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The 20S proteasome (20S) is an intracellular threonine proteinase (Mr 750,000) that plays important roles in many cellular regulations. Several synthetic peptide inhibitors and bacteria-derived inhibitors such as lactacystin and epoxomicin have been identified as potent proteasome inhibitors. However, essentially no protein proteinase inhibitor has been characterized. By examining several small size protein proteinase inhibitors, we found that a well-known serine proteinase inhibitor from bovine pancreas, basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI), inhibits the 20S in vitro and ex vivo. Inhibition of the 20S by BPTI was time- and concentration-dependent, and stoichiometric. To inhibit the 20S activity, BPTI needs to enter into the interior of the 20S molecule. The molar ratio of BPTI to the 20S in the complex was estimated as approximately six BPTI to one 20S, thereby two sets of three peptidase activities (trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like and caspase-like) of the 20S were all inhibited. These results indicate that an entrance hole to the 20S formed by seven α-subunits is sufficiently large for BPTI to enter. This report is essentially the initial description of the inhibition of a threonine proteinase by a protein serine proteinase inhibitor, suggesting a common mechanism of inhibition between serine and threonine proteinases by a natural protein proteinase inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 9000-Mr protein isolated from a 60% ethanolic extract of soybean (Glycine max) seeds has been characterized and fully sequenced. The protein consists of 80 amino acid residues with four disulfide bonds. It contains a large number of hydrophobic residues and lacks methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, lysine and histidine residues. The protein readily crystallizes from water but is quite soluble in aqueous organic solvents like 95% 1-propanol. It aggregates to form large molecules (above 80 kDa) under ordinary denaturing conditions, such as 6 M guanidine· HCl and 8 M urea. Sequence analysis showed that the amino-terminal four-fifths is extremely hydrophobic and most of the acidic residues exist as their amide forms, and only the carboxyl-terminal short segment is rather hydrophilic. A computer search for homology detected an unexpected similarity of this protein to rat prolactin; however, its significance could not be assessed and this protein appears to represent a hitherto unknown protein family. Although no biochemical activity could be detected, the existence in relatively high abundance (approx. 200 mg from 1 kg seeds) of this novel protein may suggest its physiological significance in the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz) was divided into four peptide fragments by the combination of limited hydrolysis with trypsin at acidic pH, chemical cleavage of methionyl bonds with cyanogen bromide, and reduction and carboxymethylation of disulfides in protein or peptide. Each fragment was separated and purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50, G-75 or G-100, and referred to as fragments A, B, C, and D from the amino- to the carboxyl-terminal region of the inhibitor. Soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz) consisted of 181 ammo acid residues and its molecular weight was proved to be 20 100. Fragments A, B, C, and D consisted of 63,21, 30, and 67 amino acid residues, respectively. One of the two disulfide bridges in the inhibitor was involved in fragment D, and the other linked fragment A with fragment C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the elucidation of amino acid sequence around the reactive site of soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz), fragments A and B were digested with trypsin, and the resulting peptides were separated by ion-exchange chromatography on Dowex 50X2 or by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-4. Further purification of the peptides was carried out by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 or by high-voltage paper electrophoresis at pH 3.6 and 6.5. Nine peptides were obtained in pure form from fragment A and three peptides from fragment B, and their amino acid sequences were determined by the direct Edman method and by carboxy-peptidase digestion technique. Overlapping peptides necessary for the alignment of the tryptie peptides from fragments A and B were obtained from a chymotryptic hydrolysate of fragment AB by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-4, and their ammo acid compositions and sequence analyses of some peptides made it possible to establish the amino acid sequence of an amino-terminal region of the inhibitor consisting of AB amino acid residues. The reactive site (Arg63-Ile64) of the inhibitor to trypsin was involved in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the elucidation of the amino-acid sequence of the carboxyl-terminal region of soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz), fragments C and D were digested with trypsin, and the resulting peptides were separated by ion-exchange chromatography on Dowex 50X2 or by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-4. Further fractionation and purification of the peptides were performed by ion-exchange chromatography on Dowex 1X2, by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-2 or by high-voltage paper electrophoresis at pH 1.9 and 3.6. Three peptides were obtained in pure form from fragment C and ten peptides from fragment D, and their amino-acid sequences were determined by the direct Edman method and by carboxy- peptidase digestion technique. Overlapping peptides necessary for the alignment of the tryptic peptides from fragment D were obtained from a chymotryptic hydrolysate of fragment D. Nine main peptides and rune minor peptides were obtained. The amino acid composition and the partial amino-acid sequence of the 18 chymotryptic peptides of fragment D made it possible to establish the amino-acid sequence of the carboxyl-terminal region of the inhibitor. The complete amino-acid sequence of soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz) deduced here was compared with that of Bowman-Birk inhibitor, another well-known soybean proteinase inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously we showed that two antithrombin mutants were degraded through an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway [F. Tokunaga et al., FEBS Lett. 412 (1997) 65]. Here, we examined the combined effects of inhibitors of glycosidases, protein synthesis, proteasome, and tyrosine phosphatase on ERAD of a Glu313-deleted (ΔGlu) mutant of antithrombin. We found that kifunensine, an ER mannosidase I inhibitor, suppressed ERAD, indicating that specific mannose trimming plays a critical role. Cycloheximide and puromycin, inhibitors of protein synthesis, also suppressed ERAD, the effects being cancelled by pretreatment with castanospermine. In contrast, kifunensine suppressed ERAD even in castanospermine-treated cells, suggesting that suppression of ERAD does not always require the binding of lectin-like ER chaperones-like calnexin and/or calreticulin. These results indicate that, besides proteasome inhibitors, inhibitors of ER mannosidase I and protein synthesis suppress ERAD of the antithrombin ΔGlu mutant at different stages, and processing of N-linked oligosaccharides highly correlated with the efficiency of ERAD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction Despite the proven benefits of thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) for peripheral thromboembolism, perfusion failure frequently occurs, particularly in arterial circulation. We evaluated how the modification of fibrinolytic activity affects thrombus formation under flow and static conditions. Materials and methods t-PA-treated human whole-blood samples (n = 6) were perfused over a microchip coated with collagen and tissue thromboplastin at different shear rates, and thrombus formation was quantified by measuring flow pressure changes. For comparison, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) was used to evaluate fibrinolytic activity under static conditions. Results At a shear rate of 240 s − 1 , t-PA (200–800 IU/ml) concentration-dependently delayed capillary occlusion, whereas at 600 s − 1 , capillary occlusion was significantly faster and t-PA had limited effects, even at a supra-pharmacological concentration (800 IU/ml). In contrast, 200 IU/ml t-PA efficiently prevented clot formation in the ROTEM assay. The combined treatment of blood with a specific PAI-1 inhibitor (PAI-039) moderately enhanced the efficacy of t-PA, but only under flow conditions. In addition, 1:1-diluted blood samples of PAI-1-deficient (−/−) mice showed a significant delay of capillary occlusion at 240 s − 1 , compared with those from wild-type mice (1.55 fold; P < 0.001). This delayed occlusion was reproduced in samples containing platelets from PAI-1 −/− and plasma from wild type, but was not observed by the opposite combination of blood components. Conclusions The present results suggest that the anti-thrombotic efficacy of t-PA is sensitive to arterial shear flow, and that PAI-1 secreted from activated platelets plays an essential role in thrombolytic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Thrombin-mediated activation of human platelets involves the G-protein-coupled protease-activated receptors PAR1 and PAR4. Inhibition of PAR1 and/or PAR4 is thought to modulate platelet activation and subsequent procoagulant reactions. However, the antithrombotic effects of PAR1 and PAR4 antagonism have not been fully elucidated, particularly under flow conditions. Materials and Methods: A microchip-based flow chamber system was used to evaluate the influence of SCH79797 (PAR1 antagonist) and YD-3 (PAR4 antagonist) on thrombus formation mediated by collagen and tissue thromboplastin at shear rates simulating those experienced in small- to medium-sized arteries (600s-1) and large arteries and small veins (240s-1). Results: At a shear rate of 600s-1, SCH79797 (10μM) efficiently reduced fibrin-rich platelet thrombi and significantly delayed occlusion of the flow chamber capillary (1.44 fold of control; P <0.001). The inhibitory activity of SCH79797 was diminished at 240s-1. YD-3 (20μM) had no significant effect at either shear rate. The antithrombotic effects of SCH79797 were significantly augmented when combined with aspirin and AR-C66096 (P2Y12 antagonist), but not with YD-3. In contrast, no significant inhibition of tissue factor-induced clot formation under static conditions was observed in blood treated with SCH79797 and YD-3, although thrombin generation in platelet-rich plasma was weakly delayed by these antagonists. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the antithrombotic activities of PAR1 and/or PAR4 antagonism is influenced by shear conditions as well as by combined platelet inhibition with aspirin and a P2Y12-antagonist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dabigatran and rivaroxaban are novel oral anticoagulants that specifically inhibit thrombin and factor Xa, respectively. The aim of this study is to elucidate antithrombotic properties of these anticoagulant agents under arterial and venous shear conditions. Whole blood samples treated with dabigatran or rivaroxaban at 250, 500, and 1000 nM, with/without aspirin and AR-C66096, a P2Y12 antagonist, were perfused over a microchip coated with collagen and tissue thromboplastin at shear rates of 240 and 600 s−1. Fibrin-rich platelet thrombus formation was quantified by monitoring flow pressure changes. Dabigatran at higher concentrations (500 and 1000 nM) potently inhibited thrombus formation at both shear rates, whereas 1000 nM of rivaroxaban delayed, but did not completely inhibit, thrombus formation. Dual antiplatelet agents weakly suppressed thrombus formation at both shear rates, but intensified the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran and rivaroxaban. The anticoagulant effects of dabigatran and rivaroxaban were also evaluated under static conditions using thrombin generation (TG) assay. In platelet-poor plasma, dabigatran at 250 and 500 nM efficiently prolonged the lag time (LT) and moderately reduce peak height (PH) of TG, whereas rivaroxaban at 250 nM efficiently prolonged LT and reduced PH of TG. In platelet-rich plasma, however, both anticoagulants efficiently delayed LT and reduced PH of TG. Our results suggest that dabigatran and rivaroxaban may exert distinct antithrombotic effects under flow conditions, particularly in combination with dual antiplatelet therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As the pathogenesis of arterial thrombosis often includes platelet thrombus formation (PTF), antiplatelet agents are commonly used for the prevention of thromboembolic events. Here, using a novel microchip flow-chamber system we developed to quantitatively analyze the PTF process, we evaluated the pharmacological efficacies of antiplatelet agents under different arterial shear rates. Hirudin-anticoagulated whole blood was perfused over a collagen-coated microchip at shear rates of 1000, 1500, and 2000s−1, and PTF in the absence and presence of various antiplatelet agents was observed microscopically and quantified by measuring flow-pressure changes. The onset of PTF was measured as T10 (time to reach 10kPa), and AUC10 (area under the flow pressure curve for the first 10min) was calculated to quantify the overall stability of the formed thrombus. Aspirin and AR-C66096 (P2Y12-antagonist) at high concentrations (50μM and 1000nM, respectively) prolonged T10 only modestly (AR-C66096>aspirin), but effectively decreased AUC10, resulting in unstable PTF at all examined shear rates. With dual inhibition using both aspirin (25μM) and ARC-66096 (250 nM), AUC10 was drastically reduced. Nearly complete suppression of AUC10 was also observed with abciximab (2μgml−1) and beraprost (PGI2-analog; 4 nM). Although OS-1 (GPIbα-antagonist; 100nM) prevented complete capillary occlusion, significant amounts of microscopic thrombi were observed on the collagen surface. In contrast to abciximab and beraprost, OS-1 differentially affected PTF under higher shear conditions. Our novel analytical system is capable of distinguishing the pharmacological effects of various antiplatelet agents under physiological shear rates, suggesting that this system may aid in the determination of the appropriate type and dose of antiplatelet agent in the clinical setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Thrombosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and thrombin is a major inducer of thrombus formation. Thus, several antithrombotic agents targeting thrombin have been developed. We previously reported on a thrombin derivative prepared by dual chemical modifications designated as ''M-anhydrothrombin'', which possessed both anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties. In order to obtain a more potent antithrombotic thrombin derivative, we prepared a recombinant thrombin mutant and its chemically-modified derivative, and examined their antithrombotic efficacies. Methods and Results: We prepared a thrombin mutant, 65A43A205A-Th (designated as “AAA-Th”) in which Lys65(70) 1 [1] Numbers in bracket are those of chymotrypsinogen numbering system. , and His43(57) and Ser205(195) were replaced by Ala, and its chemically-modified derivative at the carboxyl groups (designated as "M-AAA-Th"). M-AAA-Th possessed no enzymatic activity, but retained high affinity and specificity for factor VIII, and prolonged the APTT with a slight effect on PT and no effect on TT. Platelet aggregation induced by PAR1 activation was also suppressed by M-AAA-Th. In contrast, conventional thrombin inhibitors, argatroban and hirulog, substantially prolonged the TT rather than the APTT and the PT. In thromboelastgraph assays, M-AAA-Th suppressed whole blood clotting in a dose-dependent manner, and its effect was synergistically enhanced in the presence of soluble thrombomodulin (s-TM). M-AAA-Th also demonstrated a potent antithrombotic property in the FeCl3-induced carotid arterial thrombosis model in guinea pigs with minimum effects on the APTT and PT and no prolongation of the TT. Conclusion: M-AAA-Th may be a potent anticoagulant and antiplatelet thrombin derivative with differential affinity for factor VIII and PAR1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) promoted the adhesion and morphological changes of human T-cell line MOLT-4 in a Con A-dependent manner. This morphological change-promoting activity was specific for HRG and the Arg23–Lys66 glycopeptide from human HRG. The carbohydrate chain at Asn45 was essential for this activity. The morphological changes of MOLT-4 cells caused by HRG and Con A (HRG/Con A) were not inhibited by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin or LY294002, while the changes by Con A alone were completely inhibited by these reagents, suggesting that HRG/Con A cooperate to activate leukocytes via a signaling pathway distinct from that by Con A alone. The morphological changes by Con A were associated with pseudopodia like structure. On the other hand, the morphological changes caused by HRG/Con A were associated not only with pseudopodia like structure but also with an increase of the F-actin-rich surface protrusions. Wortmannin inhibited only the formation of pseudopodia like structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a plasma protein implicated in the innate immune system. In recent studies, we showed that either HRG, or the Arg23-Lys66 glycopeptide derived from HRG, in concert with concanavalin A (Con A), promotes a morphological change and adhesion of the human leukemic T-cell line MOLT-4 to culture dishes, and that cell surface glycosaminoglycan or Fcγ receptors do not participate in this cellular event. In the present study, we identified the α-subunit of ATP synthase as one of the HRG-binding proteins on the surface of T-cells by HRG-derived glycopeptide affinity chromatography and by a peptide mass finger printing method. HRG specifically interacted with mitochondrial ATP synthase with a dissociation constant of 66 nM. The presence of α- and β-subunits of ATP synthase on the plasma membrane of MOLT-4 cell was demonstrated by immunofluorescent staining and FACS analysis. The HRG/Con A-induced morphological changes of MOLT-4 cells were specifically inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against the β-subunit of ATP synthase. These results strongly suggest that the cell surface ATP synthase functions as a binding protein for HRG on MOLT-4 cells, which is required for the morphological changes observed in MOLT-4 cells following treatment with HRG/Con A. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Misfolded and unassembled glycoproteins are eliminated from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen by the ER-associated degradation (ERAD).We previously identified a Tyr595Cys (Y595C) mutation of protein S (PS) in a family of a quantitative PS deficiency. The mutation causes intracellular degradation and decreased secretion of the Y595C mutant PS. The aim of the present study was to further characterize the molecular basis of the intracellular degradation of the mutant. Materials and methods: We stably expressed the mutant in mammalian cells, and analyzed the intracellular localization of the protein. The intracellular degradation pathway was determined by pulse-chase analyses in the presence of various inhibitors of ERAD. Results and conclusions: Endoglycosidase H digestion and immunofluorescence staining revealed the mutant being retained in the ER. Epoxomicin, a potent and specific proteasome inhibitor, and Ala-Ala-Phe-CH2Cl (AAF), an inhibitor of tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPPII), suppressed the intracellular degradation of the mutant by about 65% and 50%, respectively. When epoxomicin was combined with AAF, the inhibitory effect was substantially enhanced. Although castanospermine, an inhibitor of glucosidases I and II, did not affect the degradation, kifunensine, an inhibitor of ER mannosidase I, suppressed it. Thus, it appears that the Y595C mutant is degraded through more than one pathway of ERAD, including the proteasome-dependent pathway and an alternate proteasome-independent pathway where proteases such as TPPII may be involved. Production of the critical B isoform of Man8GlcNAc2 targets the mutant for ERAD, however, the interaction with calnexin/calreticulin through monoglucosylated oligosaccharides may not be required for the degradation of the mutant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Investigates the inhibitory properties and primary structure of a novel serine proteinase inhibitor from the fruiting body of the basidiomycete, Lentinus edodes. Examination of the mammalian and microbial serine proteinase; Suggestion on the chemical modification studies; Composition of the complete primary structure.