Primary structure and properties of the formyltransferase from the mesophilic Methanosarcina barkeri: comparison with the enzymes from thermophilic and hyperthermophilic methanogens

The ftr gene encoding formylmethanofuran: tetrahydromethanopterin formyltransferase (Ftr) from Methanosarcina barkeri was cloned, sequenced, and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. The overproduced enzyme was purified eightfold to apparent homogeneity, and its catalytic properties were determined. The primary structure and the hydropathic character of the formyltransferase from Methanosarcina barkeri were compared with those of the enzymes from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, Methanothermus fervidus, and Methanopyrus kandleri. The amino acid sequence of the enzyme from Methanosarcina barkeri was 64%, 61%, and 59% identical to that of the enzyme from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, Methanothermus fervidus, and Methanopyrus kandleri, respectively. A negative correlation between the hydrophobicity of the enzymes and both the growth temperature optimum and the intracellular salt concentration of the four organisms was observed. The hydrophobicity of amino acid composition was +21.6 for the enzyme from Methanosarcina barkeri (growth temperature optimum 37 degrees C, intracellular salt concentrationapproximately 0.3 M), +9.9 for the enzyme from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (65 degrees C,approximately 0.7 M), -20.8 for the enzyme from Methanothermus fervidus (83 degrees C,approximately 1.0 M) and -31.4 for the enzyme from Methanopyrus kandleri (98 degrees C, > 1.1 M). Generally, a positive correlation between hydrophobicity and thermophilicity of enzymes and a negative correlation between hydrophobicity and halophilicity of enzymes are observed. The findings therefore indicate that the hydropathic character of the formyltransferases compared is mainly determined by the intracellular salt concentration rather than by temperature. Sequence similarities between the formyltransferases from methanogens and an open reading frame from Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 are discussed.

Novel tricyclic inhibitors of farnesyl protein transferase. Biochemical characterization and inhibition of Ras modification in transfected Cos cells

Ras protooncogenes encode 21-kDa membrane-associated guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, which play a critical role in control of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Oncogenic, activated forms of Ras proteins are associated with a broad range of human cancers. The elucidation of the post-translational modifications that occur at the carboxyl terminus of Ras and the demonstration that farnesylation of Ras by farnesyl protein transferase is essential for Ras-induced cellular transformation has opened up a new and promising approach to the development of anti-Ras therapeutics. We report here a novel series of potent farnesyl protein transferase (FPT) inhibitors, represented by SCH 44342. This compound inhibits both rat brain and recombinant human FPT with an IC50 of approximately 250 nM, while it is only weakly active against rat brain geranylgeranyl protein transferase-1 (IC50 > 114 microM). FPT inhibition has been observed using both Ha-Ras protein and Ki-Ras-derived peptide substrates in two different assay formats. SCH 44342 and its analogs also inhibit farnesylation of Ras in Cos cells transiently expressing [Val12]Ha-Ras with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. At these concentrations they do not inhibit sterol biosynthesis or geranylgeranylation of protein. In addition, we observed that Cos cells undergo pronounced morphological changes upon overexpression of [Val12]activated forms of Ha-Ras containing COOH-terminal sequences allowing farnesylation (CVLS) or geranylgeranylation (CVLL) but not upon overexpression of activated Ras lacking the isoprenylated Cys (SVLS). Ras-induced morphological changes can be partially reverted with lovastatin. Importantly, SCH 44342 can block morphological changes induced by [Val12]Ha-Ras-CVLS but not [Val12]Ha-Ras-CVLL. Recently, a number of other FPT inhibitors have been reported. Most of the compounds reported to have cell-based activity are peptidomimetic analogs of the CAAX substrate. Our FPT inhibitors are novel in that although they compete with Ras protein in kinetic experiments they are entirely nonpeptidic in nature, they do not have oxidizable sulfhydryl functions, and they are active in cells at low micromolar concentrations.

Identification of spinach farnesyl protein transferase. Dithiothreitol as an acceptor in vitro

Spinach seedlings were found to contain farnesyl protein transferase. The enzyme is activated by Zn2+, but not by Mg2+. The pH optimum is approximately 7.0 and maximal activity is obtained at 40-45 degrees C. The apparent Km for the farnesyl diphosphate substrate is 7 microM. Western blotting of soluble proteins with an antiserum raised against mammalian farnesyl protein transferase demonstrated a specific cross-reactivity with the spinach enzyme. The antiserum preferentially recognises the beta-subunit of the heterodimeric farnesyl protein transferase, and the corresponding spinach polypeptide has a molecular mass of 42 kDa on SDS/PAGE. The enzyme can employ dithiothreitol as an acceptor for the farnesyl moiety and catalyses the formation of a thioether linkage between these substrates. On the basis of this discovery, a new method was developed utilising the hydrophobicity of the reaction product, and its interaction with poly(propylene). During in vivo labelling, the plants took up dithiothreitol, which inhibited the incorporation of [3H]mevalonate metabolites into proteins, indicating that dithiothreitol might be isoprenylated in vivo as well as in vitro. However, isoprenylation of some proteins remains unaffected by dithiothreitol suggesting the existence of different isoprenylation mechanisms. Thus, it is demonstrated that plants possess farnesyl protein transferase, which resembles its mammalian and yeast homologues.

Interaction of the transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor with farnesyl-protein transferase-alpha

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is the prototype of a large family of molecules that regulate a variety of biological processes. The type I (T beta R-I) and type II (T beta R-II) receptors for TGF-beta 1 are transmembrane serine/threonine kinases, forming a heteromeric signaling complex. Recent studies have shown that T beta R-II is a constitutively active kinase and phosphorylates T beta R-I upon ligand binding, suggesting that T beta R-I is the effector subunit of the receptor complex, which transduces signals to intracellular targets. This model has been further confirmed by the identification of constitutively active T beta R-I that mediates TGF-beta 1-specific cellular responses in the absence of ligand and T beta R-II. To investigate signaling by TGF-beta 1, we have sought to isolate proteins that interact with the cytoplasmic region of T beta R-I. One of the proteins identified was the alpha subunit of farnesyl-protein transferase (FT alpha) that modifies a series of peptides including Ras. T beta R-I specifically interacts with FT alpha in the yeast two-hybrid system. Glutathione S-transferase-T beta R-I fusion proteins bind FT alpha translated in vitro. T beta R-I also phosphorylates FT alpha. We further show that the constitutively active T beta R-I interacted with FT alpha very strongly whereas an inactive form of T beta R-I did not. These results suggest that FT alpha may be one of the substrates of the activated T beta R-I kinase.

Molecular cloning, sequence analysis, and functional characterization of the lipopolysaccharide biosynthetic gene kdtA encoding 3-deoxy-alpha-D-manno-octulosonic acid transferase of Chlamydia pneumoniae strain TW-183

The gene kdtA of Chlamydia pneumoniae strain TW-183, encoding the enzyme 3-deoxy-alpha-D-manno-octulosonic acid (Kdo) transferase of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, was cloned and sequenced. A single open reading frame of 1314 bp was identified, the deduced amino acid sequence of which revealed 69% similarity and 43% identity with KdtA of Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci. The gene was expressed in the Gram-positive host Corynebacterium glutamicum and the primary gene product was characterized as a multifunctional glycosyltransferase. Cell-free extracts generated in vitro the genus-specific epitope of Chlamydia composed of the trisaccharide alphaKdo(2-8)alphaKdo(2-4)alphaKdo. The results show that a single polypeptide affords three different glycosidic bonds, which is in contradiction to the dogma of glycobiology: 'one enzyme - one glycosidic bond'.

Deficient geranylgeranylation of Ram/Rab27 in choroideremia

Choroideremia, an X-linked form of retinal degeneration, results from defects in the Rab escort protein-1 (REP-1) gene. REP-1 and REP-2 assist in the attachment of geranylgeranyl groups to Rab GTPases, a modification essential for their action as molecular switches regulating intracellular vesicular transport. If Rabs that depend preferentially on REP-1 for prenylation exist, they will accumulate unprenylated in choroideremia cells. Using recombinant Rab geranylgeranyl transferase and REPs to label unprenylated cytosolic proteins, we identified one unprenylated protein in choroideremia lymphoblasts that was prenylated in vitro more efficiently by REP-1 than by REP-2. This protein was purified and identified as Ram (renamed Rab27), a previously cloned Rab of unknown function. Immunohistochemistry of rat retina showed that Ram/Rab27 is expressed in the pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris, the two retinal cell layers that degenerate earliest in choroideremia. These results raise the possibility that the retinal degeneration in choroideremia results from the deficient geranylgeranylation of Ram/Rab27 or a closely related protein.

Purification and characterization of glutathione-independent denitration enzyme of organic nitrate esters in rabbit hepatic cytosol

The enzyme responsible for glutathione (GSH)-independent denitration of organic nitrate esters was purified by gel chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography from rabbit hepatic cytosol. The enzyme showed a molecular mass of 175 kDa and consisted of three subunits of 59 kDa. The enzyme exerted its maximum activities at around pH 9, when isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) was used as substrate. The enzyme possessed a low Km value (10(-6) M) for various organic nitrate esters. The present enzyme is likely to be involved in the denitration of organic nitrate esters in conjunction with known enzymes, GSH S-transferase (GST) and cytochrome P450.

Burkitt lymphoma Daudi cells contain two distinct farnesyltransferases with different divalent cation requirements

Farnesylation is a lipid posttranslational modification required for the biological function of several signaling proteins including the Ras oncoprotein where this modification is required for malignant transformation. Here we report the identification of two distinct farnesyltransferases (FTases) in Burkitt lymphoma Daudi cells. Separation of Daudi cell cytosolic fractions by ion exchange chromatography resulted in two peaks (FTases I and II) that, on gel filtration, show molecular masses of 90 000 and 250 000 Da, respectively. Immunoblotting experiments showed that FTase I is composed of an alpha/beta-heterodimer of about 50 000 Da each. FTase II contained a beta-subunit that is immunologically indistinguishable from the beta-subunit of FTase I and the previously reported human and rat brain FTase but contained an alpha-subunit that reacted poorly with a rat brain anti-alpha-antibody. As in rat brain FTase, Daudi FTases I and II both required magnesium for enzymatic activity. However, their zinc requirements differed. In the absence of Zn2+, FTase I had little activity (10%) whereas FTase II had 30% of its maximum activity (maximum activity obtained in the presence of Zn2+). Furthermore, whereas both FTases I and II were potently inhibited by KB-Ras C-terminal Cys-Val-Ile-Met tetrapeptide mimics, only FTase I but not FTase II required zinc for peptide binding and inhibition.

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase from white lupin: molecular cloning, expression, and purification of the expressed protein

Plants produce a variety of sesquiterpenoid compounds with diverse biological functions, whose synthesis is initiated by farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase [EC 2.5.1.1, EC 2.5.1.10]. The lack of availability of molecular tools to analyze this enzyme has, thus far, prevented the study of its expression and regulation in plants. A DNA fragment corresponding to a portion of the farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using degenerate primers designed from two highly conserved domains (FLV(A/L)DD(I/M)MD and FQIQDDYLD) found in eukaryotic farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase sequences. A clone, pS19, of a 438-bp PCR fragment was used to screen a white lupin root cDNA library. Two full-length cDNA clones (pFPS1 and pFPS2) were isolated and sequenced, and one of them (pFPS2) was expressed in a bacterial system and the enzyme protein encoded by the clone was purified. The 1345-bp insert of pFPS2 contains a 1026-bp open reading frame, encoding a 342-amino-acid peptide with a calculated molecular mass of 39,310 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of lupin farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase pFPS2 shares 90 and 79% identity with those from Lupinus albus (pFPS1) and Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively, 51% with the yeast enzyme, and 44% identity with those from rat and human. The overexpressed protein, which was purified to near homogeneity, displayed both dimethylallyl transferase and geranyl transferase activities. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the purified protein immunorecognized a ca 39-kDa protein in lupin root extracts.

Yeast protein geranylgeranyltransferase type-I: overproduction, purification, and characterization

Protein geranylgeranyltransferase type-I (PGGTase-I) catalyzes alkylation of the cysteine residue in proteins containing a consensus C-terminal CaaX sequence ending in leucine by the C20 hydrocarbon moiety in geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes encoding the alpha (RAM2) and beta (CDC43) subunits of PGGTase-I were translationally coupled by overlapping the RAM2-CDC43 stop-start codons and by locating a ribosome-binding site near the 3' end of RAM2. Recombinant PGGTase-I was overproduced in Escherichia coli to give approximately 8% of total cellular protein and purified 12-fold to > 95% homogeneity in two steps by ion-exchange and immunoaffinity chromatography. The purified heterodimer contained alpha- and beta-subunits with molecular masses of 34 and 42 kDa, respectively. A continuous fluorescence assay was developed to measure PGGTase-I activity. The recombinant enzyme showed maximal activity at pH 7.5 and required both Mg2+ and Zn2+. Michaelis constants for GGPP (1.0 microM) and dansyl-Gly-Cys-Ile-Ile-Leu (2.4 microM) were similar to those reported for yeast protein farnesyltransferase (PFTase) with farnesyl diphosphate and dansyl-Gly-Cys-Val-Ile-Ala; Vmax = 0.20 mumol min-1 mg-1 for recombinant yeast PGGTase-I was similar to that reported for yeast PFTase.

Functional characterization of Ost3p. Loss of the 34-kD subunit of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae oligosaccharyltransferase results in biased underglycosylation of acceptor substrates

Within the lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, oligosaccharyltransferase catalyzes the en bloc transfer of a high mannose oligosaccharide moiety from the lipid-linked oligosaccharide donor to asparagine acceptor sites in nascent polypeptides. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae oligosaccharyltransferase was purified as a heteroligomeric complex consisting of six subunits (alpha-zeta) having apparent molecular masses of 64 kD (Ost1p), 45 kD (Wbp1p), 34 kD, 30 kD (Swp1p), 16 kD, and 9 kD. Here we report a structural and functional characterization of Ost3p which corresponds to the 34-kD gamma-subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase. Unlike Ost1p, Wbp1p, and Swp1p, expression of Ost3p is not essential for viability of yeast. Instead, ost3 null mutant yeast grow at wild-type rates on solid or in liquid media irrespective of culture temperature. Nonetheless, detergent extracts prepared from ost3 null mutant membranes are twofold less active than extracts prepared from wild-type membranes in an in vitro oligosaccharyltransferase assay. Furthermore, loss of Ost3p is accompanied by significant underglycosylation of soluble and membrane-bound glycoproteins in vivo. Compared to the previously characterized ost1-1 mutant in the oligosaccharyltransferase, and the alg5 mutant in the oligosaccharide assembly pathway, ost3 null mutant yeast appear to be selectively impaired in the glycosylation of several membrane glycoproteins. The latter observation suggests that Ost3p may enhance oligosaccharide transfer in vivo to a subset of acceptor substrates.

Cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of 2'-deoxyuridylate hydroxymethylase from phage SPO1

2'-Deoxyuridylate hydroxymethylase (dUMP-hmase) from phage SPO1 has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. In crude extracts, the enzyme represents about 25% of the soluble protein and has a higher specific activity than the most purified preparation yet reported. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by ion-exchange and hydrophobic chromatography. The subunits of dUMP-hmase are 45 kDa by SDS-PAGE and form dimers with a molecular mass of 89.2 kDa by analytical centrifugation. In addition to the normal reaction, dUMP-hmase catalyzes the 5,10-methylene-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate (CH2H4folate)-independent tritium exchange of [5-3H]dUMP for protons of water and dehalogenation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine-5'-monophosphate; the enzyme also forms a covalent binary adduct with pyridoxal 5'-monophosphate and a covalent ternary complex with 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate and CH2H4folate. Folic acid inhibits the tritium release catalyzed by dUMP-hmase in the presence of cofactor but has no effect on the catalysis of cofactor-independent tritium exchange.

Metal ion dependence of oligosaccharyl transferase: implications for catalysis

Oligosaccharyl transferase activity exhibits an absolute requirement for certain divalent metal cations. Studies with reconstituted enzyme suggest a preference for metal ions that can adopt an octahedral coordination geometry. In order to gain insight into the specific role of the metal cation in catalysis, we have investigated the influence of the metal cofactor on catalytic turnover of the tripeptide substrate Bz-Asn-Leu-Thr-NHMe (1) and a closely related sulfur-containing analog, Bz-Asn(gamma S)-Leu-Thr-NHMe (2). The metal ion substitution studies reveal that 1 is effectively turned over in the presence of several metal ions (Mn2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+). In contrast, 2 is only glycosylated in the presence of the thiophilic metal cations manganese and iron. When the enzyme is reconstituted with the oxophilic cations magnesium and calcium, 2 shows minimal substrate behavior. With the amide substrate 1, the distinct preference for manganese over magnesium may argue against direct coordination of the metal to the lipid-linked substrate pyrophosphate moiety. This fact, together with the comparative studies with asparagine- and thioasparagine-containing tripeptides, implicates the metal cofactor in a role that places it proximal to the peptide binding site.

Human oligosaccharyltransferase: isolation, characterization, and the complete amino acid sequence of 50-kDa subunit

Oligosaccharyltransferase (OT) catalyzes the glycosylation of asparagine residues in nascent polypeptides in the endoplasmic reticulum. In a previous communication we reported the purification and characterization of this enzyme from chicken oviduct. Here we describe the purification and sequence analysis of OT from human liver microsomes. Oligosaccharyltransferase copurified with three proteins designated 50-kDa, 65-I and 65-II based on their molecular weights by gel electrophoresis. The N-terminal sequence of the 50-kDa component was homologous to the 50-kDa subunit of avian OT. The N-terminal sequences of 65-I and 65-II were identical to the primary structures of human ribophorins I and II, respectively, predicted by cDNA sequencing. The complete amino acid sequence of the 50-kDa subunit of human OT was determined by chemical sequencing of peptides isolated from chemical and enzymatic digests. The 50-kDa subunit of human OT is 98% identical to its canine homolog, 93% identical to its avian homolog, and 25% identical to the beta subunit of yeast OT. These data indicate that structural features of oligosaccharyltransferase are conserved in all eukaryotes.

Purification and characterization of hepatic oligosaccharyltransferase

Oligosaccharyltransferase transfers a preformed oligosaccharide from a dolichol carrier molecule to specific asparaginyl residues of proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. We have isolated a protein complex with this activity from chicken liver microsomes with 850 fold purification. The purification procedure involved removal of peripheral and lumenal proteins, solubilization of the membranes by non-ionic detergent and glycerol gradient centrifugation. The complex was purified further by ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis of the final preparation revealed 3 major protein bands, two bands with an approximate molecular weight of 65-kDa and one band of approximately 50-kDa. Endoglycosidase H digestion of the purified subunits indicated the presence of carbohydrate on the 65-I subunit. No carbohydrate was detected in the 65-II subunit or the 50-kDa subunit. Amino acid sequence analysis of the intact protein subunits and internal peptides generated by cynogen bromide digestion, identified the 65-kDa subunits as ribophorin I and II. The 50-kDa subunit has 25% homology with a yeast membrane protein (Wbplp) which is essential for oligosaccharyltransferase activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Formylmethanofuran:tetrahydromethanopterin formyltransferase (Ftr) from the hyperthermophilic Methanopyrus kandleri. Cloning, sequencing and functional expression of the ftr gene and one-step purification of the enzyme overproduced in Escherichia coli

Methanopyrus kandleri is a methanogenic Archaeon that grows on H2 and CO2 at a temperature optimum of 98 degrees C. The gene ftr encoding the formylmethanofuran:tetrahydromethanopterin formyltransferase, an enzyme involved in CO2 reduction to methane, has been cloned, sequenced, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The overproduced enzyme could be purified in yields above 90% by simply heating the cell extract to 90 degrees C in 1.5 M K2HPO4 pH 8.0 for 30 min. From 1 g wet cells (70 mg protein) approximately 14 mg formyltransferase was obtained. The purified enzyme showed essentially the same catalytic properties as that purified from M. kandleri cells. The primary structure and properties of the formyltransferase are compared with those of the enzyme from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (growth temperature optimum 65 degrees C) and Methanothermus fervidus (83 degrees C). Of the three enzymes that from M. kandleri had the lowest isoelectric point (4.2) and the lowest hydrophobicity of the amino acid composition. The enzyme from M. kandleri had the relatively highest content in alanine, glutamate and glutamine and the relatively lowest content in isoleucine, leucine and lysine. These properties, some of which are unusual for enzymes from other hyperthermophilic organisms, may reflect that the formyltransferase from M. kandleri is adapted to both hyperthermophilic and halophilic conditions.

Characterization of aspen isoprene synthase, an enzyme responsible for leaf isoprene emission to the atmosphere

Isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) is a volatile hydrocarbon emitted from many plant species to the atmosphere, where it plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry. An enzyme extracted from aspen (Populus tremuloides) leaves was previously found to catalyze the Mg(2+)-dependent elimination of pyrophosphate from dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) to form isoprene (Silver, G. M., and Fall, R. (1991) Plant Physiol. 97, 1588-1591). This enzyme, isoprene synthase, has now been purified 4000-fold to near homogeneity. The enzyme had a native molecular mass of 98-137 kDa and isoelectric point of 4.7 and contained 58- and 62-kDa subunits, implying that it is a heterodimer. Partial amino acid sequences of the two subunits indicated they are closely related to each other and that they do not share a strong homology with any other reported proteins. The isoprene synthase reaction was dependent on Mg2+ or Mn2+, and the reaction products were shown to be isoprene and pyrophosphate with a stoichiometry close to 1:1. The Km for DMAPP was high at 8 mM, and the kcat of 1.7 s-1 was low, but similar to those of other allylic diphosphate-utilizing enzymes. It is argued that the isoprene synthase reaction may be much more efficient in vivo, where it is under light-dependent control. It seems probable that this unique enzyme, rather than non-enzymatic reactions, can account for the emission of hundreds of millions of metric tons of isoprene from plants to the global atmosphere each year.

Oligosaccharyl transferase is a constitutive component of an oligomeric protein complex from pig liver endoplasmic reticulum

Oligosaccharyl transferase (OST), an intrinsic component of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, catalyses the N-glycosylation of specific asparagine residues in nascent polypeptide chains. We have purified the enzyme from crude pig liver microsomes by a procedure involving salt/detergent extraction, concanavalin-A precipitation, S-Sepharose, MonoP and concanavalin-A-Sepharose chromatographies. A highly purified OST preparation exerting catalytic activity, contained two protein subunits of 48 kDa and 66 kDa, from which the 66-kDa species was identified by immunoblotting as ribophorin I. The function of ribophorin I in this dimeric protein complex is unknown. The high degree of similarity between its transmembrane region and a putative dolichol-recognition consensus sequence suggests that ribophorin I could be involved in glycolipid binding and delivery. Several lines of evidence indicate that the catalytically active 48-kDa/66-kDa polypeptides are associated in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane with other proteins, including ribophorin II and a 40-kDa glycoprotein. The implication of ribophorins I and II in the translocation machinery and their apparent association with the OST activity point to a close relationship between polypeptide synthesis, translocation and N-glycosylation, both spacially and temporally. Kinetic studies with the MonoP-purified oligosaccharyl transferase showed that the enzyme transfers dolichyl-diphosphate-linked GlcNAc2 to synthetic tripeptides and hexapeptides, containing the Asn-Xaa-Thr motif, at a comparable rate. The glycosylation reaction was found to have a pH optimum close to 7 and to require divalent metal ions, with Mn2+ being most effective. Substitution of threonine in the N-glycosylation motif by serine impairs its function as an acceptor, measured by Vmax/Km, by approximately 17-fold, consisting of a 7.3-fold increase in Km and a 2.3-fold decrease in Vmax. This indicates that the side chain structure of the hydroxyamino acid influences both binding and catalysis, consistent with previous studies highlighting its participation in the catalytic mechanism of transglycosylation. The Km values of peptide acceptors improved significantly when dolichyl-phosphate-bound oligosaccharides were used instead of lipid-linked GlcNAc2 as the glycosyl donor. We conclude from this observation that the sugar residues on the outer branches of the glycolipid donor induce conformational changes in the active site of the oligosaccharyl transferase, thus influencing the association constant of the peptide substrate.

Strictosidine synthase from Catharanthus roseus: purification and characterization of multiple forms

Multiple (six) forms of strictosidine synthase from Catharanthus roseus cell suspension cultures were purified and characterized. A purification protocol is presented composed of hydrophobic-interaction, gel-permeation and ion-exchange chromatography and chromatofocusing. Four of six isoforms were purified to apparent homogeneity, whereas two others were nearly homogeneous. All strictosidine synthase isoforms were found to be glycoproteins. The isoforms were also found in leaves and roots of the plant, in seedlings and in hairy root cultures. The ratio of the different isoforms differed slightly between these sources. The kinetic parameters of the isoforms showed no significant differences. The maximal velocity (300-400 nkat/mg of protein) is the highest reported so far. It was demonstrated that the apparent Michaelis constant for tryptamine (approx. 9 microM) is much lower than values reported previously. The presence of weak product inhibition (Kp approx. 35 times Km) was established, whereas substrate inhibition was not detected.

Purification and initial characterization of the ATP:corrinoid adenosyltransferase encoded by the cobA gene of Salmonella typhimurium

The cobA gene of Salmonella typhimurium and its product were overexpressed to approximately 20% of the total cell protein. CobA was purified to 98% homogeneity; N-terminal sequence analysis (21 residues) of homogeneous protein confirmed the predicted amino acid sequence. ATP:corrinoid adenosyltransferase activity was demonstrated in vitro to be associated with CobA. This activity was optimal at pH 8 and 37 degrees C. A quantitative preference was determined for Mn(II) cations and ATP. The apparent Km of CobA for ATP was 2.8 microM, and that for cob(I)alamin was 5.2 microM. Vmax was measured at 0.43 nmol/min. Cobinamide served as the substrate for CobA to yield adenosylcobinamide. Activity was stable at 4 degrees C for several weeks but was lost rapidly at room temperature (50% overnight). Dithiothreitol was required to maintain the enzymatic activity of CobA.

Mutagenesis and biochemical analysis of recombinant yeast prenyltransferases

The use of the S. cerevisiae protein prenyltransferases as a model system for general prenyltransferase study is justified by the similarity of mechanism, substrate specificity, and evolutionarily conserved substrates with the mammalian prenyltransferases. Genetic identification of potential structural genes involved in prenyltransferase activity can be easily confirmed with biochemical assays using recombinant enzyme reconstitution. Yeast FTase and GGTase I produced in E. coli are indistinguishable from the native proteins and can be studied without interference from contaminating cellular protein prenyltransferases. Structure-function analysis of the yeast prenyltransferase subunits is also simplified by the rapidity with which mutant enzymes can be analyzed in E. coli and their biological activity characterized in yeast defective for the particular subunit gene.

Purification and properties of geranylgeranyl-diphosphate synthase from bovine brain

Geranylgeranyl-diphosphate synthase was purified to homogeneity from bovine brain in a one-step procedure employing an affinity column. For the construction of the affinity column, a farnesyl diphosphate analog, O-(6-amino-1-hexyl)-P-farnesylmethyl phosphonophosphate, was synthesized and linked to the spacer of the matrix of Affi-Gel 10 via the amino group. The native enzyme appeared to be a homooligomer (150-195 kDa) with a molecular mass of the monomer of 37.5 kDa. The pI for the enzyme was 6.2. The Km values for dimethylallyl diphosphate, geranyl diphosphate, and farnesyl diphosphate were estimated to be 33, 0.80, and 0.74 microM, respectively. The Km value for isopentenyl diphosphate in the reaction with isopentenyl diphosphate and farnesyl diphosphate was 2 microM. The reaction velocities for the formation of geranylgeranyl diphosphate from dimethylallyl diphosphate, geranyl diphosphate, and farnesyl diphosphate were in the ratio of 0.004:0.145:1. The intermediate farnesyl diphosphate was formed in the reaction with geranyl diphosphate as an allylic primer. Geranylgeranyl diphosphate acted as a competitive inhibitor against farnesyl diphosphate with an approximate Ki value of 1.2 microM in the condensation reaction of farnesyl diphosphate with isopentenyl diphosphate. Farnesyl-diphosphate synthase catalyzing the formation of farnesyl diphosphate from dimethylallyl diphosphate and isopentenyl diphosphate was also purified to homogeneity from the same organ by similar affinity chromatography using a geranyl diphosphate analog, O-(6-amino-1-hexyl)-P-geranylmethyl phosphonophosphate, as a ligand. This enzyme was a homodimer with a monomeric molecular mass of 40.0 kDa. These results indicate that geranylgeranyl diphosphate, a lipid precursor for the biosynthesis of a majority of prenylated proteins, is synthesized from dimethylallyl diphosphate and isopentenyl diphosphate by the action of farnesyl-diphosphate synthase catalyzing the reaction of C5-->C15, followed by the action of geranylgeranyl-diphosphate synthase catalyzing a single reaction of C15-->C20, and that geranylgeranyl diphosphate can down-regulate its own synthesis through the inhibition of the geranylgeranyldiphosphate synthase action.

Enzymatic synthesis of isotopically labeled isoprenoid diphosphates

Recombinant yeast isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) isomerase and avian farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase from overproducing strains of Escherichia coli were used to synthesize FPP from IPP and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). [2,4,5-13C3]IPP and [2,4,5-13C3]DMAPP were synthesized from ethyl [2-13C]bromoacetate and [1,3-13C2]acetone. Thes compounds were used as substrates for enzymatic synthesis of FPP selectivity labeled at the first or third isoprene residue or at all three.

Farnesyltransferase inhibition causes morphological reversion of ras-transformed cells by a complex mechanism that involves regulation of the actin cytoskeleton

A potent and specific small molecule inhibitor of farnesyl-protein transferase, L-739,749, caused rapid morphological reversion and growth inhibition of ras-transformed fibroblasts (Rat1/ras cells). Morphological reversion occurred within 18 h of L-739,749 addition. The reverted phenotype was stable for several days in the absence of inhibitor before the transformed phenotype reappeared. Cell enlargement and actin stress fiber formation accompanied treatment of both Rat1/ras and normal Rat1 cells. Significantly, inhibition of Ras processing did not correlate with the initiation or maintenance of the reverted phenotype. While a single treatment with L-739,749 was sufficient to morphologically revert Rat1/ras cells, repetitive inhibitor treatment was required to significantly reduce cell growth rate. Thus, the effects of L-739,749 on transformed cell morphology and cytoskeletal actin organization could be separated from effects on cell growth, depending on whether exposure to a farnesyl-protein transferase inhibitor was transient or repetitive. In contrast, L-739,749 had no effect on the growth, morphology, or actin organization of v-raf-transformed cells. Taken together, the results suggest that the mechanism of morphological reversion is complex and may involve farnesylated proteins that control the organization of cytoskeletal actin.

Microassay for oligosaccharyltransferase: separation of reaction components by partitioning in detergent solution followed by ultrafiltration

Oligosaccharyltransferase catalyzes the transfer of oligosaccharide from a lipid dolichol to asparagine acceptor sites on nascent polypeptides. We have developed an assay for this enzyme which is based on the specific distribution of the substrate and product of the reaction in detergent solution. GlcNAc-[3H]GlcNAc-PP-Dol was synthesized for use as a carbohydrate donor. Benzoyl-Asn-Leu-Thr-amide, a commercially available peptide, was used as the oligosaccharyltransferase glycan acceptor substrate. In the presence of Triton X-100, GlcNAc-[3H]GlcNAc-PP-Dol partitions into detergent micelles while glycosylated acceptor peptide partitions into the intermicellar aqueous compartment. Separation of GlcNAc-[3H]GlcNAc-PP-Dol and glycopeptide was achieved by ultrafiltration. With this method oligosaccharyltransferase activity in microsomal preparations could be measured with as little as 1 microgram of protein.

The N-oligosaccharyltransferase complex from yeast

N-Oligosaccharyltransferase catalyzes the N-glycosylation of asparagine residues of nascent polypeptide chains in the endoplasmic reticulum, a pathway highly conserved in all eukaryotes. An enzymatically active complex was isolated from microsomal membranes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is composed of four proteins: Wbp1p and Swp1p (previously found to be encoded by two essential genes necessary for N-glycosylation in vivo and in vitro) and two additional proteins with a molecular mass of 60/62 kDa and 34 kDa. The 60/62 component represents differentially glycosylated forms of a protein that has sequence homology to ribophorin I. Wbp1p and Swp1p reveal homology to mammalian OST 48 and ribophorin II, respectively. Ribophorin I and II and OST 48 were recently shown to be constituents of the mammalian transferase from dog pancreas. The data reveal a high conservation of the organization of this enzyme activity.

Purification and characterization of avian oligosaccharyltransferase. Complete amino acid sequence of the 50-kDa subunit

We have purified oligosaccharyltransferase from hen oviduct microsomes some 850-fold. Oligosaccharyltransferase activity copurified with a 200-kDa complex consisting of two 65-kDa polypeptides and a 50-kDa polypeptide. N-terminal sequence analysis indicated that the 50-kDa subunit was the avian form of OST48, a canine pancreatic microsomal protein associated with oligosaccharyltransferase. As the first step toward reconstitution of the oligosaccharyltransferase complex, the 50-kDa subunit was purified to homogeneity under nondenaturing conditions. The complete amino acid sequence of the 50-kDa subunit was determined by sequence analysis of peptides isolated by a combination of gel filtration and high performance liquid chromatography from chemical and enzymatic digests. The protein consists of 412 residues in a single polypeptide chain. The amino acid sequence of the 50-kDa subunit of avian oligosaccharyltransferase is 92% identical to the sequence of canine OST48 protein and about 25% identical to WBP1 protein from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast WBP1 protein has been shown in vitro, as well as in vivo, to be essential for the oligosaccharyltransferase activity.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae oligosaccharyltransferase is a protein complex composed of Wbp1p, Swp1p, and four additional polypeptides

Asparagine-linked glycosylation of proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum is catalyzed by the oligosaccharyltransferase. Previously, the mammalian oligosaccharyltransferase was shown to co-purify with a protein complex consisting of three integral membrane proteins: ribophorin I and ribophorin II and a nonglycosylated 48-kDa polypeptide designated OST48. Here, we describe the purification of the oligosaccharyltransferase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast oligosaccharyltransferase complex is composed of six subunits (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, and zeta). The alpha subunit of the yeast oligosaccharyltransferase complex is a heterogeneously glycosylated protein with three glycoforms of 64, 62, and 60 kDa that contain, respectively, four, three, and two asparagine-linked oligosaccharide chains. The beta and delta subunits were shown to correspond to the 45-kDa Wbp1 glycoprotein and the 30-kDa Swp1 protein, respectively. The Wbp1 and Swp1 proteins were previously shown to be essential for asparagine-linked glycosylation in vivo. The nonglycosylated gamma, epsilon, and zeta subunits have apparent molecular masses of 34, 16, and 9 kDa. Homology between the yeast and mammalian oligosaccharyltransferase complexes first became evident when the 48-kDa subunit of the mammalian enzyme was found to be 25% identical in sequence with the Wbp1 protein. Here we present an alignment between the Swp1 protein and the carboxyl-terminal half of human ribophorin II that reveals that these two proteins are related gene products.

A novel prenyltransferase, farnesylgeranyl diphosphate synthase, from the haloalkaliphilic archaeon, Natronobacterium pharaonis

A novel prenyltransferase, farnesylgeranyl diphosphate (FGPP) synthase (EC 2.5.1.X), which synthesizes C25-prenyl diphosphate, was found in the haloalkaliphilic archaeon Natronobacterium pharaonis. It was separated from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) synthase (EC 2.5.1.29), which synthesizes C20-prenyl diphosphate, a major prenyltransferase in this organism. The highest activity of FGPP synthase was observed when GGPP was used as the allylic substrate. FGPP synthase may synthesize a precursor for the C25 moiety of C20, C25 diether lipids using a longer allylic diphosphate, such as GGPP synthesized by GGPP synthase, rather than dimethylallyl diphosphate, which is the product of isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase.

cDNA cloning and expression of rat and human protein geranylgeranyltransferase type-I

Protein geranylgeranyltransferase type-I (GGTase-I) transfers a geranylgeranyl group to the cysteine residue of candidate proteins containing a carboxyl-terminal CAAX (C, cysteine; A, aliphatic amino acid; X, any amino acid) motif in which the "X" residue is leucine. The enzyme is composed of a 48-kilodalton alpha subunit and a 43-kilodalton beta subunit. Peptides isolated from the alpha subunit of GGTase-I were shown to be identical with the alpha subunit of a related enzyme, protein farnesyltransferase. Overlapping cDNA clones containing the complete coding sequence for the beta subunit of GGTase-I were obtained from rat and human cDNA libraries. The cDNA clones from both species each predicted a protein of 377 amino acids with molecular masses of 42.4 kilodaltons (human) and 42.5 kilodaltons (rat). Amino acid sequence comparison suggests that the protein encoded by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene CDC43 is the yeast counterpart of the mammalian GGTase-I beta subunit. Co-expression of the GGTase-I beta subunit cDNA together with the alpha subunit of protein farnesyltransferase in Escherichia coli produced recombinant GGTase-I with electrophoretic and enzymatic properties indistinguishable from native GGTase-I.

Heterologous expression of the plant proteins strictosidine synthase and berberine bridge enzyme in insect cell culture

The heterologous expression of cDNAs encoding the alkaloid biosynthetic enzymes, strictosidine synthase [EC 4.3.3.2] from Rauvolfia serpentina and the berberine bridge enzyme [(S)-reticuline: oxygen oxidoreductase (methylene-bridge-forming), EC 1.5.3.9] from Eschscholtzia californica, has been achieved in a cell culture (Sf9) of the fall army worm, Spodoptera frugiperda, using a baculovirus-based expression system. The expression resulted in the overproduction of each plant enzyme in a catalytically active form. The maximal production attained was 4 mg purified, active enzyme per litre cell culture for both the strictosidine synthase and berberine bridge enzymes.

Evidence that the reaction of the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 1-carboxyvinyltransferase proceeds through the O-phosphothioketal of pyruvic acid bound to Cys115 of the enzyme

The enzyme UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 1-carboxyvinyltransferase (enolpyruvyltransferase, EC 2.5.1.7) catalyses the transfer of the intact 1-carboxyvinyl moiety of phosphoenolpyruvate to the 3'-hydroxyl group of the glucosamine moiety of UDP-(2')-N-acetylglucosamine with the concomitant release of inorganic phosphate, the first committed step in the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan. Overexpression of the enzyme from Enterobacter cloacae in Escherichia coli allowed the isolation of large amounts of purified enzyme (approx. 900 mg/20 g fresh mass bacteria). By incubating the enzyme with 14C-labelled phosphoenolpyruvate, 32P-labelled orthophosphate and unlabelled UDP-(2')-N-acetyl-(3')-1-carboxyvinylglucosamine, we were able to isolate and characterise a reaction intermediate, covalently bound to the protein. It contains stoichiometric quantities of the C3 moiety (0.98 mol/mol) as well as of the phosphate moiety (0.95 mol/mol) of phosphoenolpyruvate relative to protein. The rapid turnover of this protein-bound intermediate in the presence of UDP-(2')-N-acetylglucosamine towards the product UDP-(2')-N-acetyl-(3')-1-carboxyvinylglucosamine suggests that the intermediate is kinetically competent. We also present evidence that the intermediate is bound as the O-phosphothioketal of pyruvic acid to Cys115 of the enzyme. This is the same Cys residue to which phosphomycin, an irreversible inhibitor of the UDP-GlcNAc carboxyvinyltransferase, binds covalently. Exchange of Cys115 for a Ser residue resulted in an inactive enzyme, demonstrating the essential role of Cys115 for the reaction. The only other enzyme known to catalyse the transfer of the intact 1-carboxyvinyl moiety of phosphoenolpyruvate to a substrate is the 3-phosphoshikimate 1-carboxyvinyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.19), the sixth enzyme of the shikimate pathway. The reaction of this synthase is known to proceed through a single, tightly but not covalently bound, tetrahedral intermediate. Even though the two enzymes share similarities in their primary amino acid sequences, their reaction mechanisms appear to be substantially different.

Over-expression of the yeast multifunctional arom protein

The pentafunctional arom protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is encoded by the ARO1 gene. Substantial elevation of the levels of the arom protein (25-fold) was achieved in yeast using a vector that exploited the ubiquitin-fusion cleavage system of yeast. However, attempts to express the N-terminal 3-dehydroquinate synthase domain (E1) or the internal 3-dehydroquinase domain (E2) using the same system did not succeed. The yeast arom protein was successfully purified from the over-expressing transformant, and was found to possess all five enzymatic activities in a ratio similar to that observed in crude cell extracts. The purified material consisted mainly of a polypeptide that co-migrated in SDS-PAGE with intact arom proteins from other species.

Characterization of the 3-dehydroquinase domain of the pentafunctional AROM protein, and the quinate dehydrogenase from Aspergillus nidulans, and the overproduction of the type II 3-dehydroquinase from neurospora crassa

The AROM protein of Aspergillus nidulans is a multidomain pentafunctional polypeptide that is active as a dimer and catalyses steps 2-6 in the prechorismate section of the shikimate pathway. The three C-terminal domains (including the type I 3-dehydroquinase) of the AROM protein are homologous with the qutR-encoded QUTR protein that represses transcription of the eight genes comprising the quinic acid utilization (qut) gene cluster, and the two N-terminal domains are homologous with the qutA-encoded QUTA protein that transcribes the qut genes. As part of a larger research programme designed to compare the structures of the three proteins and to probe the domain structure and interaction within each protein, we have overproduced and purified the 3-dehydroquinase domain of the AROM protein. Additionally we have overproduced and purified the qutB-encoded quinate dehydrogenase and overproduced the qa-2 encoded type II 3-dehydroquinase of Neurospora crassa. We report that the AROM 3-dehydroquinase domain has a monomeric native state, with an apparent kcat./Km ratio that is approx. 160-fold lower than the value for the native N. crassa AROM protein. The AROM protein 3-dehydroquinase domain is sensitive to inactivation by borohydride in the presence of the substrate 3-dehydroquinate, confirming that it is a typical type I 3-dehydroquinase. The purified quinate dehydrogenase is bifunctional, being able to metabolize shikimate as a substrate. The apparent Km values for quinate (450 microM), shikimate (1.7 mM) and NAD+ (150 microM) are all similar to values reported for the qa-3-encoded enzyme from N. crassa.

(S)-geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthase. Purification and characterization of the first pathway-specific enzyme in archaebacterial membrane lipid biosynthesis

The first pathway-specific step in the biosynthesis of the core membrane diether lipids in archaebacteria is the alkylation of the primary hydroxyl group in (S)-glyceryl phosphate by geranylgeranyl diphosphate. The reaction is catalyzed by (S)-3-O-geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate ((S)-GGGP) synthase. The cytosolic enzyme was purified to homogeneity from the moderately thermophilic archaebacterium Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, four chromatographic steps (DE52, Q-Sepharose, phenyl-Superose, and Protein Pak), and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of gel-purified GGGP synthase gave a single band at 29 kDa. The enzyme requires Mg2+ for optimal activity, although prenyltransfer is also seen in buffers containing Mn2+ or Zn2+. A well defined pH optimum occurs between 6.0 and 7.5. Maximal activity is seen at 50-65 degrees C. The Michaelis constants for GGGP synthase are Vmax = 4.1 +/- 0.5 mumol min-1 mg-1, KMGGPP = 4.1 +/- 1.1 microM, and KMGP = 41 +/- 5 microM.

Ether lipid synthesis: purification and identification of alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase from guinea-pig liver

Alkyl-dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase, the second enzyme involved in ether phospholipid biosynthesis from dihydroxyacetone phosphate and responsible for glycero-ether bond formation, has been purified from guinea-pig liver. Alkyl-dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase was solubilized from a membrane fraction prepared from an enriched peroxisome fraction with Triton X-100 and potassium chloride. The solubilized enzyme was further purified by chromatography on QAE-Sephadex, Matrex Red, Phosphocellulose and Concanavalin A. Upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis alkyl-dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase appears as a 65 kDa band. Chromatofocusing revealed an isoelectric point of pH 5.9 for the enzyme. The pH optimum of alkyl-dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase was found to be between pH 7 and 8 in a 50 mM potassium phosphate buffer. The specific activity of the enzyme was estimated to be at least 350 nmol.min-1.mg-1, corresponding to a purification of at least 13,000-fold.

Purification and enzymatic characterization of the geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase from Erwinia uredovora after expression in Escherichia coli

Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthase from Erwinia uredovora was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity from solubilized inclusion bodies. In this protein the first 13 N-terminal amino acids were replaced by 16 other amino acids resulting from the cloning vector pUC18. Nevertheless, the enzyme showed activity after purification which could be stimulated sixfold by appropriate activation conditions. The homogeneous enzyme was used to study substrate and product specificity as well as to determine Km values for isopentenyl pyrophosphate, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP), and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). Reaction rates and Km values indicate that FPP and GPP are the genuine allylic substrates for GGPP synthase, but not DMAPP. Independent of the allylic substrate employed, GGPP was the only reaction product of the enzymatic reaction.

Purification and characterization of the recombinant 5 S subunit of transcarboxylase from Escherichia coli

Transcarboxylase from Propionibacterium shermanii is a biotin-containing enzyme which catalyzes the reversible transfer of a carboxyl group from methylmalonyl-CoA to pyruvate. It is composed of a central, hexameric 12 S subunit, 6 outer dimeric 5 S subunits which are held in a complex by 12 1.3 S biotinyl subunits. The transcarboxylase reaction requires two partial reactions, one of which is specific to 5 S. The cloning and expression of each of these subunits in Escherichia coli have been reported. We have designed a method for the purification of the 5 S subunit from an E. coli expression system. Protein purified to homogeneity by this method was shown to be active in the 5 S partial reaction, but unable to catalyze the overall transcarboxylase reaction. This protein was characterized as to its ability to form stable dimers, associate with the 1.3 S subunit in stable complexes referred to as 6 S, and assemble whole TC. The latter activity was shown to be lacking. The purified protein has a native molecular weight of 120 kDa and a subunit molecular weight of 60 kDa, consistent with the 5 S dimer. Plasma emission analysis of the metal content of the recombinant protein demonstrated the presence of both Co and Zn, comparable to the authentic protein. Fluorescence analysis verified the ability of the purified protein to bind substrates and 1.3 S subunits appropriately. Sequencing of the amino terminus and determination of the amino acid composition of the recombinant protein relative to that of the authentic subunit further verified the identity of the purified protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Protein farnesyltransferase: production in Escherichia coli and immunoaffinity purification of the heterodimer from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Protein farnesylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is mediated by a heterodimeric enzyme, protein farnesyltransferase (PFTase), encoded by the genes RAM1 and RAM2. A series of plasmids for the expression of RAM1 and RAM2 in Escherichia coli was prepared and evaluated. Maximal production of functional PFTase was seen in strains containing a multicopy plasmid with a synthetic operon in which the RAM1 and RAM2 structural genes were translationally coupled by overlapping TAATG stop-start codons and by locating a ribosome-binding site near the 3' end of the upstream gene. This was accomplished by an insertional mutation at the 3'-end of RAM1 that embedded an AGGAGGAG sequence within codons for the tetrapeptide, QEEF, added to the end of the Ram1 protein. The QEEF C-terminal motif in the Ram1 subunit of PFTase facilitated purification of the enzyme by immunoaffinity chromatography on an anti-alpha-tubulin column prepared using monoclonal antibodies that recognized a tripeptide EEF epitope. Heterodimeric recombinant yeast PFTase::QEEF (re-PFTase::QEEF) constituted approximately 4% of total soluble protein in induced cells and was readily purified 25-fold in two steps by ion exchange and immunoaffinity chromatography in an overall 25% yield. Michaelis constants for farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) and Hras protein (modified to contain a yeast a-mating factor PACVIA sequence at the C terminus) were 5.5 and 15 microM, respectively; the kcat was 0.7 s-1.

Copurification of hydroxyethylthiazole kinase and thiamine-phosphate pyrophosphorylase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: characterization of hydroxyethylthiazole kinase as a bifunctional enzyme in the thiamine biosynthetic pathway

Mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae resistant to 2-amino-4-methyl-5-beta-hydroxyethylthiazole, an antimetabolite of 4-methyl-5-beta-hydroxyethylthiazole (hydroxyethylthiazole), which are deficient in the activities of both hydroxyethylthiazole kinase and thiamine-phosphate pyrophosphorylase, involved in the pathway of de novo synthesis of thiamine in S. cerevisiae, have been isolated. Genetic analysis revealed that the mutation occurs at a single gene in the nucleus. The two enzyme activities were copurified to apparent homogeneity, and the molecular masses of the purified proteins were found to be approximately 470 and 60 kDa, as determined by gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. Hydroxyethylthiazole kinase was specific for ATP and Mg2+, although to a lesser extent a combination with other nucleoside triphosphates or divalent cations could replace them. p-Chloromercuribenzoate was a potent inhibitor of the enzyme, and the inhibition was prevented by the addition of 2-mercaptoethanol. These findings indicate that yeast hydroxyethylthiazole kinase is a bifunctional enzyme with thiamine-phosphate pyrophosphorylase activity, which is an octamer of identical 60-kDa subunits.

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase catalyzing the single condensation between isopentenyl diphosphate and farnesyl diphosphate

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase was purified 191-fold from bovine brain by Mono Q column chromatography followed by preparative isoelectric focusing electrophoresis and Superose 12 gel filtration. The synthase had a pI value at 6.0, and it was made free of farnesyl diphosphate synthase, the pI of which was 5.1. The partially purified enzyme catalyzed the formation of geranylgeranyl diphosphate from isopentenyl diphosphate and farnesyl diphosphate with the Km values for isopentenyl diphosphate and farnesyl diphosphate being 14 and 0.8 microM, respectively. Dimethylallyl diphosphate and geranyl diphosphate were poor substrates with velocities of only 0.003 and 0.03, respectively, relative to that of farnesyl diphosphate. These results indicate that geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase catalyzes a single condensation between isopentenyl diphosphate and farnesyl diphosphate and that farnesyl diphosphate is the common intermediate at the branch point for the synthesis of geranylgeranylated proteins as well as cholesterol, ubiquinone, dolichol, and farnesylated proteins. The enzyme required Mg2+ or Mn2+ for maximum activity. Octylglucoside showed a stimulatory effect on the enzyme activity.

Purification and characterization of homospermidine synthase in Acinetobacter tartarogenes ATCC 31105

Homospermidine synthase, catalyzing the formation of homospermidine [H2N(CH2)4NH-(CH2)4NH2] from putrescine and NAD+ with concomitant liberation of NH3, was purified 600-fold over the crude extract with a yield of about 14% to homogeneity from Acinetobacter tartarogenes ATCC 31105. The enzyme had a native molecular mass of 102 kDa, with a pI of 5.0, and was apparently composed of two identical subunits (52 kDa), suggesting that a single protein catalyzes two serial reactions, oxidation of putrescine to 4-aminobutyraldehyde and subsequent reduction of the putative Schiff base formed between this aldehyde and a second molecule of putrescine to homospermidine. The Km values for putrescine and NAD+ were 280 and 18 microM, respectively. 1,3-Diaminopropane and cadaverine were inactive as substrates, and NAD+ could not be replaced by NADP+. 1,3-Diaminopropane and NADH were potent competitive inhibitors. The enzyme had a pH optimum of 8.7, was most active at 30 degrees C, and required K+ and dithiothreitol for full activity. Putrescine and NAD+ protected the enzyme from the inhibition by thiol reagents. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence was AQWPVYGKISGPVVI. Some of these properties were compared with those of the homospermidine synthases from a photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas viridis and a plant, Lathyrus sativus.

Solubilization and characterization of dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase from the yeast Saccharomyces carlsbergensis

When the membrane fraction of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis was incubated with radiolabeled isopentenyl diphosphate in the presence of farnesyl diphosphate and Mg2+, phosphorylated and free long-chain polyprenols were formed. The reaction was inhibited by EDTA and heavy metal cations. A series of non-ionic detergents were studied for their efficacy to solubilize the prenyltransferase. The enzyme completely lost its activity in the presence of 0.1% of Triton X-100. n-Octyl-beta-(D)glucopyranoside at the concentration of 0.25-0.5% (10-15 mM) was used to solubilize the prenyltransferase. Both the membrane-bound enzyme and the solubilizate possessed a broad pH optimum shifted to alkaline pH values. The temperature optimum of the solubilizate was somewhat lower than that of the membrane preparation, owing to the significantly lower thermostability of the solubilized enzyme in comparison with the membrane-bound one. The phosphorylated reaction products formed in the presence of the membrane preparation had the same composition as the yeast dolichol synthesized in vivo. Non-phosphorylated polyprenols were formed during the incubation with membranes but not the solubilized enzyme. The composition of the polyprenols was also coincident with that of yeast dolichol, and the individual C80-homolog of the mixture was polyprenol but not dolichol as judged by adsorption HPLC. The results are discussed in relation to the terminal stages in the biosynthesis of dolichol derivatives.

Purification and characterization of farnesyl diphosphate/geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase. A thermostable bifunctional enzyme from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum

Farnesyl diphosphate (FPP)/geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) synthase, a bifunctional enzyme that synthesizes C15 and C20 isoprenoid diphosphates from isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate, was purified to homogeneity from the archaebacterium Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum. The only activities detected from synthesis of FPP and GGPP copurified through (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and four chromatographic steps. The pure enzyme was a 79-kDa homodimer that catalyzed the sequential addition of isopentenyl diphosphate to dimethylallyl diphosphate, geranyl diphosphate, and FPP by a non-processive mechanism which allowed substantial amounts of FPP to accumulate during turnover, creating a pool for further elongation to GGPP or for synthesis of squalene. The bifunctional enzyme required Mg2+ or Mn2+ and was optimally active at 65 degrees C. Catalysis of chain elongation in M. thermoautotrophicum differs from related reactions in eubacteria and eukaryotes, where distinct FPP synthases and GGPP synthases are found.