Recent advances in prevention and treatment of hepatitis C virus infections

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of chronic hepatitis in humans. As members of the flavivirus family, HCVs are a group of small single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses. Upon translation of the genome, a polyprotein precursor is synthesized and further processed by both cellular and viral proteases to generate functional viral proteins. Treatment options are currently limited to the administration of alpha-interferon alone or in combination with ribavirin. Unfortunately, these approaches are characterized by relatively poor efficacy and an unfavorable side-effect profile. Therefore, intensive effort is directed at the discovery of novel molecules to treat this disease. These new approaches include the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, the identification of interferons with improved pharmacokinetic characteristics, and the discovery of novel drugs designed to inhibit the function of three major viral proteins: protease, helicase and polymerase. Finally, the HCV RNA genome itself, particularly the IRES element, is being actively exploited as an antiviral target using antisense molecules and catalytic ribozymes. This review summarizes the most recent findings in each of these areas. Although not intended to be comprehensive, it should serve as a first resource for those individuals who desire updated information in this rapidly changing field.

Activation of human rhinovirus-14 3C protease

The catalytic efficiency of human rhinovirus-14 (HRV14) 3C protease as a function of solvents and other regulators has been investigated using synthetic peptides as substrates. The proteolytic activity of HRV14 3C was found to be strongly stimulated by a series of anions in vitro and the activation was accompanied by changed Km, kcat, and increased kcat/Km values. A more than 72-fold increase in the 3C catalytic efficiency toward peptide substrates was observed in the presence of 0.8 M sodium sulfate. Several approaches, including size-exclusion chromatography and chemical cross-linking experiments, suggested that no oligomerization of the 3C enzyme occurred in the presence of activating anions. However, the anions did induce a significant conformational change of HRV14 3C protease, as revealed by circular dichroism spectrometry and tyrosine fluorescence analyses, which might contribute to 3C enzyme activation. Finally, the results obtained from 3C protease inhibitor studies suggested that the S1 specificity pocket of HRV14 3C was mainly affected by the activating anions. An induced-fit catalysis mechanism for viral proteases is discussed.

[Augmenter of liver regeneration: a novel cytokine]

Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) is a novel cytokine which specifically stimulates hepatic cell proliferation and is able to rescue acute liver failure caused by carbon tetrachloride. This article reviews the discovery, tissue distribution, functions and prospect of ALR and its relationship with hepatic stimulatory substance (HSS).

Protease inhibitors as potential antiviral agents for the treatment of picornaviral infections

The picornavirus family contains several human pathogens including human rhinovirus (HRV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV). In the case of HRVs, these small single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses translate their genetic information into a polyprotein precursor which is further processed mainly by two viral proteases designated 2A and 3C. The 2A protease (2Apro) makes the first cleavage between the structural and non-structural proteins, while 3C protease (3Cpro) catalyzes most of the remaining internal cleavages. It has been shown that both 2Apro and 3Cpro are cysteine proteases but their overall protein folding is more like trypsin-type serine proteases. Due to their unique protein structure and essential roles in viral replication, 2Apro and 3Cpro have been viewed as excellent targets for antiviral intervention. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made in the development of antiviral compounds targeting these proteases. This article summarizes the recent approaches in the design of novel 2A and 3C protease inhibitors as potential antiviral agents for the treatment of picornaviral infections.

Biochemical characterization of signal peptidase I from gram-positive Streptococcus pneumoniae

Bacterial signal peptidase I is responsible for proteolytic processing of the precursors of secreted proteins. The enzymes from gram-negative and -positive bacteria are different in structure and specificity. In this study, we have cloned, expressed, and purified the signal peptidase I of gram-positive Streptococcus pneumoniae. The precursor of streptokinase, an extracellular protein produced in pathogenic streptococci, was identified as a substrate of S. pneumoniae signal peptidase I. Phospholipids were found to stimulate the enzymatic activity. Mutagenetic analysis demonstrated that residues serine 38 and lysine 76 of S. pneumoniae signal peptidase I are critical for enzyme activity and involved in the active site to form a serine-lysine catalytic dyad, which is similar to LexA-like proteases and Escherichia coli signal peptidase I. Similar to LexA-like proteases, S. pneumoniae signal peptidase I catalyzes an intermolecular self-cleavage in vitro, and an internal cleavage site has been identified between glycine 36 and histidine 37. Sequence analysis revealed that the signal peptidase I and LexA-like proteases show sequence homology around the active sites and some common properties around the self-cleavage sites. All these data suggest that signal peptidase I and LexA-like proteases are closely related and belong to a novel class of serine proteases.

Template requirements for RNA synthesis by a recombinant hepatitis C virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) from hepatitis C virus (HCV), nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B), has recently been shown to direct de novo initiation using a number of complex RNA templates. In this study, we analyzed the features in simple RNA templates that are required to direct de novo initiation of RNA synthesis by HCV NS5B. NS5B was found to protect RNA fragments of 8 to 10 nucleotides (nt) from RNase digestion. However, NS5B could not direct RNA synthesis unless the template contained a stable secondary structure and a single-stranded sequence that contained at least one 3' cytidylate. The structure of a 25-nt template, named SLD3, was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to contain an 8-bp stem and a 6-nt single-stranded sequence. Systematic analysis of changes in SLD3 revealed which features in the stem, loop, and 3' single-stranded sequence were required for efficient RNA synthesis. Also, chimeric molecules composed of DNA and RNA demonstrated that a DNA molecule containing a 3'-terminal ribocytidylate was able to direct RNA synthesis as efficiently as a sequence composed entirely of RNA. These results define the template sequence and structure sufficient to direct the de novo initiation of RNA synthesis by HCV RdRp.

S-nitrosothiols as novel, reversible inhibitors of human rhinovirus 3C protease

Human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C protease was inactivated by a series of S-nitrosothiols. These compounds exhibited different inhibitory activities in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with second-order rate constants (kinact/K(I)) ranging from 131 to 5360 M(-1) min(-1). The inactive enzyme could be re-activated by DTT, GSH and ascorbate, which indicated the inactivation mechanism was through an S-transnitrosylation process.

Changes in E2F binding after phenylbutyrate-induced differentiation of Caco-2 colon cancer cells

Differentiation agents use existing cellular systems to induce neoplastic cells to regain a normal phenotype and/or to cause growth arrest and therefore may offer novel chemotherapeutic approaches to treating solid tumors. In this study, we demonstrate in Caco-2 colon cancer cells that the differentiation agent phenylbutyrate (PB) causes a decrease in viable cells, an increase in cell differentiation, and a G1-S-phase block. The mechanism of this last effect is related to a PB-induced increase in p27Kip1, leading to a decrease in the activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), a positive regulator of the G1-S-phase cell cycle transition. Consistent with the decreased CDK2 kinase activity, we also observed a decrease in the phosphorylation state of the retinoblastoma protein after PB treatment. This was associated with increased binding and consequent inactivation of E2F, a transactivator of genes that regulate the G1 to S phase cell cycle transition. These data suggest that the differentiation agent PB inhibits tumor growth by limiting the availability of active E2F, with a subsequent G1-S-phase block. Additional studies should show whether PB is a clinically effective therapeutic agent against colorectal cancer.

Specificity and mechanism analysis of hepatitis C virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase encoded by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B gene has been expressed as a nonfusion protein in bacterial cells and purified to homogeneity using sequential chromatographic columns. The purified NS5B protein exhibited RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity using poly(A) template and the K(m) and V(max) were determined as 8.4 microM and 1976 pmol/mg-min, respectively. This full-length NS5B protein exhibited much stronger binding affinity toward the 30-mer poly(G) than other homopolymeric RNAs of the same size. For the first time, we demonstrate that the HCV NS5B was able to bind various ribonucleotides. Using a panel of oligonucleotides varying in length, we studied the NS5B catalytic efficiency and proposed the size of the NS5B active site to be 8-10 nucleotides. The multifunctional nature of NS5B protein is also discussed and compared with other viral RNA polymerases.

[An experimental study on inhibitory effect of xinjierkang granules on virus myocarditis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory effect of Xinjierkang(XJEK) granules on virus myocarditis.

METHODS

Using a model mouse of virus myocarditis induced by coxsackie virus B3m (CVB3m) and mouse toxic myocarditis induced by adriamycin, a model of arrhythmia induced by BaCl2 and CHCl3, a model of inflammation caused by egg white and agar, along with a dynamic test of cardiac blood flow and an inhibitory test of CVB3m in vitro.

RESULTS

XJEK granules are efficacious in inhibiting CVB3m both in vitro and in vivo, protecting and curing virus myocarditis and toxic myocarditis in mice, reducing mouse death rate, serum level of LDH, AST and CK, titer of neutralizing antibodies, virus concentration of heart, and improving the abnormal ECG, pathological and ultrastructural damage of myocadium. The granules are also good for anti-inflammation, anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-arrhythmia, as well as for strengthening myocardiac contraction and increasing the serum IgG level.

CONCLUSION

Xinjerkang granules possess an inhibitory effect on virus myocarditis and toxic myocarditis.

p53/56(lyn) antisense shifts the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced G1/S block in HL60 cells to S phase

p53/56(lyn) is a member of the src family that is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic cells and is thought to play a role in cellular proliferation. In this study, we demonstrate the participation of p53/56(lyn) in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1, 25D(3))-induced growth arrest in HL60 cells. We show that the mRNA and protein levels of p53/56(lyn) are markedly elevated after 1, 25D(3) treatment, which is accompanied by an increase of p53/56(lyn) kinase activity. We also demonstrate that treatment with p53/56(lyn) antisense oligodeoxynucleotides reverses the 1,25D(3)-induced G1/S block, and results in an accumulation of cells with S-phase DNA content. BrdU pulse-chase experiments reveal that this accumulation results from an increased proportion of cells actively synthesizing DNA, which are inhibited from exiting the S-phase compartment. These results indicate that upregulation of p53/56(lyn) contributes significantly to the G1/S growth arrest induced by 1,25D(3) in HL60 cells and thus its activation may be a desirable outcome of chemotherapeutic regimens.

De novo RNA synthesis catalyzed by HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

The 65 kDa RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5B), encoded by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome, is a key component involved in viral replication. Here we provide the direct evidence that purified HCV polymerase catalyzed de novo RNA synthesis in a primer-independent manner using homopolymers and HCV RNA as templates. The enzyme could utilize both polyC and polyU as templates for de novo RNA synthesis, suggesting that NS5B specifically recognized pyrimidine bases for initiation. More importantly, NS5B also catalyzed de novo RNA synthesis with an HCV RNA template; the resulting nascent RNA products, smaller than the template used, contained ATP as the first nucleotide. These results indicate that the newly synthesized RNAs did not result from template self-priming and suggest that a replication initiation site in the HCV RNA genome is a uridylate.

[Studies on antitussive, antiasthmatic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects of Jin'an kechuan granules]

OBJECTIVE

To study the pharmacologic effect of Jin'an Kechuan granules.

METHOD

Routine antitussive, antiasthmatic and expectorant methods were used.

RESULT

Jin'an Kechuan granules in the doses of 16, 8, 4 g.kg-1 ig could significantly decrease the frequency of cough caused by ammonia water in mice, and increase the secretion of phenol red from mouse tracheas in a dose-dependent manner. The granules also help increase the threshold voltage to induce cats to cough, prolong the latent period of asthma induced by histamine and acetylcholine mixture, and antagonize the contraction of isolated trachea strips induced by histamine and acetylcholine in guinea pigs. Jin'an Kechuan granules had inhibitory effects on common bacteria in the respiratory tract as well as on the swelling of acute inflammation in mice and rats.

CONCLUSION

Jin'an Kechuan granules have antitussive, antiasthmatic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effects.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)-induced retardation of the G(2)/M traverse is associated with decreased levels of p34(cdc2) in HL60 cells

Cellular differentiation of neoplastic cells after exposure to 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25 D(3)) is accompanied by altered cell cycle regulation. In previous studies, blocks in both G(1)/S and G(2)/M checkpoints have been observed in 1,25D(3)-treated HL60 cells, but the mechanism of the 1,25D(3)-induced G(2)/M block has not been previously reported. In this study, we show by cell cycle analysis, using bromodeoxyuridine pulse-chase labeling, that the G(2)/M block in 1,25D(3)-treated HL60 cells is incomplete. We also demonstrate that although the 1,25D(3)-treated cells exhibit elevated levels of cyclin B1, Cdc25C, and Cdk7, which are positive regulators of the G(2)/M traverse, these cells have decreased protein levels of p34(cdc2) and decreased p34(cdc2) kinase activity. This provides potential mechanisms for the observed accumulation of cells in the G(2) cell cycle compartment and occasional polyploidization following treatment of HL60 cells with 1,25D(3). The data also suggest that the ability of some cells to traverse this block may be the result of cellular compensatory mechanisms responding to decreased p34(cdc2) activity by increasing the levels of other regulators of the G(2) traverse, such as cyclin B1, Cdc25C, and Cdk7.

Butyrate-induced G2/M block in Caco-2 colon cancer cells is associated with decreased p34cdc2 activity

Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, has been reported to inhibit proliferation and stimulate differentiation in multiple cancer cell lines. Whereas the effects of butyrate on cellular differentiation are well documented, the relationship between butyrate-induced differentiation and its effect on cell cycle traverse is less well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of butyrate on the regulatory proteins of the G2/M traverse in the Caco-2 colon cancer cell model. We demonstrated that the inhibition of proliferation and increased cellular differentiation after treatment of Caco-2 cells with butyrate were associated with a significant G2/M cell cycle block. Although protein levels of the major G2/M regulatory protein, p34cdc2, were unchanged, a decrease in p34cdc2 activity was noted. Despite this decrease in activity, the inhibitory tyrosine phosphorylation of p34cdc2 was decreased, suggesting that other factors are responsible for the decreased kinase activity. The reduced activity of p34cdc2 provides a possible mechanism for the accumulation of Caco-2 cells in the G2/M cell cycle compartment following exposure to butyrate. This cell system provides a new model for studies of G2/M cell cycle perturbations.

Identification and characterization of human rhinovirus-14 3C protease deamidation isoform

A purified recombinant human rhinovirus-14 3C protease preparation contained only approximately 50% active enzyme as titrated using specifically designed irreversible 3C protease inhibitors. Analysis of the purified 3C protein by isoelectric focusing showed differently charged 3C isoforms that had isoelectric points (pI) of 8.3 (55%) and 9.0 (45%), with the latter one being consistent with the predicted pI of the human rhinovirus-14 3C protein. Further analysis indicated that the pI 8.3 protein was the deamidated form of 3C, and it displayed approximately 10-fold reduced cleavage activity relative to the original 3C protease sample. Peptide mapping followed by sequence analysis revealed that a single asparagine, Asn-164, was deamidated to aspartic acid in the pI 8.3 isoform. Converting Asn-164 to Asp by site-directed mutagenesis resulted in a mutated 3C protease with extremely low activity, as seen with the pI 8.3 isoform, indicating a role of Asn-164 in substrate recognition and binding. In addition, the deamidated 3C protease was found to be present in vivo, and its abundance was related to the viral replication cycle. Moreover, mutant virus carrying Asp-164 showed reduced viability in infected cells. Taken together, our data suggest that 3C protein deamidation plays a role in the regulation of its enzymatic activity.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of azapeptides as substrates and inhibitors for human rhinovirus 3C protease

A series of azapeptides was prepared and assessed as inhibitors of the human rhinovirus 3C protease. Boc-VLFaQ-OPh was a slow-turnover substrate that gave transient (ca. 1-2 h) inhibition as it underwent hydrolysis. Boc-VLFaG-OPh gave very slow but essentially irreversible inhibition.

Constitutive equations of symmetrical triple layer piezoelectric benders

Piezoelectric triple layer benders, with a structure of two piezoelectric top and bottom layers sandwiched by a non-piezoelectric elastic central layer, are one of the most commonly used piezoelectric devices. In this paper, we present the derivation of the constitutive equations of a symmetrical triple layer piezoelectric bender under different excitation conditions. The constitutive equations are presented by a 4x4 matrix with an external moment M, an external tip force F, a uniform load p, and an applied electric voltage V as the extensive parameters, with the generated tip angular deflection (slope) alpha, tip deflection delta, volume displacement v, and electric charge Q as the internal parameters. Further analysis on the electromechanical behavior of the triple layer piezoelectric bender can be made on the constitutive equations.

Electromechanical coupling and output efficiency of piezoelectric bending actuators

Electromechanical coupling mechanisms in piezoelectric bending actuators are discussed in this paper based on the constitutive equations of cantilever bimorph and unimorph actuators. Three actuator characteristic parameters, (e.g., electromechanical coupling coefficient, maximum energy transmission coefficient, and maximum mechanical output energy) are discussed for cantilever bimorph and unimorph actuators. In the case of the bimorph actuator, if the effect of the bonding layer is negligible, these parameters are directly related to the transverse coupling factor lest. In the case of the unimorph actuator, these parameters also depend on the Young's modulus and the thickness of the elastic layer. Maximum values for these parameters can be obtained by choosing proper thickness ratio and Young's modulus ratio of elastic and piezoelectric layers. Calculation results on four unimorph actuators indicate that the use of stiffer elastic material is preferred to increase electromechanical coupling and output mechanical energy in unimorph actuators.

Protease inhibitors as potential antiviral agents for the treatment of picornaviral infections

The picornavirus family contains several human pathogens including human rhinovirus (HRV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV). In the case of HRVs, these small single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses translate their genetic information into a polyprotein precursor which is further processed mainly by two viral proteases designated 2A and 3C. The 2A protease (2Apro) makes the first cleavage between the structural and non-structural proteins, while 3C protease (3Cpro) catalyzes most of the remaining internal cleavages. It has been shown that both 2Apro and 3Cpro are cysteine proteases but their overall protein folding is more like trypsin-type serine proteases. Due to their unique protein structure and essential roles in viral replication, 2Apro and 3Cpro have been viewed as excellent targets for antiviral intervention. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made in the development of antiviral compounds targeting these proteases. This article summarizes the recent approaches in the design of novel 2A and 3C protease inhibitors as potential antiviral agents for the treatment of picornaviral infections.

[The distributional clines in P susceptibility causing by the P family transposable element in Drosophila melanogaster population of China]

An extensive survey of the P family transposable element of Drosophila melanogaster in China, from the far west as Xinjiang and Xizang (Tibet) to the east coast, covered all China was provided. Strains, sampling more than 70 localities, which were collected during 1980-1995. In the term of the PM system, the phenotypic property of it was mainly M type, including Taiwan. The molecular test determined, it was M type. There were three localities, the P activity of them were higher as Q type. They are: Dalian Peninsular. Chongming island, near Shanghai and Taizhong of Taiwan. For analyzed geographically, according to the east longitudes, grouped the country to four parts. After comparison, two dividing lines were found: 1. The East longitude of 115 degrees, it was between Area II and Area III, see Fig. 4, separating the coastal from inland. Except the P susceptibility of the northeastern three provinces was little higher, about 30.37%, the most part of the east coastal, the first line, its P susceptibility was very week. Seven strains were 0, fifteen strains were under 10%; its P activity was also low, never beyond 10%. Therefore, it was appeared neutral, its average was 7.23%. That was the major neutral property of the coastal areas. The second line of little increased P susceptibility averaged about 26.67%. Then, there was the third line was, when the line was the more westward, its P susceptibility was higher, up to 87%, closing to the highest score of middlewest part of the country. From the east coast to the west, there were three gradually increased P susceptibility lines pushing forward could be found. The E 115 degrees, it was between the lines of the second and the third. 2. Besides the East Longitude of 115 degrees, there is another natural geographic line shows its potentiality, that is the Tropic of Cancer. It divided the coastal to two parts, the localities at the south of this line, they did not show the coastal characteristic, instead of neutral or very week P susceptibility, they showed very strong P susceptibility as the inland localities strains were, They were left in the inland, Area II and their position were also there. Although the most part of the coastal areas presented the eastern property of neutral; the P susceptibility of the coastal cities located at the south of the Tropic of Cancer, that was very strong M type, which was different from that of the Tropical of Australia. At the north part of the Tropic of Capricom of Australia, there was P type.

Relationship between structure and anti-oxidation of tocopherol with molecular orbit theory

AIM

To explore the relationship between different structures of tocopherol (Toc) and some phenol compounds and their anti-oxidative activities.

METHODS

Use the ab initio calculation of molecular mechanics and quantum chemistry.

RESULTS

The anti-oxidation of Toc was related to the ability to release active hydrogen, i.e., related to the O-H electron populations, frontier orbital energy (au), and the decreased amount of energy at the reaction ending stage. The order of hydroxyl O-H electron populations in different Toc model molecules were alpha < gamma < or = beta < delta, which was consistent with their anti-oxidation reported.

CONCLUSION

The molecular orbit (MO) theory and the quantum chemical parameters can be used to analyze the anti-oxidation of phenol compounds with different structures.

Lowering of p27Kip1 levels by its antisense or by development of resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 reverses the G1 block but not differentiation of HL60 cells

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors are proteins with functions which appear to involve regulation of cell cycle traverse, and have been suggested to have a role in cell differentiation. However, there is as yet no rigorous proof that this is the case. We have addressed the participation of one of these inhibitors, p27Kip1, in the induction of differentiation and the subsequent G1 block induced in HL60 cells by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3). First, it was noted that sublines of HL60 cells able to grow rapidly in the presence of 1,25D3 have protein levels of p27Kip1 lower than the levels in cells subjected to 1,25D3-induced growth inhibition, but higher than in untreated parental cells. In contrast, there was no discernible relationship between the levels of p27Kip1 and the expression of differentiation markers. Further, HL60 cells treated with 1,25D3 and an oligonucleotide antisense, but not mismatched, to p27Kip1 showed an almost complete elimination of the 1,25D3-induced G1 block, but no decrease in the expression of differentiation markers. Similar results were obtained following transient transfection with an expression vector bearing the entire p27Kip1 coding sequence in the anti-sense orientation. This is the first direct demonstration that p27Kip1 plays a role in the 1,25D3-induced G1 arrest, and that partial reduction in its levels has no effect on the induction of differentiation in HL60 cells.

Development of in vitro peptide substrates for human rhinovirus-14 2A protease

Purified 2A protease from human rhinovirus serotype-14 (HRV14) was unable to efficiently cleave a 16-mer peptide representing its authentic cis-cleavage site on the viral polyprotein, implying that in vivo cis cleavage by this enzyme might be very different from its in vitro trans activity. Presence of a serine at position P2 and a leucine at P2' in the 16-mer peptide was found to be responsible for the low peptide cleavage efficiency. To search for an efficient peptide substrate for HRV14 2A, small peptides derived from other rhinovirus 2A protease cleavage sites were synthesized and tested. These results suggested that the N-terminal 8 amino acids were sufficient for HRV14 2A cleavage to occur, although the P1' and P2' residue identities were important to the cleavage of peptides with amino acids occupying both sides of the scissile bond. On the basis of the 2A substrate requirements, a sensitive fluorometric assay for the viral 2A proteases was developed using peptides with anthranilide and 3-nitrotyrosine as the resonance energy transfer donor/quencher pair. Our data indicated that these fluorescent peptide substrates were suitable for 2A protease characterization and inhibitor evaluation.

Synthesis and evaluation of peptidyl Michael acceptors that inactivate human rhinovirus 3C protease and inhibit virus replication

Human rhinovirus, the chief cause of the common cold, contains a positive-sense strand of RNA which is translated into a large polyprotein in infected cells. Cleavage of the latter to produce the mature viral proteins required for replication is catalyzed in large part by a virally encoded cysteine proteinase (3Cpro) which is highly selective for -Q approximately GP- cleavage sites. We synthesized peptidyl derivatives of vinylogous glutamine or methionine sulfone esters (e.g., Boc-Val-Leu-Phe-vGln-OR: R = Me, 1; R = Et, 2) and evaluated them as inhibitors of HRV-14 3C protease (3Cpro). Compounds 1 and 2 and several related tetra- and pentapeptide analogues rapidly inactivated 3Cpro with submicromolar IC50 values. Electrospray mass spectrometry confirmed the expected 1:1 stoichiometry of 3Cpro inactivation by 1, 2, and several other analogues. Compound 2 also proved to be useful for active site titration of 3Cpro, which has not been possible heretofore because of the lack of a suitable reagent. In contrast to 1, 2, and congeners, peptidyl Michael acceptors lacking a P4 residue have greatly reduced or negligible activity against 3Cpro, consistent with previously established structure-activity relationships for 3Cpro substrates. Hydrolysis of the P1 vinylogous glutamine ester to a carboxylic acid also decreased inhibitory activity considerably, consistent with the decreased reactivity of acrylic acids vs acrylic esters as Michael acceptors. Incorporating a vinylogous methionine sulfone ester in place of the corresponding glutamine derivative in 1 also reduced activity substantially. Compounds 1 and 2 and several of their analogues inhibited HRV replication in cell culture by 50% at low micromolar concentrations while showing little or no evidence of cytotoxicity at 10-fold higher concentrations. Peptidyl Michael acceptors and their analogues may prove useful as therapeutic agents for pathologies involving cysteine proteinase enzymes.

Retinoblastoma protein-overexpressing HL60 cells resistant to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 display increased CDK2 and CDK6 activity and shortened G1 phase

Drug resistance that occurs during cancer chemotherapy has been a major problem in controlling neoplastic progression. To study the cellular mechanisms of acquired drug resistance we developed 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3)-resistant sublines of promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells which have increased proliferation rates (Exp. Cell Res., 224, 312, 1996; Cancer Res., 50, 5513, 1996). We report here that the resistant sublines display varying degrees of shortening of the G1 phase as compared to the parental HL60-G cells. Protein levels of cyclins E, D1, D2 and D3 are elevated in these resistant cell lines, and cyclin D1 is especially high in 40AF cells, which has the shortest G1 length. The protein levels of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)2, Cdk4 and Cdk6 are not altered in the resistant sublines. Both Cdk2 and Cdk6-associated kinase activites are increased in the resistant sublines, but not Cdk4 kinase activity. Protein levels of p27Kip1 are not consistently altered in the resistant sublines as compared to the parental HL60-G cells, but are reduced relative to HL60-G cells arrested by 96 h treatment with 1,25D3. Interestingly, the resistant cell lines constitutively express high levels of retinoblastoma protein (pRb), and pRb is highly phosphorylated, indicating that the G1 cyclin/Cdk complexes in the resistant cells are physiologically active. The results suggest that the increased activity of cyclin D/Cdk6, and perhaps cyclin E/Cdk2, lead to rapid hyperphosphorylation of pRb and consequently a shorter early G1 phase, and that in the resistant cells the increased ratio of cyclin E to p27Kip1 results in activation of Cdk2 and contributes to the abrogation of the 1,25D3-induced block to the S phase entry. Additionally, it is apparent that constitutively increased levels of pRb are compatible with increased rates of cell proliferation.

Dual inhibition of human rhinovirus 2A and 3C proteases by homophthalimides

The 2A and 3C proteases encoded by human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are attractive targets for antiviral drug development due to their important roles in viral replication. Homophthalimides were originally identified as inhibitors of rhinovirus 3C protease through our screening effort. Previous studies have indicated that the antiviral activity of certain homophthalimides exceeded their in vitro inhibitory activity against the viral 3C protease, suggesting that an additional mechanism might be involved. Reported here is the identification of homophthalimides as potent inhibitors for another rhinovirus protease, designated 2A. Several homophthalimides exhibit time-dependent inhibition of the 2A protease in the low-micromolar range, and enzyme-inhibitor complexes were identified by mass spectrometry. Compound LY343814, one of the most potent inhibitors against HRV14 2A protease, had an antiviral 50% inhibitory concentration of 4.2 microM in the cell-based assay. Our data reveal that homophthalimides are not only 3C but also 2A protease inhibitors in vitro, implying that the antiviral activity associated with these compounds might result from inactivation of both 2A and 3C proteases in vivo. Since the processing of the viral polyprotein is hierarchical, dual inhibition of the two enzymes may result in cooperative inhibition of viral replication. On the basis of the current understanding of their enzyme inhibitory mechanism, homophthalimides, as a group of novel nonpeptidic antirhinovirus agents, merit further structure-action relationship studies.

Interpreting the effect of methyl group at the three carbon bridge of (-)-huperzine A on its anticholinesterase activity by molecular dynamics method

Based on the recently resolved crystal structure of complex (-)-huperzine A-AChE, we simulated the interaction between (-)-huperzine A analogues and AChE using molecular dynamics method. It was revealed that the methyl group at the three carbon bridge of (-)-huperzine A can form a weak hydrogen bond with the phenol hydroxyl oxygen of Tyr121 and the main-chain oxygen of Gly118 of AChE, respectively.

Enzymatic characterization of refolded human rhinovirus type 14 2A protease expressed in Escherichia coli

Reported here is the production of recombinant human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14) 2A protease from bacterial cells transformed with a heat-inducible plasmid containing the HRV14 2A cDNA sequence. Overexpressed 2A protein partitioned into the inclusion bodies was solubilized in urea and then refolded in the presence of Zn2+ Transition metals were required for the restoration of 2A protease activity as a structural component, but appeared to be inhibitory if added exogenously once the enzyme was refolded. Based on the cleavage specificity studies, a colorimetric assay was developed for the highly purified HRV14 2A protease. A peptide with the sequence RKGDIKSY-p-nitroanilide was found to be cleaved by the 2A protease with a k(cat)/Km ratio of approximately 335 M(-1)s(-1), which allows its activity to be measured continuously with a spectrophotometer or a microplate reader.

A continuous colorimetric assay for rhinovirus-14 3C protease using peptide p-nitroanilides as substrates

Human rhinovirus encoded 3C protease is an attractive target for antiviral drug development. However, lack of a convenient and selective assay for 3C protease has been a hindrance in characterization of this enzyme and evaluation of a large number of potential inhibitors. In the present study we describe development of a simple, continuous colorimetric assay for this enzyme using peptide p-nitroanilides (pNA) as substrates. Several peptides mimicking the native 3C cleavage site of HRV-14 polyprotein have been synthesized with an N-acylated p-nitroaniline at position P1' and examined as substrates for the purified 3C protease. In these peptides, amino acids downstream from the original cleavage site have all been replaced with a chromophoric p-nitroaniline moiety which is directly linked to the bond undergoing enzymatic cleavage, thereby generating a new cleavage site Gln-pNA for the enzyme. Hydrolysis of these pNA peptides by 3C at the newly formed scissile bond releases free p-nitroaniline which is yellow-colored and can be continuously monitored at a visible wavelength. Kinetic parameters of 3C protease toward these peptides have been measured and analyzed. In addition, the pNA peptides have been modeled within the active site of the 3C protease to investigate the ability of the pNA group to act as a replacement for Gly-Pro in the prime side. The selectivity and applicability of this assay and its advantages over the previously described methods have been demonstrated and discussed. Since multiple tests can be performed simultaneously in one microtiter plate, the assay is ideal for evaluation of a large number of samples.

Expression and purification of recombinant rhinovirus 14 3CD proteinase and its comparison to the 3C proteinase

Human rhinovirus (HRV) is a positive-stranded RNA virus with an open reading frame that encodes for a single polyprotein of about 3000 amino acids. The HRV polyprotein is proteolytically processed; eight of nine cleavages are catalyzed by the 3C and/or the 3CD proteinases. We have expressed and purified recombinant HRV14 3C and 3CD proteinases and investigated their substrate selectivity and inhibitor sensitivity. Expressed 3CD proteinase had the P1/P1' residues of the 3C/3D cleavage site mutated from Gln/Gly to Ala/Ala in order to prevent autocleavage. The 3CD proteinase activities were measured by utilization of native, chromogenic, and fluorogenic peptide substrates. The 3CD proteinase exhibited < or =15% activity, compared to 3C, toward peptidyl p-nitroanilide substrates which contain only the p-nitroaniline moiety in the prime side. The 3C and 3CD proteinases exhibited similar activities for both internally quenched fluorogenic and native peptides. These results suggest that the two enzymes have similar but slightly different substrate specificity, especially on their preference for prime side residues. Inhibitor sensitivities toward classical proteinase inhibitors were generally similar for both enzymes. Small peptidyl inhibitors, specifically designed and synthesized for HRV14 3C, also inhibited the 3CD proteinase. Taken together, our data indicate that the 3D domain of 3CD proteinase had some influence on substrate recognition, but did not have dramatic impact on its interaction with inhibitors.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 is the principal target of p27/Kip1 regulation of the G1-phase traverse in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-treated HL60 cells

Control of cell proliferation remains of intense interest in cancer research. In the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 HL60 cell system, G1 arrest has been shown to be mediated by elevated levels of p27/Kip1 protein. We show here that the main target of the elevated p27/Kip1 in this system is cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 6. The activity of Cdk2 is also down-regulated, and this is associated with altered and reduced levels of cyclin E in the kinase complex. Paradoxically, the kinase activity of Cdk4 is elevated, in spite of an almost complete G1 block. These data show that the functions of Cdk4 and Cdk6 are not redundant and that Cdk6 and Cdk2 activities are regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Molecular modeling of mu opioid receptor and receptor-ligand interaction

AIM

To construct the 3D structural model of mu opioid receptor (mu OR) and study the interaction between mu OR and fentanyl derivatives.

METHODS

The 3D structure of mu OR was modeled using the bacteriorhodopsin (bRh) as a template, in which the alignments of transmembrane (TM) of bRh and mu OR were achieved by scoring the alignment between the amino acid sequence of mu OR and the structure of bRh. The fentanyl derivatives were docked into the 7 helices of mu OR and the binding energies were calculated.

RESULTS

(1) The receptor-ligand interaction models were obtained for fentanyl derivatives. (2) In these models, the fundamental binding sites were possibly Asp147 and His297. The negatively charged oxygen of Asp147 and the positively charged ammonium group of ligand formed the potent electrostatic and hydrogen-binding interactions. Whereas the interactions between the positively charged nitrogen of His297 and the carbonyl oxygen of ligand were weak. In addition, there were some pi-pi interactions between the receptor and the ligand. (3) The binding energies of the receptor-ligand complexes had a good correlation with the analgesic activities (-lg ED50) of the fentanyl derivatives.

CONCLUSION

This model is helpful for understanding the receptor-ligand interaction and for designing novel mu OR selective ligands.

Cleavage specificity of human rhinovirus-2 2A protease for peptide substrates

Substrate requirements of the human rhinovirus serotype-2 2A protease have been examined using synthetic peptides. A chromogenic peptide with a sequence of TRPIITTA-p-nitroanilide was found to be cleaved efficiently by the 2A protease with an apparent Km value of 95 microM, which allowed the protease activity to be monitored and measured continuously using a spectrophotometer. Competition cleavage assays reveal this peptide was cleaved over 10-fold more efficiently than the 16-mer peptide derived directly from its native processing site. On the basis of these data, we conclude that the P1' glycine residue is not absolutely needed for the 2A cleavage to occur and the essential residues required for the 2A activity would exist within the N-terminal side of the scissile bond.

Uncoupling of cell cycle arrest from the expression of monocytic differentiation markers in HL60 cell variants

Differentiation generally leads to cell cycle arrest. Human leukemia HL60 cells respond to the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) by expressing a number of markers of the monocyte/macrophage phenotype and become arrested predominantly in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. We have recently reported a series (A) of 1,25D3-resistant variants of HL60 cells which proliferate in the presence of 1,25D3 and do not express differentiation markers (Exp. Cell Res. 224, 312, 1996). We now describe another series (B) of such variants, which differ from A series cells grown in similar concentrations of 1,25D3 in that they express the CD14 antigen and nonspecific esterase, characteristic of the monocyte, while continuing to proliferate and they develop hypotetraploid DNA (4C) content at higher concentrations of ambient 1,25D3 than the A series cells. Cells in the B series with 4C DNA content (100B and 200B) also differed from the A series 4C cells by the absence of DNA binding by the full-length Sp1 transcription factor. However, B series cells resembled the A series cells in exhibiting faster growth rates than the parental HL60 cells and showed high levels of vitamin D receptor and retinoid receptor X proteins. These results show that the initial steps in the 1,25D3 signaling pathway are intact in B series resistant cells and lead to the appearance of early markers of monocytic differentiation. However, the progression to subsequent events which comprise terminal differentiation and cell cycle arrest is halted during the adaptation to the presence of 1,25D3 in these cells. Thus, the availability of these variant cells should provide a system for studying the link between differentiation and cell cycle arrest.

Interaction models of 3-methylfentanyl derivatives with mu opioid receptors

AIM

To study the interaction model of 3-methylfentanyl derivatives with mu opioid receptor.

METHODS

After a systematic conformational search, a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship study was carried out with comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA).

RESULTS

1) The 6 CoMFA models had good predictive values and each model corresponded to the minimum-energy conformations of 13 compounds studied; 2) The important geometric parameters of mu pharmacophore d1 (A), d2 (A), d3 (A), d4 (A), d5 (A), and d6 (A) were 5.2, 5.4, 4.9, 10.6, 10.2, and 5.8 in Model A; 5.2, 6.5, 3.6, 10.6, 11.6, and 5.8 in Model B; 5.2, 4.6, 4.9, 11.6, 9.2, and 6.5 in Model C; 5.2, 5.4, 4.9, 10.5, 10.3, and 5.8 in Model D; 3.6, 5.4, 4.9, 5.7, 7.5, and 5.7 in Model E; 5.2, 4.7, 4.9, 11.2, 9.5, and 6.4 in Model F, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The several bioactive conformations of fentanyl analogs possibly existed and did not need to be the absolute minimum-energy conformation, each of which was involved in the interaction with mu opioid receptor.

Binding conformers searching method for ligands according to the structures of their receptors and its application to thrombin inhibitors

AIM

To develop a method of finding binding conformers for ligands according to the three-dimensional structures of their receptors.

METHODS

Combining the systematic search method of ligand with the molecular docking approach of ligand fitting into its receptor, we developed a binding conformer searching method for ligands.

RESULTS

The binding conformers of phosphonopeptidyl thrombin inhibitors were recognized. The binding (interaction) energies between these inhibitors and thrombin were calculated with molecular mechanical method.

CONCLUSION

Both of the total binding energies and steric binding energies have good correlations with the inhibitory activities of these thrombin inhibitors, demonstrating that our approach is reasonable. It can also be used to explain the inhibition mechanism of thrombin interacting with these inhibitors.

Increased stringency of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced G1 to S phase block in polyploid HL60 cells

Treatment of mammalian cells with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) produces a G1 to S (G1/S) phase cell cycle block. In addition, it has been noted that a smaller proportion of cells accumulates in the G2/M compartment in 1,25D3-treated cultures. Since cyclins have a major influence on the regulation of cell cycle progression, we determined the expression of cyclins A and B as markers of the G2 phase and of cyclin E as the marker of G1/S transition. No increase in the steady-state levels of cyclin A or cyclin B mRNA was detected in the total cell population or in the cyclin B1 protein in the G2/M cell cycle compartment. In contrast, immunodetectable cyclin E protein was increased in cell cultures as a whole and specifically in the G2/M compartment cells. Determination of BrdU incorporation into DNA by flow cytometry showed marked inhibition of DNA replication in cells with DNA content higher than 4C, and autoradiography of 3H-TdR-pulsed cells showed that polynucleated cells did not replicate DNA after 96 h of treatment with 1,25D3 or analogs. Taken together, these experiments show that at least a portion of the G2/M compartment in 1,25D3-arrested cultures of HL60 cells represents G1 cells at a higher ploidy level, which are blocked from entering the high ploidy S phase.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 as a mediator of the G1-S phase block induced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in HL60 cells

Progression of mammalian cells through G1 is controlled by the concerted action of protein kinases, the activities of which are modulated in both positive (cyclins) and negative [cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDIs)] manners by families of regulatory proteins. In differentiation of leukemia cells, a G1 arrest is a common, if not invariable, occurence and takes place after the appearance of markers of monocytic differentiation in human leukemia HL60 cells treated with 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) at low to moderately high concentrations (F. Zhang et al., Cell Proliferation 27: 643-654, 1994). In the present study, we investigated the protein levels of several G1 regulatory proteins that are potential mediators of the 1,25D3-induced G1 block. During the first 24 h of exposure to a high concentration (4 x 10(-7) M) of 1,25D3, no increase was noted in the immunodetectable levels of cyclins D1 or E, or CDIs p16Ink4, p21Cip1/Waf1, or p27Kip1, even though monocytic differentiation markers were evident, and a prolongation of G1 was noted. After 48 h of exposure 4 x 10(-7) M to 1,25D3, a G1 to S-phase block progressively increased in parallel with the abundance of the p27Kip1 CDI. A transient increase in p21Cip1/Waf1 was noted only at 48 hr. The increase in p27Kip1 protein level was dependent on the concentration of 1,25D3 and was accompanied by an increase in cyclin D and E proteins, which normally peak in mid-G1 and at the G1 to S-phase transition, respectively. These results indicate that p27Kip1 protein is a strong candidate for the cell cycle regulator that blocks the entry into the S-phase in 1,25D3-treated HL60 cells.

Phosphorylation and activation of the ATP-Mg-dependent protein phosphatase by the mitogen-activated protein kinase

Inhibitor-2 (I-2) is the regulatory subunit of the cytosolic ATP-Mg-dependent form of type 1 serine/threonine protein phosphatase and its phosphorylation at Thr-72 by glycogen synthase kinase-3 results in phosphatase activation. Activation of cytosolic type 1 phosphatase has been observed in cells treated with growth factors. Reported here is the phosphorylation and activation of the ATP-Mg-dependent phosphatase by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Recombinant I-2 was phosphorylated by activated MAPK to an extent (approximately 0.3 mol of phosphate/mol of polypeptide) similar to that reported for phosphorylation by the alpha isoform of glycogen synthase kinase-3. The phosphorylation of I-2 by MAPK was exclusively at Thr-72, the site involved in the activation of phosphatase. Incubation of MAPK with purified ATP-Mg-dependent phosphatase resulted in phosphorylation of the I-2 component and activation of the phosphatase. Ribosomal S6 protein kinase II (p90rsk) was also able to phosphorylate the recombinant I-2; however, this phosphorylation occurred on serines and had no effect on phosphatase activation. Our data may explain growth factor-induced activation of the ATP-Mg-dependent phosphatase and suggest that MAPK may of cytosolic type 1 phosphatase in response to insulin and/or other growth factors.

Phosphorylation and activation of p90rsk by glycogen synthase kinase-3

Recombinant p90rsk expressed from baculovirus was found to be phosphorylated and activated by glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) in vitro. Phosphorylation of p90rsk by both GSK-3 alpha and GSK-3 beta isoforms was predominantly on threonine residues. Activated p90rsk, resulting from co-expression in insect cells with the oncogenic protein tyrosine kinase p60v-src, was able to phosphorylate GSK-3 but was a poor GSK-3 substrate. These results suggest a potentially novel regulatory connection in the signal transduction cascades in which p90rsk participates.