Formycin A resistant mutants due to defect in adenosine transport system in Vibrio parahaemolyticus

An antibiotic formycin A inhibited growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus under certain conditions, which suggested that formycin A was taken up by cells under these conditions. We found that formycin A was transported via the adenosine transport system which we previously reported as a Na(+)-coupled cotransport system. We isolated many formycin A resistant mutants, and about half of them grew very poorly on adenosine as a sole source of carbon. Judging from their reversion frequencies, these mutants seemed to have single mutations. Respiration driven uptake of 14C-adenosine was not observed in such mutants; also, Na+ uptake induced by the addition of adenosine or formycin A to a cell suspension was completely abolished in them. Thus we conclude that these mutants possess a defect in the Na+/adenosine cotransport system, and have become formycin A resistant.     

Identification and Purification of the CPD Photolyase in Vibrio parahaemolyticus RIMD2210633

Photoreactivation is an error‐free mechanism of DNA repair, utilized by prokaryotes and most eukaryotes and is catalyzed by specific enzymes called DNA photolyases. Photoreactivation has been reported in Vibrio parahaemolyticus WP28; however, information on photolyases in V. parahaemolyticus (V.p) strains has not been reported. This study examined the photoreactivation in V.p RIMD2210633. The photolyase responsible for repairing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) in DNA was identified, and the corresponding gene was determined as VPA1471. The protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and was purified for functional assessment in vitro. The mRNA level and protein expression level of this gene increased after ultraviolet A (UVA) illumination following ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation. In vitro experiments confirmed that the protein encoded by VPA1471 could reduce the quantity of CPD in DNA. We designated the corresponding gene and protein of VPA1471 phr and Phr, respectively, although the function of two other photolyase/cryptochrome family members, VPA0203 and VPA0204, remains unclear. UV (ultraviolet) irradiation experiments suggest that these two genes possess some photorepairing ability. Therefore, we hypothesize that VPA0203 and VPA0204 encode (6‐4) photolyase in V. parahaemolyticus RIMD2210633.     

Isotopic probes of catalytic steps of myosin adenosine triphosphatase.

A new approach to the direct estimation of the value of the off constant for dissociation of ATP from myosin subfragment 1 (S1) has been developed. From measurements of the extremely slow rate of release of [32P] - ATP formed from 32P(i) by S1 catalysis and the amount of rapidly formed [32P] - ATP tightly bound to S1, the value of the off constant is approximately 2.8 X 10(-4) sec -1 at pH 7.4. The concentration dependencies for P(i) in equilibrium H18 OH exchange and for (32)P(j) incorporation into myosin-bound ATP give direct measurements of the dissociation constant of P(i) from S1. Both approaches show that the enzyme has a very low affinity for P(i), with an apparent K(d) of greater than 400 mM. Measurement of the average number of water oxygens incorporated into P(i) released from ATP by S1-catalyzed hydrolysis in the presence of Mg2+ suggests that the hydrolytic step reverses an average of at least 5.5 times for each ATP cleaved. With the Ca2+ -activated hydrolysis, less than one oxygen from water appears in each P(i) released. This finding is indicative of a possible isotope effect in the attack of water on the terminal phosphoryl group of ATP.     

Synthesis of adenosine triphosphate by way of potassium-sensitive phosphoenzyme of sodium, potassium adenosine triphosphatase.

The sodium and potassium ion pump is an intrinsic enzyme of plasma membranes. In these experiments it was driven backward in a transient two-step operation involving, first, phosphorylation of the enzyme from inorganic phosphate, and second, transfer of the phosphate group from the enzyme to ADP upon addition of a high concentration of Na+. There was no evidence of a significant concentration gradient across the membranes. Na+ presumably reached the solutions on both faces of the membrane simultaneously and provided the energy for synthesis simply as a consequence of ligand binding. An interaction free energy between the free energy of the binding of Na+ and the free energy of hydrolysis of the phosphate group on the enzyme was estimated. The experiments also suggested a feature of the transport mechanism. This is control by phosphorylation of access pathways from the solutions in contact with the faces of the membrane to an active center for cation binding. In the dephosphoenzyme access would be to the intracellular solution and in the phosphoenzyme access would be to the extracellular solution.     

Transient kinetic and isotopic tracer studies of the myosin adenosine triphosphatase reaction.

From transient kinetic studies of the Mg2+-dependent adenosine triphosphatase of myosin subfragment 1, prepared from rabbit skeletal muscle, a seven-step mechanism has been proposed. Features of this mechanism include two-step processes for ATP and ADP binding in which the binary complex isomerizes in addition to a rapid nucleotide association step. In the case of ATP a large negative standard free energy change is associated with the isomerization. An overall rate-limiting isomerization of the myosin-product complex prior to product release has been identified. Studies on the mechanism of cleavage of ATP bound to the active site indicate the process is readily reversible and can account for the observation that more than one oxygen of the product phosphate arises from water. This proposal has been substantiated by the finding that the oxygen atoms of the gamma-phosphoryl group of bound ATP also undergo extensive exchange with water.     

Purification and some properties of inducible lysine decarboxylase from Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Inducible lysine decarboxylase from Vibrio parahaemolyticus AQ 3627 was purified to apparent homogeneity and characterized. The enzyme displayed a molecular weight of 531000 by gel filtration and 79000 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme required pyridoxal phosphate as a cofactor, and the pH optimum was 5.5. The Km value for L-lysine was 3.2 mM, and the enzyme was inhibited by 6-aminocaproic acid and alpha-fluoromethyl analogs of cadaverine. delta-Hydroxylysine and S-aminoethyl-L-cysteine was active as substrates to a lesser extent than L-lysine. The amino-terminal amino acid sequence was determined to be Met-Asn-Ile-Phe-Ala-Ile-Leu. These properties were compared with those of other bacterial lysine decarboxylases.     

Cellular Fatty Acid Composition of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

High-performance liquid chromatography was used to separate and identify cellular fatty acids isolated from Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a gram-negative estuarine microorganism associated with seafood-borne enteritis in man. Fatty acids were isolated from statically grown bacterial cultures, saponified, and derivatized with an ultraviolet tag. Aliquots of derivatized fatty acids were injected onto a reversed-phase column with water:acetonitrile gradient as the mobile phase and ultraviolet detection at 254 nm. The predominant fatty acids found for the V. parahaemolyticus strains studied were C12, C14, C16:1, C16, C18:1, and C18. In addition, previously unreported fatty acids C13, C17, C19, and C21 were identified. Comparison of HPLC with GLC fatty acid separations showed good agreement with the exception that HPLC was able to resolve previously unidentified fatty acid constituents.     

Physical and enzymatic properties of nucleotide-depleted beef heart mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase.

Tightly bound adenine nucleotides are removed from multiple binding sites on beef heart mitochondrial ATPase (F1) by chromatography on columns of Sephadex equilibrated with 50% glycerol. Release of nucleotides from the enzyme is associated with large decreases in sedimentation velocity (from 11.9 S to 8.4 S) which may be observed in concentrated solutions of polyols. Polyol-induced conformational changes are reversed when the enzyme is returned to dilute buffers. The nucleotide-depleted enzyme restores oxidative phosphorylation in F1-deficient submitochondrial particles. Reconstitution of nucleotide-depleted F1 with the ATP analog (adenylyl-imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), almost 5 moles of AMP-PNP per mole of enzyme, results in preparations with substantially inhibited ATPase activity which nevertheless restores oxidative phosphorylation and the 32Pi-ATP exchange reaction in F1-deficient submitochondrial particles. Incubation of the analog-labeled enzyme with ATP and Mg++ results in partial displacement of the analog and a time-dependent recovery of ATPase activity.     

New calculations on the ion-molecule processes C2H2(+) + H2 --> C2H3(+) + H and C2H2(+) + H2 --> C2H4+

New high-level quantum chemical calculations have been undertaken to understand the rates and mechanisms of the reactive and associative channels for the reactants C2H2(+) + H2. The reactive channel, which produces C2H3(+) + H, has been shown to be slightly endothermic, confirming earlier calculations at a somewhat lower level and in agreement with some recent experimental work. The associative channel, leading to C2H4+, has been shown to proceed via a transition state with negative energy relative to the reactants, so that association is predicted to be efficient. This result is in conflict with an earlier theoretical study but in agreement with low-temperature experimental measurements.     

Catalytic asymmetric formal total synthesis of (+)-dichroanone and (+)-taiwaniaquinone H

Catalytic asymmetric formal total synthesis of (+)-dichroanone and (+)-taiwaniaquinone H has been achieved. Key step involved construction of all-carbon quaternary carbon by palladium-catalyzed conjugate addition of arylboronic acid to 3-methyl cyclohexenone. Furthermore, a new approach to build [6-5-6] tricyclic backbone via formyl introduction and subsequent aldol-type condensation was also explored.     

Validation of carrier-mediated transport of H(+) and Na(+) through mobile-site membranes

The response of membranes containing neutral ion carriers of either H(+) or Na(+) to an externally-applied potential step was investigated using previously developed techniques for the analysis of charge and mass transport in ion-selective membranes. The results from constant-resistance membranes, e.g. membranes with unperturbed negative site concentration profiles, showed that tridodecylamine behaved as a carrier for H(+), and there was no evidence for proton hopping from stationary carriers. In addition, the experimental outcome supported the assumption of a failure of the Donnan exclusion principle at very low pH levels in these membranes. The results from membranes containing the Na(+) carrier illustrated the significant concentration polarization of ionic species, which was related to significant changes in bulk membrane resistance.     

Determination of the big head carp myofibrillar (Aristichthys nobilis) adenosine triphosphatase activity by ion chromatography

A method for the determination of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity of myofibrils of big head carp by using ion chromatography was introduced. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and orthophosphate (Pi) were separated completely. Recoveries for ATP, ADP and Pi were 98+/-5%, 97+/-4% and 98+/-5%, respectively. Pi liberated from ATP during reaction was monitored by ion chromatography using the suggested method. This method was applicable to the determination of myofibrils ATPase activity for quick quality evaluation of surimi.     

X- and W-band EPR and Q-band ENDOR studies of the flavin radical in the Na+ -translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae

Na(+)-NQR is the entry point for electrons into the respiratory chain of Vibrio cholerae. It oxidizes NADH, reduces ubiquinone, and uses the free energy of this redox reaction to translocate sodium across the cell membrane. The enzyme is a membrane complex of six subunits that accommodates a 2Fe-2S center and several flavins. Both the oxidized and reduced forms of Na(+)-NQR exhibit a radical EPR signal. Here, we present EPR and ENDOR data that demonstrate that, in both forms of the enzyme, the radical is a flavin semiquinone. In the oxidized enzyme, the radical is a neutral flavin, but in the reduced enzyme the radical is an anionic flavin, where N(5) is deprotonated. By combining results of ENDOR and multifrequency continuous wave EPR, we have made an essentially complete determination of the g-matrix and all major nitrogen and proton hyperfine matrices. From careful analysis of the W-band data, the full g-matrix of a flavin radical has been determined. For the neutral radical, the g-matrix has significant rhombic character, but this is significantly decreased in the anionic radical. The out-of-plane component of the g-matrix and the nitrogen hyperfine matrices are found to be noncoincident as a result of puckering of the pyrazine ring. Two possible assignments of the radical signals are considered. The neutral and anionic forms of the radical may each arise from a different flavin cofactor, one of which is converted from semiquinone to flavohydroquinone, while the other goes from flavoquinone to semiquinone, at almost exactly the same redox potential, during reduction of the enzyme. Alternatively, both forms of the radical signal may arise from a single, extremely stable, flavin semiquinone, which becomes deprotonated upon reduction of the enzyme.     

Simultaneous Irradiation with Different Wavelengths of Ultraviolet Light has Synergistic Bactericidal Effect on Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is an increasingly used method of water disinfection. UV rays can be classified by wavelength into UVA (320–400 nm), UVB (280‐320 nm), and UVC (<280 nm). We previously developed UVA sterilization equipment with a UVA light‐emitting diode (LED). The aim of this study was to establish a new water disinfection procedure using the combined irradiation of the UVA‐LED and another UV wavelength. An oxidative DNA product, 8‐hydroxy‐2’‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), increased after irradiation by UVA‐LED alone, and the level of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) was increased by UVC alone in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Although sequential irradiation of UVA‐LED and UVC‐induced additional bactericidal effects, simultaneous irradiation with UVA‐LED and UVC‐induced bactericidal synergistic effects. The 8‐OHdG and CPDs production showed no differences between sequential and simultaneous irradiation. Interestingly, the recovery of CPDs was delayed by simultaneous irradiation. The synergistic effect was absent in SOS response‐deficient mutants, such as the recA and lexA strains. Because recA‐ and lexA‐mediated SOS responses have crucial roles in a DNA repair pathway, the synergistic bactericidal effect produced by the simultaneous irradiation could depend on the suppression of the CPDs repair. The simultaneous irradiation of UVA‐LED and UVC is a candidate new procedure for effective water disinfection.     

Evaluation of different polymerase chain reaction methods for the identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains isolated by cultural methods

Control of contamination by Vibrio parahaemolyticus in fishery products is often hampered by the lack of standardized methods and by the uncertainty associated with biochemical identification of the isolates. In this study, 5 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for the identification of V. parahaemolyticus to the species level were evaluated by using 25 Vibrio reference strains and 163 isolates from fishery products, environmental sources, and clinical samples. Sequence targets of the methods were toxR, gyrB, and tlh genes (tested with 2 protocols), and the fragment pR72H. Isolate identification was confirmed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and by PCR protocols for the identification of other Vibrio species. The PCR assay targeting the toxR gene achieved the highest performance (100% inclusivity and exclusivity). The 2 PCR protocols based on tlh gene detection, although showing the same inclusivity (100%), differed in the exclusivity (50 and 91%, respectively). Finally, the results provided by the PCR assays targeting the gyrB gene and pR72H fragment were less reliable and, in some cases, difficult to assess. According to the results of this study, the characteristics of accuracy expressed by the toxR identification method make it a suitable candidate as a reference method for the molecular identification of V. parahaemolyticus strains.     

Magnetic resonance and kinetic studies of the mechanism of membrane-bound sodium and potassium ion- activated adenosine triphosphatase.

EPR and water proton relaxation rate (1/T1) studies of partially (40%) and "fully" (90%) purified preparations of membrane-bound (Na+ + K+) activated ATPase from sheep kidney indicate one tight binding site for Mn2+ per enzyme dimer, with a dissociation constant (KD = 0.88 muM) in agreement with the kinetically determined activator constant, identifying this Mn2+-binding site as the active site of the ATPase. Competition studies indicate that Mg2+ binds at this site with a dissociation constant of 1 mM in agreement with its activator constant. Inorganic phosphate and methylphosphonate bind to the enzyme-Mn2+ complex with similar high affinities and decrease 1/T1 of water protons due to a decrease from four to three in the number of rapidly exchanging water protons in the coordination sphere of enzyme-bound Mn2+. The relative effectiveness of Na+ and K+ in facilitating ternary complex formation with HPO2-4 and CH3PO2-3 as a function of pH indicates that Na+ induces the phosphate monoanion to interact with enzyme-bound Mn2+. Thus protonation of an enzyme-bound phosphoryl group would convert a K+-binding site to a Na+-binding site. Dissociation constants for K+ and Na+, estimated from NMR titrations, agreed with kinetically determined activator constants of these ions consistent with binding to the active site. Parallel 32Pi-binding studies show negligible formation (less than 7%) of a covalent E-P complex under these conditions, indicating that the NMR method has detected an additional noncovalent intermediate in ion transport. Ouabain, which increases the extent of phosphorylation of the enzyme to 24% at pH 7.8 and to 106% at pH 6.1, produced further decreases in 1/T1 of water protons. Preliminary 31P- relaxation studies of CH3PO2-3 in the presence of ATPase and Mn2+ yield an Mn to P distance (6.9 +/- 0.5 A) suggesting a second sphere enzyme-Mn-ligand-CH3PO2-3 complex. Previous kinetic studies have shown that T1+ substitutes for K+ in the activation of the enzyme but competes with Na+ at higher levels. From the paramagnetic effect of Mn2+ at the active site on the enzyme on I/T1 of 205T1 bound at the Na+ site, a Mn2+ to T1+ distance of 4.0 +/- 0.1 A is calculated, suggesting the sharing of a common ligand atomy by Mn2+ and T1+ on the ATPase. Addition of Pi increases this distance to 5.4 A consistent with the insertion of P between Mn2+ and T1+. These results are consistent with a mechanism for the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and for ion transport in which the ionization state of Pi at a single enzyme active site controls the binding and transport of Na+ and K+, and indicate that the transport site for monovalent cations is very near the catalytic site of the ATPase. Our mechanism also accounts for the order of magnitude weaker binding of Na+ compared to K+.     

Rolling circle amplification based amperometric aptamer/immuno hybrid biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Microchimica Acta - The authors describe an antibody-aptamer based hetero-sandwich amperometric biosensor for the foodborne pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Antibody on the surface of a gold...