The lipidated membrane anchor of full length N-Ras protein shows an extensive dynamics as revealed by solid-state NMR spectroscopy

Many proteins involved in signal transduction are equipped with covalently attached lipid chains providing a hydrophobic anchor targeting these molecules to membranes. Despite the considerable biological significance of this membrane binding mechanism for 5-10% of all cellular proteins, to date very little is known about structural and dynamical features of lipidated membrane binding domains. Here we report the first comprehensive study of the molecular dynamics of the C-terminus of membrane-associated full-length lipidated Ras protein determined by solid-state NMR. Fully functional lipid-modified N-Ras protein was obtained by chemical-biological synthesis ligating the expressed water soluble N-terminus with a chemically synthesized (2)H or (13)C labeled lipidated heptapeptide. Dynamical parameters for the lipid chain modification at Cys 181 were determined from static (2)H NMR order parameter and relaxation measurements. Order parameters describing the amplitude of motion in the protein backbone and the side chain were determined from site-specific measurements of (1)H-(13)C dipolar couplings for all seven amino acids in the membrane anchor of Ras. Finally, the correlation times of motion were determined from temperature dependent relaxation time measurements and analyzed using a modified Lipari Szabo approach. Overall, the C-terminus of Ras shows a versatile dynamics with segmental fluctuations and axially symmetric overall motions on the membrane surface. In particular, the lipid chain modifications are highly flexible in the membrane.     

Development of zinc alkyl/air systems as radical initiators for organic reactions

This paper reports a series of comparative experiments on the activity of carbon- and oxygen-centred radical species in a model reaction of the radical addition of THF to imines mediated by a series of zinc alkyl/air reaction systems. The study strongly contradicts the notion that generally R˙ radicals are the initiating species in organic reactions mediated by R_nM/air systems, and simultaneously demonstrates that oxygen-centred radical species are the key intermediates responsible for the initiation process. In addition, a new efficient RZn(L)/air initiating system for radical organic reactions exampled by a model reaction of radical addition of THF to imines is developed. Moreover, the isolation and structural characterization of the first zinc alkylperoxide supported by a carboxylate ligand, [Zn₄(μ₃-OOtBu)₃(μ₄-O)(O₂CEt)₃]₂, as well as the novel octanuclear zinc oxo(alkoxide) aggregate with entrapped O–THF species, [Zn₄(μ₄-O)(μ₃-2-O–THF)(O₂CEt)₅]₂, provide clear mechanistic signatures for the mode of function of the RZn(O₂CR′)/air system.     

Does a high UV environment ensure adequate vitamin D status?

This study assesses the Vitamin D status of 126 healthy free-living adults aged 18-87 years, in southeast Queensland, Australia (27 degrees S) at the end of the 2006 winter. Participants provided blood samples for analysis of 25(OH)D (the measure of an individual's Vitamin D status), PTH, Calcium, Phosphate, and Albumin, completed a questionnaire on sun-protective/sun-exposure behaviours, and were assessed for phenotypic characteristics such as skin/hair/eye colour and BMI. We found that 10.2% of the participants had serum 25(OH)D levels below 25 nmol/l (considered deficient) and a further 32.3% had levels between 25 nmol/l and 50 nmol/l (considered insufficient). Our results show that low levels of 25(OH)D can occur in a substantial proportion of the population at the end of winter, even in a sunny climate. 25(OH)D levels were higher amongst those who spent more time in the sun and lower among obese participants (BMI>30) than those who were not obese (BMI<30). 25(OH)D levels were also lower in participants who had black hair, dark/olive skin, or brown eyes, when compared with participants who had brown or fair hair, fair skin, or blue/green eyes. No associations were found between 25(OH)D status and age, gender, smoking status, or the use of sunscreen.     

Synthesis,molecular characterisation,and in vivo study of platinum(IV) coordination compounds against B16 mouse melanoma tumours

A novel platinum(IV) coordination compound with 6-mercaptopurine (6-Hmp) has been synthesised and characterised by IR and NMR spectroscopy. Spectroscopic parameters indicate the presence of two chelate (S-6, N-7) monodeprotonated ligands and two chloride ions in the coordination sphere of [PtCl₂(6-mp)₂] · H₂O (I). Two Pt(IV) coordination compounds, [PtCl₂(6-mp)₂] · H₂O (I) and [PtCl₄(dbtp)₂] (II), were used in the in vivo test against B16 mouse melanoma tumours. Cytotoxic activity of compound II against the tumour cells was found to be high (LC₁₀ = 2.6 μM, LC₅₀ = 17.0 μM, LC₉₀ = 58.0 μM) compared to that of cisplatin.     

Quantitative EPR study on free radicals in the natural polyphenols interacting with metal ions and other environmental pollutants

Quantitative electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method was applied to characterise radicals stabilised in polyphenolic matrices of various biogenic materials: lichens, mosses, composts, soils, peats, brown coals and sewage sludge sediments. The investigations were carried out on raw materials and extracted fractions of humic acids (HA). General trends of g value and spin concentration changes were found. These parameters in lichens strongly depend on lichen species and air pollution. Determination of the g value and semiquinone spin concentration allows to assess degree of transformation of organic matter in compost, soil, peat and lignite. Application of gaseous ammonia as a base penetrating the organic matrices extends the possibilities and usefulness of the method. Interaction of metal ions with humic materials is illustrated by interaction of VO2+ ion with peat and lignite HA as well as demineralised (raw and carbonised) brown coal. Our investigations demonstrate that quantitative EPR is a rapid and effective monitoring method to study the influence of various environmental factors on substances containing polyphenolic matrices.     

Spectrochemical Properties of Noncubical Transition Metal Complexes in Solution. XII. Angular Overlap Studies of Salicylideneethylenediamine Cu(II) Complex in Various Solvents

As a part of our general interest in the UV-Vis spectroscopy of multidentate mixed-donor ligands, the (salicylideneethylenediamine)Cu(II) complex has been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, solubility in common solvents, molar conductivities, and ultraviolet (UV), and visible (Vis) spectroscopy. The combined results of spectrophotometric measurements and EPR spectra, as well as known the X-ray structure for solids, were used to determine the structure of the investigated complex in solutions. The spectra of [Cu(salen)] (H₂salen = salicylideneethylenediamine), were measured in various solvents at room temperature, resolved by Gaussian analysis, and angular overlap model (AOM) treated in C _2v symmetry. Because of overparametrization problems, the bis(salicylaldehyde)Cu(II) complex has been characterized and AOM treated. The results of this have been used for AOM studies of [Cu(salen)]. The effect of the solvents upon the - and -bonding ligand abilities is discussed.     

Thermal and physical properties of ZrO2–AlO(OH) nanopowders synthesised by microwave hydrothermal method

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Industrially relevant nanopowder was synthesised by microwave hydrothermal synthesis to obtain well-controlled composition (ZrO2–AlO(OH) system)...     

Comparative PIV and LDA studies of Newtonian and non-Newtonian flows in an agitated tank

The paper presents results of an experimental study of the fluid velocity field in a stirred tank equipped with a Prochem Maxflo T (PMT) type impeller which was rotating at a constant frequency of N = 4.1 or 8.2 s^?1 inducing transitional (Re = 499 or 1307) or turbulent (Re = 2.43 × 10⁴) flow of the fluid. The experiments were performed for a Newtonian fluid (water) and a non-Newtonian fluid (0.2 wt% aqueous solution of carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) exhibiting mild viscoelastic properties. Measurements were carried out using laser light scattering on tracer particles which follow the flow (2-D PIV). For both the water and the CMC solution one primary and two secondary circulation loops were observed within the fluid volume; however, the secondary loops were characterized by much lower intensity. The applied PMT-type impeller produced in the Newtonian fluid an axial primary flow, whilst in the non-Newtonian fluid the flow was more radial. The results obtained in the form of the local mean velocity components were in satisfactory agreement with the literature data from LDA. Distribution of the shear rate in the studied system was also analyzed. For the non-Newtonian fluid an area was computed where the elastic force dominates over the viscous one. The area was nearly matching the region occupied by the primary circulation loop.     

An unusual nicotinamide derivative, 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide ribonucleoside (4PYR), is a novel endothelial toxin and oncometabolite

Our recent studies identified a novel pathway of nicotinamide metabolism that involves 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) and demonstrated its endothelial cytotoxic effect. This study tested the effects of 4PYR and its metabolites in experimental models of breast cancer. Mice were divided into groups: 4T1 (injected with mammary 4T1 cancer cells), 4T1 + 4PYR (4PYR-treated 4T1 mice), and control, maintained for 2 or 21 days. Lung metastasis and endothelial function were analyzed together with blood nucleotides (including 4PYR), plasma amino acids, nicotinamide metabolites, and vascular ectoenzymes of nucleotide catabolism. 4PYR metabolism was also evaluated in cultured 4T1, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and T47D cells. An increase in blood 4PYR in 4T1 mice was observed at 2 days. 4PYR and its metabolites were noticed after 21 days in 4T1 only. Higher blood 4PYR was linked with more lung metastases in 4T1 + 4PYR vs. 4T1. Decreased L-arginine, higher asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine, and higher vascular ecto-adenosine deaminase were observed in 4T1 + 4PYR vs. 4T1 and control. Vascular relaxation caused by flow-dependent endothelial activation in 4PYR-treated mice was significantly lower than in control. The permeability of 4PYR-treated endothelial cells was increased. Decreased nicotinamide but enhanced nicotinamide metabolites were noticed in 4T1 vs. control. Reduced N-methylnicotinamide and a further increase in Met2PY were observed in 4T1 + 4PYR vs. 4T1 and control. In cultured breast cancer cells, estrogen and progesterone receptor antagonists inhibited the production of 4PYR metabolites. 4PYR formation is accelerated in cancer and induces metabolic disturbances that may affect cancer progression and, especially, metastasis, probably through impaired endothelial homeostasis. 4PYR may be considered a new oncometabolite.Subject terms: Mechanisms of disease, Pathogenesis, Breast cancer