differentiated cells, however, revealed voltage-operated Ca2+-permeable, Mn2+-impermeable channels, and, more significantly, the absence or down-regulation of the most predominant of the voltage-independent entry pathways. This down-regulated pathway is probably due to CCE (capacitative Ca2+ entry), since thapsigargin also stimulated Ca2+ and Mn2+ entry in undifferentiated but not differentiated cells. The Ca2+ entry components remaining in methacholine-stimulated differentiated cells contributed to only the plateau phase of the Ca2+ signal. We conclude that differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells results in a mechanistic and functional change in hormone-stimulated Ca2+ entry. In undifferentiated cells, voltage-operated Ca2+ channels, CCE and NCCE (non-CCE) pathways are present. Of the voltage-independent pathways, the predominant one appears to be CCE. These pathways contribute to both peak and plateau phases of the Ca2+ signal. In differentiated cells, CCE is either absent or down-regulated, whereas voltage-operated entry and NCCE remain active and contribute to only the plateau phase of the Ca2+ signal.

Recent studies by Moneer and Taylor [(2002) Biochem. J. 362, 13-21] have proposed a reciprocal regulation of two Ca2+-entry pathways by AVP ([Arg8]-vasopressin) in A7r5 vascular smooth-amuscle cells. Their model proposes that AVP inhibits CCE (capacitative Ca2+ entry) and predicts a rebound of CCE after the removal of AVP. In the present study, we used whole-cell perforated patch-clamp techniques to measure ISOC (store-operated current) corresponding to CCE in A7r5 cells. When 100 nM AVP is present, it activates ISOC with no apparent rebound on removal of AVP. ISOC activated by thapsigargin or cyclopiazonic acid was not inhibited by 100 nM AVP. We also used fura 2 fluorescence techniques to re-examine the model of Moneer and Taylor, specifically focusing on the proposed inhibition of CCE by AVP. We find that 100 nM AVP activates capacitative Mn2+ entry and does not inhibit thapsigargin- or cyclopiazonic acid-activated Mn2+ entry. Moreover, Ca2+ entry after depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores is enhanced by AVP and we detect no rebound of Ca2+ or Mn2+ entry after AVP removal. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that AVP does not inhibit CCE in A7r5 cells.

Manganese is an essential, but potentially toxic, trace metal in biological systems. Overexposure to manganese is known to cause neurological deficits in humans, but the pathways that lead to manganese toxicity are largely unknown. We have employed the bakers' yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system to identify genes that contribute to manganese-related damage. In a genetic screen for yeast manganese-resistance mutants, we identified S. cerevisiae MAM3 as a gene which, when deleted, would increase cellular tolerance to toxic levels of manganese and also increased the cell's resistance towards cobalt and zinc. By sequence analysis, Mam3p shares strong similarity with the mammalian ACDP (ancient conserved domain protein) family of polypeptides. Mutations in human ACDP1 have been associated with urofacial (Ochoa) syndrome. However, the functions of eukaryotic ACDPs remain unknown. We show here that S. cerevisiae MAM3 encodes an integral membrane protein of the yeast vacuole whose expression levels directly correlate with the degree of manganese toxicity. Surprisingly, Mam3p contributes to manganese toxicity without any obvious changes in vacuolar accumulation of metals. Furthermore, through genetic epistasis studies, we demonstrate that MAM3 operates independently of the well-established manganese-trafficking pathways in yeast, involving the manganese transporters Pmr1p, Smf2p and Pho84p. This is the first report of a eukaryotic ACDP family protein involved in metal homoeostasis.

VPs (versatile peroxidases) sharing the functions of LiP (lignin peroxidase) and MnP (manganese peroxidase) have been described in basidiomycetous fungi Pleurotus and Bjerkandera. Despite the importance of this enzyme in polymer degradation, its reactivity with polymeric substrates remains poorly understood. In the present study, we first report that, unlike LiP, VP from Pleurotus ostreatus directly oxidized two polymeric substrates, bovine pancreatic RNase and Poly R-478, through a long-range electron pathway without redox mediators. P. ostreatus produces several MnP isoenzymes, including the multifunctional enzyme MnP2 (VP) and a typical MnP isoenzyme MnP3. MnP2 (VP) depolymerized a polymeric azo dye, Poly R-478, to complete its catalytic cycle. Reduction of the oxidized intermediates of MnP2 (VP) to its resting state was also observed for RNase. RNase inhibited the oxidation of VA (veratryl alcohol) in a competitive manner. Blocking of the exposed tryptophan by N-bromosuccinimide inhibited the oxidation of RNase and VA by MnP2 (VP), but its Mn2+-oxidizing activity was retained, suggesting that Trp-170 exposed on an enzyme surface is a substrate-binding site both for VA and the polymeric substrates. The direct oxidation of RNase and Poly R by MnP2 (VP) is in sharp contrast with redox mediator-dependent oxidation of these polymers by LiP from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Molecular modelling of MnP2 (VP) revealed that the differences in the dependence on redox mediators in polymer oxidation by MnP2 (VP) and LiP were explained by the anionic microenvironment surrounding the exposed tryptophan.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an important human opportunistic pathogen and a facultative intracellular parasite, particularly in HIV-infected individuals. Little is known about metal ion transport in this organism. C. neoformans encodes a single member of the Nramp (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein) family of bivalent cation transporters, known as Cramp, which we have cloned and expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and Spodoptera frugiperda Sf 21 insect cells. Cramp induces saturable transport of a broad range of bivalent transition series cations, including Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+ and Ni2+. Maximal cation transport occurs at pH 5.5-6.0, consistent with the proton gradient-based energetics of other Nramp orthologues. Mn2+ transport is diminished in the presence of 140 mM Na+, compatible with a Na+ slippage mechanism proposed for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nramp orthologue Smf1p. Cramp resembles Smf1p with respect to predicted membrane topology, substrate specificity and pH dependence, but differs in terms of its apparent affinity for Mn2+ and negligible inhibition by Zn2+. Cramp is the first Nramp orthologue from a fungal pathogen to be functionally characterized. Insights afforded by these findings will allow the formulation of new hypotheses regarding the role of metal ions in the pathophysiology of cryptococcosis.

The metalloisomerase glyoxalase I (GlxI) catalyses the conversion of methylglyoxal-glutathione hemithioacetal and related derivatives into the corresponding thioesters. In contrast with the previously characterized GlxI enzymes of Homo sapiens, Pseudomonas putida and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we recently determined that Escherichia coli GlxI surprisingly did not display Zn2+-activation, but instead exhibited maximal activity with Ni2+. To investigate whether non-Zn2+ activation defines a distinct, previously undocumented class of GlxI enzymes, or whether the E. coli GlxI is an exception to the previously established Zn2+-activated GlxI, we have cloned and characterized the bacterial GlxI from Yersinia pestis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Neisseria meningitidis. The metal-activation profiles for these additional GlxIs firmly establish the existence of a non-Zn2+-dependent grouping within the general category of GlxI enzymes. This second, established class of metal activation was formerly unidentified for this metalloenzyme. Amino acid sequence comparisons indicate a more extended peptide chain in the Zn2+-dependent forms of GlxI (H. sapiens, P. putida and S. cerevisiae), compared with the GlxI enzymes of E. coli, Y. pestis, P. aeruginosa and N. meningitidis. The longer sequence is due in part to the presence of additional regions situated fairly close to the metal ligands in the Zn2+-dependent forms of the lyase. With respect to sequence alignments, these inserts may potentially contribute to defining the metal specificity of GlxI at a structural level.

As part of a general project aimed at elucidating the initiation of mucin-type O-glycosylation in helminth parasites, we have characterized a novel ppGalNAc-T (UDP-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase) from the cestode Echinococcus granulosus (Eg-ppGalNAc-T1). A full-length cDNA was isolated from a library of the tissue-dwelling larval stage of the parasite, and found to code for a 654-amino-acid protein containing all the structural features of ppGalNAc-Ts. Functional characterization of a recombinant protein lacking the transmembrane domain showed maximal activity at 28 degrees C, in the range 6.5-7.5 pH units and in the presence of Cu2+. In addition, it transferred GalNAc to a broad range of substrate peptides, derived from human mucins and O-glycosylated parasite proteins, including acceptors containing only serine or only threonine residues. Interestingly, the C-terminal region of Eg-ppGalNAc-T1 bears a highly unusual lectin domain, considerably longer than the one from other members of the family, and including only one of the three ricin B repeats generally present in ppGalNAc-Ts. Furthermore, a search for conserved domains within the protein C-terminus identified a fragment showing similarity to a recently defined domain, specialized in the binding of organic phosphates (CYTH). The role of the lectin domain in the determination of the substrate specificity of these enzymes suggests that Eg-ppGalNAc-T1 would be involved in the glycosylation of a special type of substrate. Analysis of the tissue distribution by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that this transferase is expressed in the hydatid cyst wall and the subtegumental region of larval worms. Therefore it could participate in the biosynthesis of O-glycosylated parasite proteins exposed at the interface between E. granulosus and its hosts.

Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores results in the activation of SMCE (store-mediated Ca2+ entry) in many cells. The mechanism of activation of SMCE is poorly understood. In human platelets, a secretion-like coupling model may be involved. This proposes that store depletion results in trafficking of portions of the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane, enabling coupling between proteins in the two membranes. In support of this, we have shown that, in human platelets, agonist-evoked Ca2+ store depletion results in de novo and reversible coupling of the Ins P3RII [type II inositol (1,4,5)trisphosphate receptor] with the putative Ca2+ entry channel hTRPC1 [human canonical transient receptor potential 1 (protein); Rosado, Brownlow and Sage (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 42157-42163]. A crucial test of the hypothesis that this coupling activates SMCE is that it should occur rapidly enough to account for agonist-evoked Ca2+ entry. In the present study, we have used quenched- and stopped-flow approaches to determine the latencies of thrombin-evoked coupling of Ins P3RII with hTRPC1 and of thrombin-evoked bivalent cation entry using Mn2+ quenching of fura 2 fluorescence. Thrombin-evoked Mn2+ entry was detected with a latency of 0.81+/-0.07 s (S.E.M., n =7) or 1.36+/-0.09 s (S.E.M., n =7) at a concentration of 1.0 or 0.1 unit/ml respectively. Coupling between Ins P3RII and hTRPC1, assessed at 100 ms intervals, was first detected with a latency of 0.9 or 1.4 s after stimulation with thrombin at a concentration of 1.0 or 0.1 unit/ml respectively. These results support the hypothesis that de novo coupling of Ins P3RII with hTRPC1 could activate SMCE in human platelets.

The TRPC1 (transient receptor potential canonical 1) protein, which is thought to encode a non-selective cation channel activated by store depletion and/or an intracellular messenger, is expressed in a number of non-excitable cells. However, the physiological functions of TRPC1 are not well understood. The aim of these studies was to investigate the function of TRPC1 in liver cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to ablate the TRPC1 protein. Treatment of H4-IIE liver cells with siRNA targeted against TRPC1 caused an approx. 50% decrease in expression of the human TRPC1 protein in cells transfected with cDNA encoding human TRPC1, and a 50% decrease in expression of the endogenous TRPC1 protein (assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence). The decrease in endogenous TRPC1 protein in cells transfected with TRPC1 siRNA was associated with a greater increase in cell volume (compared with the increase observed in control cells) immediately after cells were placed in a hypotonic medium, and an enhanced regulatory cell volume decrease after exposure to hypotonic medium. Treatment with siRNA targeted against TRPC1 also led to a 25% inhibition of thapsigargin-stimulated Ca(2+) inflow, a 40% inhibition of ATP and maitotoxin-stimulated Ca(2+) inflow, and a 50% inhibition of maitotoxin-stimulated Mn(2+) inflow. The idea that, in liver cells, TRPC1 encodes a non-selective cation channel involved directly or indirectly in the regulation of cell volume is consistent with the results obtained.

The roles of the filamentous actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the mechanism by which store-operated Ca(2+) channels (SOCs) and other plasma-membrane Ca(2+) channels are activated in rat hepatocytes in primary culture were investigated using cytochalasin D as a probe. Inhibition of thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) inflow by cytochalasin D depended on the concentration and time of treatment, with maximum inhibition observed with 0.1 microM cytochalasin D for 3 h. Cytochalasin D (0.1 microM for 3 h) did not inhibit the total amount of Ca(2+) released from the ER in response to thapsigargin but did alter the kinetics of Ca(2+) release. The effects of cytochalasin D (0.1 microM) on vasopressin-induced Ca(2+) inflow were similar to those on thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) inflow, except that cytochalasin D did inhibit vasopressin-induced release of Ca(2+) from the ER. Cytochalasin D (0.1 microM) inhibited vasopressin-induced Mn(2+) inflow (predominantly through intracellular messenger-activated non-selective cation channels), but the degree of inhibition was less than that of vasopressin-induced Ca(2+) inflow (predominantly through Ca(2+)-selective SOCs). Maitotoxin- and hypotonic shock-induced Ca(2+) inflow were enhanced rather than inhibited by 0.1 microM cytochalasin D. Treatment with 0.1 microM cytochalasin D substantially reduced the amount of F-actin at the cell cortex, whereas 5 microM cytochalasin D increased the total amount of F-actin and caused an irregular distribution of F-actin at the cell cortex. Cytochalasin D (0.1 microM) caused no significant change in the overall arrangement of the ER [monitored using 3',3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide [DiOC(6)(3)] in fixed cells] but disrupted the fine structure of the smooth ER and reduced the diffusion of DiOC(6)(3) in the ER in live hepatocytes after photobleaching. It is concluded that (i) the concentration of cytochalasin D is a critical factor in the use of this agent as a probe to disrupt the cortical F-actin cytoskeleton in rat hepatocytes, (ii) a reduction in the amount of cortical F-actin inhibits SOCs but not intracellular messenger-activated non-selective cation channels, and (iii) inhibition of the activation of SOCs and reduction in the amount of cortical F-actin is associated with disruption of the organization of the ER.

The prion protein (PrP) has been shown to bind copper. In the present study we have investigated whether prion disease in a mouse scrapie model resulted in modification of metal concentrations. We found changes in the levels of copper and manganese in the brains of scrapie-infected mice prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. Interestingly, we noted a major increase in blood manganese in the early stages of disease. Analysis of purified PrP from the brains of scrapie-infected mice also showed a reduction in copper binding to the protein and a proportional decrease in antioxidant activity between 30 and 60 days post-inoculation. We postulate that alterations in trace-element metabolism as a result of changes in metal binding to PrP are central to the pathological modifications in prion disease.

The structures, and mechanisms of activation, of plasma membrane intracellular-messenger-activated, non-selective cation channels in animal cells are not well understood. The PC12 adrenal chromaffin cell line is a well-characterized example of a nerve cell. In PC12 cells, 1-oleolyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG), a membrane-permeant analogue of diacylglycerol, initiated the inflow of Ca(2+), Mn(2+) and Sr(2+). Acetylcholine and thapsigargin initiated the inflow of Ca(2+) and Mn(2+), but not of Sr(2+). The activation of bivalent cation inflow by OAG: (i) was mimicked by another membrane-permeant diacylglycerol analogue, 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol, but not by the membrane-impermeant analogue 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycerol; (ii) was not blocked by staurosporin or chelerythrine, inhibitors of protein kinase C; (iii) was enhanced by RHC80267 and R50922, inhibitors of diacylglycerol lipase and diacylglycerol kinase respectively; and (iv) was inhibited by extracellular Ca(2+). When OAG was added after acetylcholine, the effect of OAG on Ca(2+) inflow was over-and-above that induced by acetylcholine. 2-Aminoethyl diphenylborate (2-APB) inhibited Ca(2+) inflow initiated by either acetylcholine or thapsigargin, but not that initiated by OAG. Flufenamic acid inhibited OAG-initiated, but not acetylcholine-initiated, Ca(2+) and Mn(2+) inflow. OAG-initiated Ca(2+) inflow was less sensitive to inhibition by SK&F96365 than acetylcholine-initiated Ca(2+) inflow. In polyadenylated RNA prepared from PC12 cells, mRNA encoding TRP (transient receptor potential) proteins 1-6 was detected by reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, and in lysates of PC12 cells the endogenous TRP-6 protein was detected by Western blot analysis. It is concluded that PC12 cells express a diacylglycerol-activated, non-selective cation channel. Expression of this channel function correlates with expression of the TRP-3 and TRP-6 proteins, which have been shown previously to be activated by diacylglycerol when expressed heterologously in animal cells [Hofmann, Obukhov, Schaefer, Harteneck, Gudermann, and Schultz (1999) Nature (London) 397, 259-263].

We showed recently that human O(6)-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT), an important target for improving cancer chemotherapy, is a phosphoprotein and that phosphorylation inhibits its activity [Srivenugopal, Mullapudi, Shou, Hazra and Ali-Osman (2000) Cancer Res. 60, 282-287]. In the present study we characterized the cellular kinases that phosphorylate AGT in the human medulloblastoma cell line HBT228. Crude cell extracts used Mg(2+) more efficiently than Mn(2+) for phosphorylating human recombinant AGT (rAGT) protein. Both [gamma-(32)P]ATP and [gamma-(32)P]GTP served as phosphate donors, with the former being twice as efficient. Specific components known to activate protein kinase A, protein kinase C and calmodulin-dependent kinases did not stimulate the phosphorylation of rAGT. Phosphoaminoacid analysis after reaction in vitro with ATP or GTP showed that AGT was modified at the same amino acids (serine, threonine and tyrosine) as in intact HBT228 cells. Although some of these properties pointed to casein kinase II as a candidate enzyme, known inhibitors and activators of casein kinase II did not affect rAGT phosphorylation. Fractionation of the cell extracts on poly(Glu/Tyr)-Sepharose resulted in the adsorption of an AGT kinase that modified the tyrosine residues and the exclusion of a fraction that phosphorylated AGT on serine and threonine residues. In-gel kinase assays after SDS/PAGE and non-denaturing PAGE revealed the presence of two AGT kinases of 75 and 130 kDa in HBT228 cells. The partly purified tyrosine kinase, identified as the 130 kDa enzyme by the same assays, was strongly inhibited by tyrphostin 25 but not by genestein. The tyrosine kinase used ATP or GTP to phosphorylate the AGT protein; this reaction inhibited the DNA repair activity of AGT. Evidence that the kinases might physically associate with AGT in cells was also provided. These results demonstrate that two novel cellular protein kinases, a tyrosine kinase and a serine/threonine kinase, both capable of using GTP as a donor, phosphorylate the AGT protein and affect its function. The new kinases might serve as potential targets for strengthening the biochemical modulation of AGT in human tumours.

Redox modulation participates in the regulation of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in several cell types. In thyroid cells, including FRTL-5 cells, changes in [Ca(2+)](i) regulate several important functions, including the production of H(2)O(2) (hydrogen peroxide). As H(2)O(2) is of crucial importance for the production of thyroid hormones, we investigated the effects of H(2)O(2) on [Ca(2+)](i) in thyroid FRTL-5 cells. H(2)O(2) itself did not modulate basal [Ca(2+)](i). However, H(2)O(2) attenuated store-operated calcium entry evoked by thapsigargin, both in a sodium-containing buffer and in a sodium-free buffer. The effect of H(2)O(2) was abrogated by the reducing agent beta-mercaptoethanol. H(2)O(2) also attenuated the thapsigargin-evoked entry of barium and manganese. The effect of H(2)O(2) was, at least in part, mediated by activation of protein kinase C (PKC), as H(2)O(2) enhanced the binding of [(3)H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. H(2)O(2) also stimulated the translocation of the isoenzyme PKCepsilon from the cytosolic fraction to the particulate fraction. Furthermore, H(2)O(2) did not attenuate store-operated calcium entry in cells treated with staurosporine or calphostin C, or in cells with down-regulated PKC. H(2)O(2) depolarized the membrane potential in bisoxonol-loaded cells and when patch-clamp in the whole-cell mode was used. The depolarization was attenuated in cells with down-regulated PKC. This depolarization, at least in part, explained the H(2)O(2)-evoked inhibition of calcium entry. In addition, H(2)O(2) enhanced the extrusion of calcium from cells stimulated with thapsigargin and this effect was abolished in cells with down-regulated PKC and after treatment of the cells with the reducing agent beta-mercaptoethanol. In conclusion H(2)O(2) attenuates an increase in [Ca(2+)](i). As H(2)O(2) is produced in thyroid cells in a calcium-dependent manner, our results suggest that H(2)O(2) may participate in the regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) in these cells via a negative-feedback mechanism involving activation of PKC.

Transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) are known as candidate molecular correlates of receptor-activated or store-operated calcium entry. While functional roles for most TRPCs have been suggested, the physiological relevance of TRPC2 remains obscure. Whereas human and bovine TRPC2 are candidate pseudogenes, full-length rodent TRPC2 transcripts have been reported. There is, however, considerable controversy concerning mRNA splicing, tissue distribution and the function of these proteins. We report the molecular cloning of two novel murine TRPC2 splice variants, mTRPC2alpha and mTRPC2beta. mTRPC2alpha RNA is expressed at low levels in many tissues and cell systems, while mTRPC2beta is exclusively and abundantly expressed in the vomeronasal organ (VNO). When expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells, mTRPC2 did not enhance receptor- or store-activated calcium entry. In order to investigate the basis of such a functional defect, mTRPC2-green fluorescent protein fusion proteins were examined by confocal microscopy. Fusion proteins were retained in endomembranes when expressed in HEK-293 or other cells of epithelial or neuronal origin. Co-expression of TRPC2 with other TRPCs did not restore plasma-membrane trafficking. We conclude that TRPC2 may form functional channels in the cellular context of the VNO, but is unlikely to have a physiological function in other tissues.

The effects of cADP-ribose (cADPR), a metabolite of beta-NAD(+), on the elevation of cytoplasmic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and Ca(2+) influx through voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels (VACCs) were studied in NG108-15 neuroblastomaxglioma hybrid cells. NG108-15 cells were pre-loaded with fura-2 and whole-cell patch-clamped. Application of cADPR through patch pipettes did not by itself trigger any [Ca(2+)](i) rise at the resting membrane potential. A rise in [Ca(2+)](i) was evoked upon sustained membrane depolarization, and was significantly larger in cADPR-infused cells than in non-infused cells. This potentiation in the [Ca(2+)](i) elevation was reproduced by infusion of beta-NAD(+), and was blocked by 8-bromo-cADPR and antagonized by external application of ryanodine or by pretreatment of cells with FK506. Nicotinamide inhibited beta-NAD(+)-induced, but not cADPR-elicited, potentiation. [Ca(2+)](i) increases or Ca(2+) influx, measured by Mn(2+) quenching, elicited by the same protocol of depolarization was blocked completely by nifedipine but not by omega-conotoxin. Ca(2+) influx in cADPR- or beta-NAD(+)-infused cells was steeper and greater than that in control cells, and was inhibited partly by ryanodine. In contrast, ryanodine accelerated Ca(2+) influx in non-infused cells. These results show that cADPR amplifies both depolarization-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase and Ca(2+) influx through L-type VACCs. These results suggest that cADPR functions on ryanodine receptors as a direct agonist and also interacts with L-type VACCs as an indirect agonist, i.e. via a retrograde signal.

To study the effects of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and Mg2+ on the activity of the non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) from Zea mays leaves, steady-state measurements have been carried out with the free forms of PEP (fPEP) and Mg2+ (fMg2+), both in a near-physiological concentration range. At pH 7.3, in the absence of activators, the initial velocity data obtained with both forms of the enzyme are consistent with the exclusive binding of MgPEP to the active site and of fPEP to an activating allosteric site. At pH 8.3, and in the presence of saturating concentrations of glucose 6-phosphate (Glc6P) or Gly, the free species also combined with the active site in the free enzyme, but with dissociation constants at least 35-fold that estimated for MgPEP. The latter dissociation constant was lowered to the same extent by saturating Glc6P and Gly, to approx. one-tenth and one-sixteenth in the non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated enzymes respectively. When Glc6P is present, fPEP binds to the active site in the free enzyme better than fMg2+, whereas the metal ion binds better in the presence of Gly. Saturation of the enzyme with Glc6P abolished the activation by fPEP, consistent with a common binding site, whereas saturation with Gly increased the affinity of the allosteric site for fPEP. Under all the conditions tested, our results suggest that fPEP is not able to combine with the allosteric site in the free enzyme, i.e. it cannot combine until after MgPEP, fPEP or fMg2+ are bound at the active site. The physiological role of Mg2+ in the regulation of the enzyme is only that of a substrate, mainly as part of the MgPEP complex. The kinetic properties of maize leaf PEPC reported here are consistent with the enzyme being well below saturation under the physiological concentrations of fMg2+ and PEP, particularly during the dark period; it is therefore suggested that the basal PEPC activity in vivo is very low, but highly responsive to even small changes in the intracellular concentration of its substrate and effectors.

The molecular mechanisms that regulate integrin-ligand binding are unknown; however, bivalent cations are essential for integrin activity. According to recent models of integrin tertiary structure, sites involved in ligand recognition are located on the upper face of the seven-bladed beta-propeller formed by the N-terminal repeats of the alpha subunit and on the von Willebrand factor A-domain-like region of the beta subunit. The epitopes of function-altering monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) cluster in these regions of the alpha and beta subunits; hence these mAbs can be used as probes to detect changes in the exposure or shape of the ligand-binding sites. Bivalent cations were found to alter the apparent affinity of binding of the inhibitory anti-alpha5 mAbs JBS5 and 16, the inhibitory anti-beta1 mAb 13, and the stimulatory anti-beta1 mAb 12G10 to alpha5 beta1. Analysis of the binding of these mAbs to alpha5beta1 over a range of Mn2+, Mg2+ or Ca2+ concentrations demonstrated that there was a concordance between the ability of cations to elicit conformational changes and the ligand-binding potential of alpha5 beta1. Competitive ELISA experiments provided evidence that the domains of the alpha5 and beta1 subunits recognized by mAbs JBS5/16 and 13/12G10 are spatially close, and that the distance between these two domains is increased when alpha5 beta1 is occupied by bivalent cations. Taken together, our findings suggest that bivalent cations induce a conformational relaxation in the integrin that results in exposure of ligand-binding sites, and that these sites lie near an interface between the alpha subunit beta-propeller and the beta subunit putative A-domain.

The iron-containing superoxide dismutase from Propionibacterium shermanii shows, in contrast with other iron superoxide dismutases, only a minor inhibition by azide or fluoride (10-100 mM) of up to 23% at pH 7.8. The activity of the protein with Mn bound to the active site was not diminished under the same conditions. The binding constant between azide and the Fe3+ ion was determined as approx. 2 mM and for fluoride approx. 2.3 mM; they are so far comparable to those known for other iron superoxide dismutases. This seems to be a discrepancy because all other iron superoxide dismutases so far known are described as being inhibited by 50-70% by 10 mM azide. However, towards lower pH there was a drastically increased inhibition by both anions. At pH 6.8 about 80% inhibition was exhibited by azide or fluoride at a concentration of 10 mM or higher. In contrast, on increasing the pH, azide or fluoride still bound to the Fe3+ at the active site but their inhibition capacity decreased. This observation implies that both anions bind to the metal at a position that is empty at low pH, whereas at higher pH water or a negatively charged hydroxyl anion is bound. It is likely that the superoxide anion binds to the same position and has to replace the sixth ligand, leading to a diminished catalytic activity of the superoxide dismutase owing to steric and/or electrostatic inhibition of the ligand.

An enzyme activity splitting FAD to AMP and riboflavin 4',5'-cyclic phosphate (4',5'-cFMN), with a Km of 6-8 microM, was partially purified from the cytosolic fraction of rat liver homogenates. 4', 5'-cFMN was characterized by enzyme, HPLC, UV-visible and NMR spectroscopic analyses. The data suggest that a novel enzyme, tentatively named FAD-AMP lyase (cyclizing) or FMN cyclase, is involved. Also, 4',5'-cFMN was hydrolysed to 5'-FMN by a rat liver cyclic phosphodiesterase. The results indicate a novel enzymic pathway for flavins in mammals, and support the biological relevance of 4',5'-cFMN, perhaps as a flavocoenzyme or a regulatory signal.

Inhibitors of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism have been proposed to interfere with Ca2+ influx mediated by store-operated channels (SOC), secondary to their effects on ATP production. We assessed SOC activity by 45Ca2+ influx and fluorimetric measurements of free Ca2+ or Mn2+ quench in thapsigargin-treated Chinese hamster ovary cells and Jurkat T-cells, and additionally by electrophysiological measurements of the Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ current (Icrac) in Jurkat T-cells. Various mitochondrial antagonists were confirmed to inhibit SOC. However, the following evidence supported the proposal that oligomycin, in particular, exerts an inhibitory effect on SOC in addition to its known actions on mitochondria and Na+-pump activity: (i) the concentrations of oligomycin required to inhibit SOC-mediated Ca2+ influx or Icrac (half-inhibitory concentration approximately 2 microM) were nearly 50-fold higher than the concentrations that blocked mitochondrial ATP production; (ii) the rank order of potency of oligomycins A, B and C for decreasing SOC-mediated Ca2+ influx or Icrac differed from that known for inhibition of mitochondrial function; (iii) oligomycin blocked Icrac under voltage clamp and with intracellular Na+ and K+ concentrations fixed by dialysis from the patch pipette, arguing that the effect was not secondary to membrane polarization or pump activity; and (iv) fixing the cytosolic ATP concentration by dialysis from the patch pipette attenuated rotenone- but not oligomycin-mediated inhibition of Icrac. Oligomycin also blocked volume-activated Cl- currents, a profile common to some other known blockers of SOC that are not known mitochondrial inhibitors. These findings raise the possibility that oligomycin interacts directly with SOC, and thus may extend the known pharmacological profile for this type of Ca2+-influx pathway.

The present study investigated the effects of extracellular ATP on the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) and testosterone production in isolated adult rat Leydig cells. This nucleotide caused an increase in [Ca2+]i, with a maximal effect at a concentration of 100 microM ATP, comprising a rapid initial spike followed by a long-lasting plateau. The first rapid spike was dependent on the release of Ca2+ from internal stores, since it also occurred in Ca(2+)-free medium and was abolished after depletion of internal stores with thapsigargin. The second, long-lasting, phase was dependent on the influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular medium. After 3 h of incubation, extracellular ATP stimulated testosterone secretion in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximal effect at 100 microM. Activation of steroidogenesis by ATP was fully dependent on the presence of Ca2+ in the external medium. Among different nucleotides, only ATP, adenosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate, UTP, benzoylbenzoic-ATP and 2-methylthio-ATP were effective in inducing both the rise in [Ca2+]i and testosterone secretion. These effects were blocked by preincubation of Leydig cells with oxidized ATP, an inhibitor of the P2Z-purinergic receptor subtype. These results show that rat Leydig cells possess P2-purinergic receptors whose activation triggers an increase in [Ca2+]i due to the release of Ca2+ from internal stores and Ca2+ influx from the external medium. The stimulatory effect of extracellular ATP on testosterone secretion seems to be coupled to the influx of Ca2+ from the external medium.

Depending upon the cofactors Mg2+ or Mn2+, ATP stimulates or inhibits the signal transduction activities of the natriuretic factor receptor guanylate cyclases, ANF-RGC and CNP-RGC: there is stimulation in the presence of Mg2+ and inhibition in the presence of Mn2+. A defined core ATP-regulated modulatory (ARM) sequence motif within the intracellular 'kinase-like' domain of the cyclases is critical for stimulation, but the mechanism of the inhibitory transduction process is not known. In addition, ATP inhibits the basal cyclase activity of a rod outer segment membrane guanylate cyclase (ROS-GC). The mechanism of this inhibitory transduction process is also not known. These issues have been addressed in the present investigation through a program of deletion mutagenesis/expression studies of the cyclases. The study shows that the ATP-mediated inhibitory transduction processes of the natriuretic factor receptor cyclases and of ROS-GC are identical. The ATP-regulated inhibitory domain of all these cyclases resides within the C-terminal segment of the cyclase. This domain is in a different location from the one representing the ATP-stimulatory ARM. The identification of the inhibitory domain in the C-terminal segment of the cyclase indicates that this segment is composed of two separate domains: one representing a catalytic cyclase domain and the other an ATP-regulated inhibitory (ARMi) domain. These findings establish a novel ATP-mediated inhibitory transduction mechanism of the membrane guanylate cyclases which is distinct from that of its counterpart, the stimulatory ATP-mediated hormonal signal transduction mechanism. Thus, they define a new paradigm of guanylate cyclase-linked signal transduction pathways.

The effects of expression of the Drosophila melanogaster Trpl protein, which is thought to encode a putative Ca2+ channel [Phillips, Bull and Kelly (1992) Neuron 8, 631-642], on divalent cation inflow in Xenopus laevis oocytes were investigated. The addition of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]0) to oocytes injected with trpl cRNA and to mock-injected controls, both loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fluo-3, induced a rapid initial and a slower sustained rate of increase in fluorescence, which were designated the initial and sustained rates of Ca2+ inflow respectively. Compared with mock-injected oocytes, trpl-cRNA-injected oocytes exhibited a higher resting cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and higher initial and sustained rates of Ca2+ inflow in the basal (no agonist) states. The basal rate of Ca2+ inflow in trpl-cRNA-injected oocytes increased with (1) an increase in the time elapsed between injection of trpl cRNA and the measurement of Ca2+ inflow, (2) an increase in the amount of trpl cRNA injected and (3) an increase in [Ca2+]0. Gd3+ inhibited the trpl cRNA-induced basal rate of Ca2+ inflow, with a concentration of approx. 5 microM Gd3+ giving half-maximal inhibition. Expression of trpl cRNA also caused an increase in the basal rate of Mn2+ inflow. The increases in resting [Ca2+]1 and in the basal rate of Ca2+ inflow induced by expression of trpl cRNA were inhibited by the calmodulin inhibitors W13, calmodazolium and peptide (281-309) of (Ca2+ and calmodulin)-dependent protein kinase II. A low concentration of exogenous calmodulin (introduced by microinjection) activated, and a higher concentration inhibited, the trpl cRNA-induced increase in basal rate of Ca2+ inflow. The action of the high concentration of exogenous calmodulin was reversed by W13 and calmodazolium. When rates of Ca2+ inflow in trpl-cRNA-injected oocytes were compared with those in mock-injected oocytes, the guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate-stimulated rate was greater, the onset of thapsigargin-stimulated initial rate somewhat delayed and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-stimulated initial rate markedly inhibited. It is concluded that (1) the divalent cation channel activity of the Drosophila Trpl protein can be detected in Xenopus oocytes: (2) in the environment of the Xenopus oocyte the Trpl channel admits some Mn2+ as well as Ca2+, is activated by cytoplasmic free Ca2+ (through endogenous calmodulin) and by a trimeric GTP-binding regulatory protein, but does not appear to be activated by depletion of Ca2+ in the endoplasmic reticulum; and (3) expression of the Trpl protein inhibits the process by which the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores activates endogenous store-activated Ca2+ channels.

Differentiation of BC3H1 cells leads to expression of a variety of proteins characteristic of smooth muscle and to changes in the behaviour of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Treatment of both differentiated and undifferentiated cells with thapsigargin (2 microM) emptied their intracellular Ca2+ stores, and in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ caused an increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] that rapidly reversed after its removal. The amplitudes of these capacitative Ca2+ entry signals were 101 +/- 8 nM (n = 42) in differentiated cells and 188 +/- 16 nM (n = 35) in undifferentiated cells. Mn2+ entry in thapsigargin-treated cells, measured by recording the quenching of cytosolic fura 2 fluorescence, was 374 +/- 26% (n = 34) and 154 +/- 7% (n = 41) of control rates in differentiated and undifferentiated cells, respectively. Empty stores caused Ba2+ entry to increase to 282 +/- 20% (n = 8) of its basal rate in differentiated cells and to 187 +/- 20% (n = 8) in undifferentiated cells. Rates of Ca2+ extrusion, measured after rapid removal of extracellular Ca2+ from cells in which capacitative Ca2+ entry had been activated, were similar in differentiated (t1/2 = 23 +/- 2 s, n = 7) and undifferentiated (23 +/- 1 s, n = 6) cells. The different relationships between capacitative Ca2+ and Mn2+ signals are not, therefore, a consequence of more active Ca2+ extrusion mechanisms in differentiated cells, nor are they a consequence of different fura 2 loadings in the two cell types. We conclude that during differentiation of BC3Hl cells, the cation selectivity of the capacitative pathway changes, becoming relatively more permeable to Mn2+ and Ba2+. The change may result either from expression of a different capacitative pathway or from modification of the permeation properties of a single pathway.

The calcium release-activated channel (CRAC) opened in Jurkat cells activated either with CD3 monoclonal antibody or the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2(+)-ATPase blocker, thapsigargin, is blocked by La3+ with an IC50 of 20 nM. Similarly, the entry of Mn2+, used as a surrogate for Ca2+, is also blocked by submicromolar La3+ concentrations. La3+ seems to play its role simply by plugging the CRAC because this ion does not penetrate the cells, as demonstrated by chelation experiments with EGTA. Blocking the Ca2+ influx in activated Jurkat cells results in a lack of expression of CD25, a chain of the interleukin-2 receptor and of CD69, a marker of T-cell activation. By contrast, the very early steps of the T-cell signalling pathway such as the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and the subsequent inhibition of phosphatidylserine synthesis are not affected by La3+.

Kinetic studies were performed on the superoxide dismutases isolated from the anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium shermanii as active enzymes with either iron or manganese, which were naturally incorporated into the same molecule depending on the metal supply. Both the Fe- and Mn- forms showed decreasing activity with increasing pH. This suggests the protonation of some groups near the metal, possibly a metal-bound water molecule. Thus the kinetic behaviour of this superoxide dismutase is much more dependent on the protein structure than on the metal incorporated into the active site. The secondary structures of both forms were not influenced by variations in pH, whereas the EPR spectra of the Fe-superoxide dismutase changed as a function of pH. The EPR spectra apparently consist of two overlapping species. Steady-state experiments proved that all iron-containing species show catalytic activity, but the species predominating in the alkaline pH range displays a lower reaction rate. The Michaelis constant and maximal turnover number for the Fe-superoxide dismutase were determined polarographically as Km = 0.54 mmol/l and Vmax. = 2000 mol.s-1 at pH 9.5. These data indicate that, in anaerobic bacteria under physiological conditions, the superoxide dismutase is not saturable with O2-. and the catalytic activity is similar to that of metal-specific Fe- or Mn-superoxide dismutases from aerobic organisms.

The effect of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) binding and the activity of IP3-gated Ca2+ channels was examined in permeabilized hepatocytes. The permeability properties of the channel were measured by using Mn2+ quenching of compartmentalized fura-2 at 37 degrees C and at 4 degrees C for comparison with IP3-binding measurements. GSSG (2 mM) increased the IP3-sensitivity of Mn2+ quenching, consistent with previous studies based on Ca(2+)-release measurements [Renard, Seitz and Thomas (1992) Biochem. J. 284, 507-512]. Measurements of [3H]IP3 binding were made at 4 degrees C after preincubation of permeabilized hepatocytes at 37 degrees C in the absence or presence of GSSG. Under these conditions GSSG stimulated IP3 binding by increasing the number of binding sites without changing the Kd. This effect was observed in the absence or presence of Ca2+, but was abolished when the preincubation with GSSG was carried out at 4 degrees C. Thimerosal also stimulated [3H]IP3 binding, but this effect was mediated both by an increase in the maximum number of binding sites and by a decrease in the Kd. The effects of thimerosal and GSSG were not additive. Further analysis of the effect of GSSG revealed that preincubation of permeabilized hepatocytes at 37 degrees C results in a progressive loss of [3H]IP3-binding sites that can be prevented and reversed by inclusion of GSSG. A parallel loss of IP3-sensitive Mn(2+)-quenchable stores was observed after incubation at 37 degrees C, and this could also be reversed by adding back GSSG. The loss of IP3 binding was not the result of IP3-receptor proteolysis, as judged by Western blotting of immunoreactive protein. The sensitivity of [3H]IP3 binding in permeabilized hepatocytes to varied ratios of GSSG and GSH suggests that the IP3 receptor responds to an oxidized redox environment such as that found in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. GSSG had no direct effect on the ligand-binding activity of detergent-solubilized and partially purified IP3 receptors. We conclude that GSSG exerts an indirect effect on the IP3 receptors in permeabilized hepatocytes by preventing a temperature-dependent loss of IP3-binding sites. We suggest that the hepatic IP3 receptors may interact with a thiol-disulphide oxidoreductase that utilizes GSSG as a substrate and prevents inappropriate unfolding of the ligand-binding domain occurring after incubation of the receptor at 37 degrees C in vitro.

The HIS3+ gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase (IGPD) purified to homogeneity. Laser-desorption and electrospray m.s. indicated a molecular ion within 2 units of that expected (23833.3) on the basis of the protein sequence, with about half of the polypeptide lacking the N-terminal formylmethionine residue. IGPD initially purified as an apoprotein was catalytically inactive and mainly a trimer of M(r) 70,000. Addition of Mn2+ (but not Mg2+) caused this to assemble to an active (40 units/mg) enzyme (Mn-IGPD) comprising of 24 subunits (M(r) 573,000) and containing 1.35 +/- 0.1 Mn atoms/polypeptide subunit. An enzyme with an identical activity and metal content was also obtained when the fermenter growth medium of recombinant Escherichia coli was supplemented with MnCl2, and IGPD was purified through as Mn-IGPD rather than as the apoenzyme and assembled in vitro. Inhibition by EDTA indicated that the intrinsic Mn2+ was essential for activity. The retention of activity over time after dilution to very low concentrations of enzyme (< 20 nM) indicated that the metal remained in tight association with the protein. A novel continuous assay method was developed to facilitate the kinetic characterization of Mn-IGPD. At pH 7.0, the Km for IGP was 0.10 +/- 0.02 mM and the Ki value for inhibition by 1,2,4-triazole, 0.12 +/- 0.02 mM. In contrast with other reports, thiols had no influence on catalytic activity. The activity of Mn-IGPD varied with enzyme concentration in such a way as to suggest that it dissociates to a less active form at very low concentrations. Significant inhibition by the product, imidazole acetol phosphate, was inferred from the shape of the progress curve. Titration with, the potent competitive inhibitor, 2-hydroxy-3-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propyl phosphonate indicated that Mn-IGPD contained 0.9 +/- 0.1 catalytic sites/protomer. The activity nearly doubled in the presence of high concentrations of Mn2+; the apparent Ks for stimulation was 20 microM. The basis of this effect was obscure, since there was no corresponding increase in the titre of active sites. Neither was there a discernable shift in the values of Km or Ki (above), although exogenous Mn2+ did reduce the optimum pH for kcat, from 7.2 to 6.8. On the basis of a single site/subunit, the maximum rate of catalytic turnover at 30 degrees C was 32 s-1.

We studied thapsigargin-induced bivalent-cation entry into antigen-specific B cells (TP67.21) with a confocal fluorescence microscope. Confocal fluorescence images of fluo-3-loaded B cells showed that thapsigargin-stimulated Ca2+ signals were transferred not only to the cytoplasm but also to the nucleus. In the absence of external Ca2+ ions, the free Ca2+ concentrations both in the cytosol and in the nucleus declined to basal levels by 5 min after addition of thapsigargin. However, subsequent addition of Ca2+ in the external medium made the fluo-3 (fura-2) fluorescence intensity rise, reflecting the fact that Ca2+ accumulated again in the nucleus as well as in the cytoplasm. Then, we added Ba2+ and Mn2+ instead of Ca2+, because Ba2+ and Mn2+ are known to enter via Ca2+ channels. The addition of Ba2+ and Mn2+ in the external medium quenched the fluo-3 fluorescence both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of B cells. This suggested the possibility that the increase in intranuclear Ca2+ after thapsigargin stimulation may come from the cytoplasm, not from the nuclear stores.

ATP and UTP cause mobilization of Ca2+ from the intracellular stores with similar potency in several cell types including both undifferentiated and differentiated HL60 cells. We show here that, in HL60 cells with Ca2+ stores that had been fully and irreversibly emptied using the endomembrane Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, both nucleotides produced a biphasic effect on Ca2+ entry, first rapid inhibition and then delayed (about 15 s) activation. ATP was more effective at producing the initial inhibition of Ca2+ entry, whereas UTP was more effective at activating the delayed Ca2+ entry. Previous incubation with UTP desensitized the Ca2+ mobilization and the delayed activation of Ca2+ entry induced by ATP but not the inhibition of Ca2+ entry. The ATP analogue 2-methylthioATP (2-MeSATP) barely mobilized stored Ca2+ but inhibited Ca2+ entry. These results could be explained by the presence of two receptors: (i) a P2u receptor sensitive to ATP and UTP, responsible for activation of phospholipase C and Ca2+ mobilization, early inhibition of Ca2+ entry and delayed activation of Ca2+ entry and (ii) a P2y-like receptor sensitive to ATP and 2-MeSATP which produces only inhibition of Ca2+ entry. The inhibition of Ca2+ entry by nucleotides increased greatly during differentiation. Given that Ca2+ mobilization by nucleotides is not modified by differentiation, this suggests that a component of the mechanism of inhibition of Ca2+ entry is gradually expressed during differentiation of HL60 cells.

The anaerobic, but aerotolerant Propionibacterium freudenreichii sp. shermanii contains a single superoxide dismutase [EC 1.15.1.1.] exhibiting comparable activity with iron or manganese as metal cofactor. The formation of superoxide dismutase is not depending on the supplementation of iron or manganese to the culture medium. Even in the absence of these metals the protein is built in comparable amounts. Bacteria grown in the absence of iron and manganese synthesize a superoxide dismutase with very low activity which had incorporated copper. If the medium was also depleted of copper, cobalt was incorporated, leading to an enzymically inactive form. In the absence of cobalt an enzymically inactive superoxide dismutase was built with unknown metal contents. Upon aeration the amount of superoxide dismutase activity increased continuously up to 9 h, due to a de novo synthesis of the protein. This superoxide dismutase had incorporated iron into the active centre. The superoxide dismutase of Propionibacterium shermanii is able to form a much wider variety of complexes with trace metal ions in vivo than previously recognized, leading to the hypothesis that the original function of these proteins was the binding of cytoplasmic trace metals present in excess.