Decavanadate binding to a high affinity site near the myosin catalytic centre inhibits F-actin-stimulated myosin ATPase activity

Hexa-Histidine, a Peptide with Versatile Applications in the Study of Amyloid-β(1-42) Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers are the most neurotoxic forms of Aβ, and Aβ(1-42) is the prevalent Aβ peptide found in the amyloid plaques of Alzheimer's disease patients. Aβ(25-35) is the shortest peptide that retains the toxicity of Aβ(1-42). Aβ oligomers bind to calmodulin (CaM) and calbindin-D28k with dissociation constants in the nanomolar Aβ(1-42) concentration range. Aβ and histidine-rich proteins have a high affinity for transition metal ions Cu2+, Fe3+ and Zn2+. In this work, we show that the fluorescence of Aβ(1-42) HiLyteTM-Fluor555 can be used to monitor hexa-histidine peptide (His6) interaction with Aβ(1-42). The formation of His6/Aβ(1-42) complexes is also supported by docking results yielded by the MDockPeP Server. Also, we found that micromolar concentrations of His6 block the increase in the fluorescence of Aβ(1-42) HiLyteTM-Fluor555 produced by its interaction with the proteins CaM and calbindin-D28k. In addition, we found that the His6-tag provides a high-affinity site for the binding of Aβ(1-42) and Aβ(25-35) peptides to the human recombinant cytochrome b5 reductase, and sensitizes this enzyme to inhibition by these peptides. In conclusion, our results suggest that a His6-tag could provide a valuable new tool to experimentally direct the action of neurotoxic Aβ peptides toward selected cellular targets.

Biological Consequences of Vanadium Effects on Formation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Lipid Peroxidation

Lipid peroxidation (LPO), a process that affects human health, can be induced by exposure to vanadium salts and compounds. LPO is often exacerbated by oxidation stress, with some forms of vanadium providing protective effects. The LPO reaction involves the oxidation of the alkene bonds, primarily in polyunsaturated fatty acids, in a chain reaction to form radical and reactive oxygen species (ROS). LPO reactions typically affect cellular membranes through direct effects on membrane structure and function as well as impacting other cellular functions due to increases in ROS. Although LPO effects on mitochondrial function have been studied in detail, other cellular components and organelles are affected. Because vanadium salts and complexes can induce ROS formation both directly and indirectly, the study of LPO arising from increased ROS should include investigations of both processes. This is made more challenging by the range of vanadium species that exist under physiological conditions and the diverse effects of these species. Thus, complex vanadium chemistry requires speciation studies of vanadium to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the various species that are present during vanadium exposure. Undoubtedly, speciation is important in assessing how vanadium exerts effects in biological systems and is likely the underlying cause for some of the beneficial effects reported in cancerous, diabetic, neurodegenerative conditions and other diseased tissues impacted by LPO processes. Speciation of vanadium, together with investigations of ROS and LPO, should be considered in future biological studies evaluating vanadium effects on the formation of ROS and on LPO in cells, tissues, and organisms as discussed in this review.

(NH4)2[Co(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O Vs. (NH4)2[Ni(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O: Structural, Spectral and Thermal Analyses and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activities

This paper presents the synthesis of two cluster compounds {(NH4)2[Co(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O (C1) and (NH4)2[Ni(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O (C2)} which were obtained as single crystals suitable for XRD analysis that revealed their crystallization in the monoclinic (C2/c) and triclinic (P-1) space groups, respectively. Additionally, C1 and C2 were characterized using CHN analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy and their thermal decomposition mechanisms were investigated. The antibacterial activities of both compounds were determined against three human pathogenic bacterial strains {Bacillus cereus ATCC 33,018, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027} and one phytopathogenic bacterial strain {Ralstonia solanacearum}, while drug standards {chloramphenicol and streptomycin} were used as control. The inhibitory activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the tested compounds clearly indicated higher antibacterial activities of the nickel compound against B. cereus ATCC 33,018, E. coli O157 and R. solanacearum with MIC values of 3.150, 3.150 and 6.300 mg/ml, respectively. On the other hand, (NH4)2[Co(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O exhibited higher antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 (MIC value of 6.300 mg/ml) in comparison to the nickel analog. In general, the measured activities are lower than that obtained for the standards except for the higher activity given by C2 in comparison to streptomycin against the R. solanacearum strain.

Selective Isolation of Myosin Subfragment-1 with a DNA-Polyoxovanadate Bioconjugate

The bioconjugation of a polyoxometalate (POMs), i.e., dodecavanadate (V₁₂O₃₂), to DNA strands produces a functional labeled DNA primer, V₁₂O₃₂-DNA. The grafting of DNA primer onto streptavidin-coated magnetic nanoparticles (SVM) produces a novel composite, V₁₂O₃₂-DNA@SVM. The high binding-affinity of V₁₂O₃₂ with the ATP binding site in myosin subfragment-1 (S1) facilitates favorable adsorption of myosin, with an efficiency of 99.4% when processing 0.1 mL myosin solution (100 μg mL^-1) using 0.1 mg composite. Myosin adsorption fits the Langmuir model, corresponding to a theoretical adsorption capacity of 613.5 mg g^-1. The retained myosin is readily recovered by 1% SDS (m/m), giving rise to a recovery of 58.7%. No conformational change is observed for myosin after eliminating SDS by ultrafiltration. For practical use, high-purity myosin S1 is obtained by separation of myosin from the rough protein extract from porcine left ventricle, followed by digestion with α-chymotryptic and further isolation of S1 subfragment. The purified myosin S1 is identified with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/mass spectrometry, giving rise to a sequence coverage of 38%.

A combined crystallographic analysis and ab initio calculations to interpret the reactivity of functionalized hexavanadates and their inhibitor potency toward Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase

In vitro influence of five synthesized functionalized hexavanadates (V6) on commercial porcine cerebral cortex Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity has been studied. Dose dependent Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition was obtained for all investigated compounds. Calculated half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 values, in mol/L, for Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase were 7.6×10(-5), 1.8×10(-5), 2.9×10(-5), 5.5×10(-5) for functionalized hexavanadates (V6) with tetrabutylammonium (TBA) [V6-CH3][TBA]2, [V6-NO2][TBA]2, [V6-OH][TBA]2 and [V6-C3][TBA]2 respectively. [V6-OH][Na]2 inhibited Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity up to 30% at maximal investigated concentration 1×10(-3)mol/L. This reactivity has been interpreted using a study of the non-covalent interactions of functionalized hexavanadate hybrids through Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) analysis. Bibliographic searching has led to 18 different structures and 99 contacts. We have observed that C-H⋯O contacts consolidate the structures. We have also performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations and have determined electrostatic potential values at the molecular surface on a series of functionalized V6. These results enlightened their chemical reactivity and their potential biological applications such as the inhibition of the ATPase.

Characterization of decavanadate and decaniobate solutions by Raman spectroscopy

The decaniobate ion, (Nb10 = [Nb10O28](6-)) being isoelectronic and isostructural with the decavanadate ion (V10 = [V10O28](6-)), but chemically and electrochemically more inert, has been useful in advancing the understanding of V10 toxicology and pharmacological activities. In the present study, the solution chemistry of Nb10 and V10 between pH 4 and 12 is studied by Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra of V10 show that this vanadate species dominates up to pH 6.45 whereas it remains detectable until pH 8.59, which is an important range for biochemistry. Similarly, Nb10 is present between pH 5.49 and 9.90 and this species remains detectable in solution up to pH 10.80. V10 dissociates at most pH values into smaller tetrahedral vanadate oligomers such as V1 and V2, whereas Nb10 dissociates into Nb6 under mildly (10 > pH > 7.6) or highly alkaline conditions. Solutions of V10 and Nb10 are both kinetically stable under basic pH conditions for at least two weeks and at moderate temperature. The Raman method provides a means of establishing speciation in the difficult niobate system and these findings have important consequences for toxicology activities and pharmacological applications of vanadate and niobate polyoxometalates.

Decavanadate Toxicology and Pharmacological Activities: V10 or V1, Both or None?

This review covers recent advances in the understanding of decavanadate toxicology and pharmacological applications. Toxicological in vivo studies point out that V10 induces several changes in several oxidative stress parameters, different from the ones observed for vanadate (V1). In in vitro studies with mitochondria, a particularly potent V10 effect, in comparison with V1, was observed in the mitochondrial depolarization (IC50 = 40 nM) and oxygen consumption (99 nM). It is suggested that mitochondrial membrane depolarization is a key event in decavanadate induction of necrotic cardiomyocytes death. Furthermore, only decavanadate species and not V1 potently inhibited myosin ATPase activity stimulated by actin (IC50 = 0.75 μM) whereas exhibiting lower inhibition activities for Ca(2+)-ATPase activity (15 μM) and actin polymerization (17 μM). Because both calcium pump and actin decavanadate interactions lead to its stabilization, it is likely that V10 interacts at specific locations with these proteins that protect against hydrolysis but, on the other hand, it may induce V10 reduction to oxidovanadium(IV). Putting it all together, it is suggested that the pharmacological applications of V10 species and compounds whose mechanism of action is still to be clarified might involve besides V10 and V1 also vanadium(IV) species.

Decavanadate in vitro and in vivo effects: facts and opinions

This review covers recent advances in the understanding of the in vitro and in vivo effects of decavanadate, (V10O28)(6-), particularly in mitochondria. In vivo toxicological studies involving vanadium rarely account for the fact that under physiological conditions some vanadium may be present in the form of the decavanadate ion, which may behave differently from ortho- and metavanadates. It has for example been demonstrated that vanadium levels in heart or liver mitochondria are increased upon decavanadate exposure. Additionally, in vitro studies have shown that mitochondrial depolarization (IC50, 40 nM) and oxygen consumption (IC50, 99 nM) are strongly affected by decavanadate, which causes reduction of cytochrome b (complex III). We review these recent findings which together suggest that the observed cellular targets, metabolic pathway and toxicological effects differ according to the species of vanadium present. Finally, the toxicological effects of decavanadate depend on several factors such as the mode of administration, exposure time and type of tissue.

Decavanadate, decaniobate, tungstate and molybdate interactions with sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase: quercetin prevents cysteine oxidation by vanadate but does not reverse ATPase inhibition

Recently we demonstrated that the decavanadate (V(10)) ion is a stronger Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor than other oxometalates, such as the isoelectronic and isostructural decaniobate ion, and the tungstate and molybdate monomer ions, and that it binds to this protein with a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. The V(10) interaction is not affected by any of the protein conformations that occur during the process of calcium translocation (i.e. E1, E1P, E2 and E2P) (Fraqueza et al., J. Inorg. Biochem., 2012). In the present study, we further explore this subject, and we can now show that the decaniobate ion, [Nb(10) = Nb(10)O(28)](6-), is a useful tool in deducing the interaction and the non-competitive Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibition by the decavanadate ion [V(10) = V(10)O(28)](6-). Moreover, decavanadate and vanadate induce protein cysteine oxidation whereas no effects were detected for the decaniobate, tungstate or molybdate ions. The presence of the antioxidant quercetin prevents cysteine oxidation, but not ATPase inhibition, by vanadate or decavanadate. Definitive V(IV) EPR spectra were observed for decavanadate in the presence of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, indicating a vanadate reduction at some stage of the protein interaction. Raman spectroscopy clearly shows that the protein conformation changes that are induced by V(10), Nb(10) and vanadate are different from the ones induced by molybdate and tungstate monomer ions. Here, Mo and W cause changes similar to those by phosphate, yielding changes similar to the E1P protein conformation. The putative reduction of vanadium(V) to vanadium(IV) and the non-competitive binding of the V(10) and Nb(10) decametalates may explain the differences in the Raman spectra compared to those seen in the presence of molybdate or tungstate. Putting it all together, we suggest that the ability of V(10) to inhibit the Ca(2+)-ATPase may be at least in part due to the process of vanadate reduction and associated protein cysteine oxidation. These results contribute to the understanding and application of these families of mono- and polyoxometalates as effective modulators of many biological processes, particularly those associated with calcium homeostasis.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase interactions with decaniobate, decavanadate, vanadate, tungstate and molybdate

Over the last few decades there has been increasing interest in oxometalate and polyoxometalate applications to medicine and pharmacology. This interest arose, at least in part, due to the properties of these classes of compounds as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic agents, and also for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, among others. However, our understanding of the mechanism of action would be improved if biological models could be used to clarify potential toxicological effects in main cellular processes. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles, containing a large amount of Ca(2+)-ATPase, an enzyme that accumulates calcium by active transport using ATP, have been suggested as a useful model to study the effects of oxometalates on calcium homeostasis. In the present article, it is shown that decavanadate, decaniobate, vanadate, tungstate and molybdate, all inhibited SR Ca(2+)-ATPase, with the following IC(50) values: 15, 35, 50, 400 μM and 45 mM, respectively. Decaniobate (Nb(10)), is the strongest P-type enzyme inhibitor, after decavanadate (V(10)). Atomic-absorption spectroscopy (AAS) analysis, indicates that decavanadate binds to the protein with a 1:1 decavanadate:Ca(2+)-ATPase stoichiometry. Furthermore, V(10) binds with similar extension to all the protein conformations, which occur during calcium translocation by active transport, namely E1, E1P, E2 and E2P, as analysed by AAS. In contrast, it was confirmed that the binding of monomeric vanadate (H(2)VO(4)(2-); V(1)) to the calcium pump is favoured only for the E2 and E2P conformations of the ATPase, whereas no significant amount of vanadate is bound to the E1 and E1P conformations. Scatchard plot analysis, confirmed a 1:1 ratio for decavanadate-Ca(2+)-ATPase, with a dissociation constant, k(d) of 1 μM(-1). The interaction of decavanadate V(10)O(28)(6-) (V(10)) with Ca(2+)-ATPase is prevented by the isostructural and isoelectronic decaniobate Nb(10)O(28)(6-) (Nb(10)), whereas no significant effects were detected with ATP or with heparin, a known competitive ATP binding molecule, suggesting that V(10) binds non-competitively, with respect to ATP, to the protein. Finally, it was shown that decaniobate inhibits SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in a non competitive type of inhibition, with respect to ATP. Taken together, these data demonstrate that decameric niobate and vanadate species are stronger inhibitors of the SR calcium ATPase than simple monomeric vanadate, tungstate and molybdate oxometalates, thus affecting calcium homeostasis, cell signalling and cell bioenergetics, as well many other cellular processes. The ability of these oxometalates to act either as phosphate analogues, as a transition-state analogue in enzyme-catalysed phosphoryl group transfer processes and as potentially nucleotide-dependent enzymes modulators or inhibitors, suggests that different oxometalates may reveal different mechanistic preferences in these classes of enzymes.

Recent advances into vanadyl, vanadate and decavanadate interactions with actin

Although the number of papers about "vanadium" has doubled in the last decade, the studies about "vanadium and actin" are scarce. In the present review, the effects of vanadyl, vanadate and decavanadate on actin structure and function are compared. Decavanadate (51)V NMR signals, at -516 ppm, broadened and decreased in intensity upon actin titration, whereas no effects were observed for vanadate monomers, at -560 ppm. Decavanadate is the only species inducing actin cysteine oxidation and vanadyl formation, both processes being prevented by the natural ligand of the protein, ATP. Vanadyl titration with monomeric actin (G-actin), analysed by EPR spectroscopy, reveals a 1:1 binding stoichiometry and a K(d) of 7.5 μM(-1). Both decavanadate and vanadyl inhibited G-actin polymerization into actin filaments (F-actin), with a IC(50) of 68 and 300 μM, respectively, as analysed by light scattering assays, whereas no effects were detected for vanadate up to 2 mM. However, only vanadyl (up to 200 μM) induces 100% of G-actin intrinsic fluorescence quenching, whereas decavanadate shows an opposite effect, which suggests the presence of vanadyl high affinity actin binding sites. Decavanadate increases (2.6-fold) the actin hydrophobic surface, evaluated using the ANSA probe, whereas vanadyl decreases it (15%). Both vanadium species increased the ε-ATP exchange rate (k = 6.5 × 10(-3) s(-1) and 4.47 × 10(-3) s(-1) for decavanadate and vanadyl, respectively). Finally, (1)H NMR spectra of G-actin treated with 0.1 mM decavanadate clearly indicate that major alterations occur in protein structure, which are much less visible in the presence of ATP, confirming the preventive effect of the nucleotide on the decavanadate interaction with the protein. Putting it all together, it is suggested that actin, which is involved in many cellular processes, might be a potential target not only for decavanadate but above all for vanadyl. By affecting actin structure and function, vanadium can regulate many cellular processes of great physiological significance.

Recent perspectives into biochemistry of decavanadate

The number of papers about decavanadate has doubled in the past decade. In the present review, new insights into decavanadate biochemistry, cell biology, and antidiabetic and antitumor activities are described. Decameric vanadate species (V₁₀) clearly differs from monomeric vanadate (V₁), and affects differently calcium pumps, and structure and function of myosin and actin. Only decavanadate inhibits calcium accumulation by calcium pump ATPase, and strongly inhibits actomyosin ATPase activity (IC₅₀ = 1.4 μmol/L, V₁₀), whereas no such effects are detected with V₁ up to 150 μmol/L; prevents actin polymerization (IC₅₀ of 68 μmol/L, whereas no effects detected with up to 2 mmol/L V₁); and interacts with actin in a way that induces cysteine oxidation and vanadate reduction to vanadyl. Moreover, in vivo decavanadate toxicity studies have revealed that acute exposure to polyoxovanadate induces different changes in antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress parameters, in comparison with vanadate. In vitro studies have clearly demonstrated that mitochondrial oxygen consumption is strongly affected by decavanadate (IC₅₀, 0.1 μmol/L); perhaps the most relevant biological effect. Finally, decavanadate (100 μmol/L) increases rat adipocyte glucose accumulation more potently than several vanadium complexes. Preliminary studies suggest that decavanadate does not have similar effects in human adipocytes. Although decavanadate can be a useful biochemical tool, further studies must be carried out before it can be confirmed that decavanadate and its complexes can be used as anticancer or antidiabetic agents.

Actin as a potential target for decavanadate

ATP prevents G-actin cysteine oxidation and vanadyl formation specifically induced by decavanadate, suggesting that the oxometalate-protein interaction is affected by the nucleotide. The ATP exchange rate is increased by 2-fold due to the presence of decavanadate when compared with control actin (3.1×10(-3) s(-1)), and an apparent dissociation constant (k(dapp)) of 227.4±25.7 μM and 112.3±8.7 μM was obtained in absence or presence of 20 μM V(10), respectively. Moreover, concentrations as low as 50 μM of decameric vanadate species (V(10)) increases the relative G-actin intrinsic fluorescence intensity by approximately 80% whereas for a 10-fold concentration of monomeric vanadate (V(1)) no effects were observed. Upon decavanadate titration, it was observed a linear increase in G-actin hydrophobic surface (2.6-fold), while no changes were detected for V(1) (0-200 μM). Taken together, three major ideas arise: i) ATP prevents decavanadate-induced G-actin cysteine oxidation and vanadate reduction; ii) decavanadate promotes actin conformational changes resulting on its inactivation, iii) decavanadate has an effect on actin ATP binding site. Once it is demonstrated that actin is a new potential target for decavanadate, being the ATP binding site a suitable site for decavanadate binding, it is proposed that some of the biological effects of vanadate can be, at least in part, explained by decavanadate interactions with actin.

Effects of decavanadate and insulin enhancing vanadium compounds on glucose uptake in isolated rat adipocytes

The effects of different vanadium compounds namely pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylatedioxovanadium(V) (V5-dipic), bis(maltolato) oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV) and amavadine, and oligovanadates namely metavanadate and decavanadate were analysed on basal and insulin stimulated glucose uptake in rat adipocytes. Decavanadate (50 microM), manifest a higher increases (6-fold) on glucose uptake compared with basal, followed by BMOV (1 mM) and metavanadate (1 mM) solutions (3-fold) whereas V5 dipic and amavadine had no effect. Decavanadate (100 microM) also shows the highest insulin like activity when compared with the others compounds studied. In the presence of insulin (10 nM), only decavanadate increases (50%) the glucose uptake when compared with insulin stimulated glucose uptake whereas BMOV and metavanadate, had no effect and V5 dipic and amavadine prevent the stimulation to about half of the basal value. Decavanadate is also able to reduce or eradicate the suppressor effect caused by dexamethasone on glucose uptake at the level of the adipocytes. Altogether, vanadium compounds and oligovanadates with several structures and coordination spheres reveal different effects on glucose uptake in rat primary adipocytes.

Decavanadate: a journey in a search of a role

Currently, efforts have been directed towards using decavanadate as a tool for the understanding of several biochemical processes such as muscle contraction, calcium homeostasis, in vivo changes of oxidative stress markers, mitochondrial oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, actin polymerization and glucose uptake, among others. In addition, studies have been conducted in order to make vanadium available and safe for clinical use, for instance with decavanadate compounds that present interesting pharmacological properties, eventually useful for the treatment of diabetes. Here, recent contributions of decavanadate to the effects of vanadium in biological systems, not only in vitro, but also in vivo, are analysed.

Decavanadate interactions with actin: cysteine oxidation and vanadyl formation

Incubation of actin with decavanadate induces cysteine oxidation and oxidovanadium(IV) formation. The studies were performed combining kinetic with spectroscopic (NMR and EPR) methodologies. Although decavanadate is converted to labile oxovanadates, the rate of deoligomerization can be very slow (half-life time of 5.4 h, at 25 degrees C, with a first order kinetics), which effectively allows decavanadate to exist for some time under experimental conditions. It was observed that decavanadate inhibits F-actin-stimulated myosin ATPase activity with an IC(50) of 0.8 microM V(10) species, whereas 50 microM of vanadate or oxidovanadium(IV) only inhibits enzyme activity up to 25%. Moreover, from these three vanadium forms, only decavanadate induces the oxidation of the so called "fast" cysteines (or exposed cysteine, Cys-374) when the enzyme is in the polymerized and active form, F-actin, with an IC(50) of 1 microM V(10) species. Decavanadate exposition to F- and G-actin (monomeric form) promotes vanadate reduction since a typical EPR oxidovanadium(IV) spectrum was observed. Upon observation that V(10) reduces to oxidovanadium(IV), it is proposed that this cation interacts with G-actin (K(d) of 7.48 +/- 1.11 microM), and with F-actin (K(d) = 43.05 +/- 5.34 microM) with 1:1 and 4:1 stoichiometries, respectively, as observed by EPR upon protein titration with oxidovanadium(IV). The interaction of oxidovanadium(IV) with the protein may occur close to the ATP binding site of actin, eventually with lysine-336 and 3 water molecules.

Decavanadate (V10 O28 6-) and oxovanadates: oxometalates with many biological activities

The decameric vanadate species V(10)O(28)(6-), also referred to as decavanadate, impact proteins, lipid structures and cellular function, and show some effects in vivo on oxidative stress processes and other biological properties. The mode of action of decavanadate in many biochemical systems depends, at least in part, on the charge and size of the species and in some cases competes with the simpler oxovanadate species. The orange decavanadate that contains 10 vanadium atoms is a stable species for several days at neutral pH, but at higher pH immediately converts to the structurally and functionally distinct lower oxovanadates such as the monomer, dimer or tetramer. Although the biological effects of vanadium are generally assumed to derive from monomeric vanadate or the vanadyl cation, we show in this review that not all effects can be attributed to these simple oxovanadate forms. This topic has not previously been reviewed although background information is available [D.C. Crans, Comments Inorg. Chem. 16 (1994) 35-76; M. Aureliano (Ed.), Vanadium Biochemistry, Research Signpost Publs., Kerala, India, 2007]. In addition to pumps, channels and metabotropic receptors, lipid structures represent potential biological targets for decavanadate and some examples have been reported. Decavanadate interact with enzymes, polyphosphate, nucleotide and inositol 3-phosphate binding sites in the substrate domain or in an allosteric site, in a complex manner. In mitochondria, where vanadium was shown to accumulate following decavanadate in vivo administration, nM concentration of decavanadate induces membrane depolarization in addition to inhibiting oxygen consumption, suggesting that mitochondria may be potential targets for decameric toxicity. In vivo effects of decavanadate in piscine models demonstrated that antioxidant stress markers, lipid peroxidation and vanadium subcellular distribution is dependent upon whether or not the solutions administered contain decavanadate. The present review summarizes the reports on biological effects of decavanadate and highlights the importance of considering decavanadate in evaluations of the biological effects of vanadium.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase is inhibited by organic vanadium coordination compounds: pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylatodioxovanadium(V), BMOV, and an amavadine analogue

The general affinity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca (2+)-ATPase was examined for three different classes of vanadium coordination complexes including a vanadium(V) compound, pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylatodioxovanadium(V) (PDC-V(V)), and two vanadium(IV) compounds, bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV), and an analogue of amavadine, bis( N-hydroxylamidoiminodiacetato)vanadium(IV) (HAIDA-V(IV)). The ability of vanadate to act either as a phosphate analogue or as a transition-state analogue with enzymes' catalysis phosphoryl group transfer suggests that vanadium coordination compounds may reveal mechanistic preferences in these classes of enzymes. Two of these compounds investigated, PDC-V(V) and BMOV, were hydrolytically and oxidatively reactive at neutral pH, and one, HAIDA-V(IV), does not hydrolyze, oxidize, or otherwise decompose to a measurable extent during the enzyme assay. The SR Ca (2+)-ATPase was inhibited by all three of these complexes. The relative order of inhibition was PDC-V(V) > BMOV > vanadate > HAIDA-V(IV), and the IC 50 values were 25, 40, 80, and 325 microM, respectively. Because the observed inhibition is more potent for PDC-V(V) and BMOV than that of oxovanadates, the inhibition cannot be explained by oxovanadate formation during enzyme assays. Furthermore, the hydrolytically and redox stable amavadine analogue HAIDA-V(IV) inhibited the Ca (2+)-ATPase less than oxovanadates. To gauge the importance of the lipid environment, studies of oxidized BMOV in microemulsions were performed and showed that this system remained in the aqueous pool even though PDC-V(V) is able to penetrate lipid interfaces. These findings suggest that the hydrolytic properties of these complexes may be important in the inhibition of the calcium pump. Our results show that two simple coordination complexes with known insulin enhancing effects can invoke a response in calcium homeostasis and the regulation of muscle contraction through the SR Ca (2+)-ATPase.

Impairment of mineralization by metavanadate and decavanadate solutions in a fish bone-derived cell line

Vanadium, a trace metal known to accumulate in bone and to mimic insulin, has been shown to regulate mammalian bone formation using in vitro and in vivo systems. In the present work, short- and long-term effects of metavanadate (containing monomeric, dimeric, tetrameric and pentameric vanadate species) and decavanadate (containing decameric vanadate species) solutions on the mineralization of a fish bone-derived cell line (VSa13) were studied and compared to that of insulin. After 2 h of incubation with vanadate (10 microM in monomeric vanadate), metavanadate exhibited higher accumulation rates than decavanadate (6.85 +/- 0.40 versus 3.95 +/- 0.10 microg V/g of protein, respectively) in fish VSa13 cells and was also shown to be less toxic when applied for short periods. In longer treatments with both metavanadate and decavanadate solutions, similar effects were promoted: stimulation of cell proliferation and strong impairment (75%) of extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization. The effect of both vanadate solutions (5 microM in monomeric vanadate), on ECM mineralization was increased in the presence of insulin (10 nM). It is concluded that chronic treatment with both vanadate solutions stimulated fish VSa13 cells proliferation and prevented ECM mineralization. Newly developed VSa13 fish cells appeared to be appropriate in the characterization of vanadate effects on vertebrate bone formation, representing a good alternative to mammalian systems.

Vanadium and cadmium in vivo effects in teleost cardiac muscle: metal accumulation and oxidative stress markers

Several biological studies associate vanadium and cadmium with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes alterations. The present study aims to analyse and compare the oxidative stress responses induced by an acute intravenous exposure (1 and 7 days) to a sub-lethal concentration (5 mM) of two vanadium solutions, containing different vanadate n-oligomers (n=1-5 or n=10), and a cadmium solution on the cardiac muscle of the marine teleost Halobatrachus didactylus (Lusitanian toadfish). It was observed that vanadium is mainly accumulated in mitochondria (1.33+/-0.26 microM), primarily when this element was administrated as decameric vanadate, than when administrated as metavanadate (432+/-294 nM), while the highest content of cadmium was found in cytosol (365+/-231 nM). Indeed, decavanadate solution promotes stronger increases in mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase: +120%; superoxide dismutase: +140%) than metavanadate solution. On contrary, cadmium increases cytosolic catalase (+111%) and glutathione peroxidases (+50%) activities. It is also observed that vanadate oligomers induce in vitro prooxidant effects in toadfish heart, with stronger effects induced by metavanadate solution. In summary, vanadate and cadmium are differently accumulated in blood and cardiac subcellular fractions and induced different responses in enzymatic antioxidant defence mechanisms. In the present study, it is described for the first time the effects of equal doses of two different metals intravenously injected in the same fish species and upon the same exposure period allowing to understand the mechanisms of vanadate and cadmium toxicity in fish cardiac muscle.

Vanadate induces necrotic death in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes through mitochondrial membrane depolarization

Besides the well-known inotropic effects of vanadium in cardiac muscle, previous studies have shown that vanadate can stimulate cell growth or induce cell death. In this work, we studied the toxicity to neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (cardiomyocytes) of two vanadate solutions containing different oligovanadates distribution, decavanadate (containing decameric vanadate, V 10) and metavanadate (containing monomeric vanadate and also di-, tetra-, and pentavanadate). Incubation for 24 h with decavanadate or metavanadate induced necrotic cell death of cardiomyocytes, without significant caspase-3 activation. Only 10 microM total vanadium of either decavanadate (1 microM V 10) or metavanadate (10 microM total vanadium) was needed to produce 50% loss of cell viability after 24 h (assessed with MTT and propidium iodide assays). Atomic absorption spectroscopy showed that vanadium accumulation in cardiomyocytes after 24 h was the same when incubation was done with decavanadate or metavanadate. A decrease of 75% of the rate of mitochondrial superoxide anion generation, monitored with dihydroethidium, and a sustained rise of cytosolic calcium (monitored with Fura-2-loaded cardiomyocytes) was observed after 24 h of incubation of cardiomyocytes with decavanadate or metavanadate concentrations close to those inducing 50% loss of cell viability produced. In addition, mitochondrial membrane depolarization within cardiomyocytes, monitored with tetramethylrhodamine ethyl esther or with 3,3',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide, were observed after only 6 h of incubation with decavanadate or metavanadate. The concentration needed for 50% mitochondrial depolarization was 6.5 +/- 1 microM total vanadium for both decavanadate (0.65 microM V 10) and metavanadate. In conclusion, mitochondrial membrane depolarization was an early event in decavanadate- and monovanadate-induced necrotic cell death of cardiomyocytes.

Mitochondria as a target for decavanadate toxicity in Sparus aurata heart

In a previous in vivo study we have reported that vanadium distribution, antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid peroxidation in Sparus aurata heart are strongly dependent on the oligomeric vanadate species being administered. Moreover, it was suggested that vanadium is accumulated in mitochondria, in particular when V10 was intravenously injected. In this work we have done a comparative study of the effects of V10 and monomeric vanadate (V1) on cardiac mitochondria from S. aurata. V10 inhibits mitochondrial oxygen consumption with an IC(50) of 400 nM, while the IC(50) for V1 is 23 microM. V10 also induced mitochondrial depolarization at very low concentrations, with an IC(50) of 196 nM, and 55 microM of V1 was required to induce the same effect. Additionally, up to 5 microM V10 did inhibit neither F(0)F(1)-ATPase activity nor NADH levels and it did not affect respiratory complexes I and II, but it induced changes in the redox steady-state of complex III. It is concluded that V10 inhibits mitochondrial oxygen consumption and induces membrane depolarization more strongly than V1, pointing out that mitochondria is a toxicological target for V10 and the importance to take into account the contribution of V10 to the vanadate toxic effects.

Vanadate-induced cell death is dissociated from H2O2 generation

Vanadium is an environmentally toxic metal with peculiar and sometimes contradictory cellular effects. It is insulin-mimetic, it can either stimulate cell growth or induce cell death, and it has both mutagenic and antineoplastic properties. However, the mechanisms involved in those effects are poorly understood. Several studies suggest that H(2)O(2) is involved in vanadate-induced cell death, but it is not known whether cellular sensitivity to vanadate is indeed related to H(2)O(2) generation. In the present study, the sensitivity of four cell lines from different origins (K562, K562-Lucena 1, MDCK, and Ma104) to vanadate and H(2)O(2) was evaluated and the production of H(2)O(2) by vanadate was analyzed by flow cytometry. We show that cell lines very resistant to H(2)O(2) (K562, K562-Lucena 1, and Ma104 cells) are much more sensitive to vanadate than MDCK, a cell line relatively susceptible to H(2)O(2), suggesting that vanadate-induced cytotoxicity is not directly related to H(2)O(2) responsiveness. In accordance, vanadate concentrations that reduced cellular viability to approximately 60-70% of the control (10 mumol/L) did not induce H(2)O(2) formation. A second hypothesis, that peroxovanadium (PV) compounds, produced once vanadate enters into the cells, are responsible for the cytotoxicity, was only partially confirmed because MDCK cells were resistant to both vanadate and PV compounds (10 micromol/L each). Therefore, our results suggest that vanadate toxicity occurs by two distinct pathways, one dependent on and one independent of H(2)O(2) production.

Binding modes of decavanadate to myosin and inhibition of the actomyosin ATPase activity

Decavanadate, a vanadate oligomer, is known to interact with myosin and to inhibit the ATPase activity, but the putative binding sites and the mechanism of inhibition are still to be clarified. We have previously proposed that the decavanadate (V(10)O(28)(6-)) inhibition of the actin-stimulated myosin ATPase activity is non-competitive towards both actin and ATP. A likely explanation for these results is that V(10) binds to the so-called back-door at the end of the Pi-tube opposite to the nucleotide-binding site. In order to further investigate this possibility, we have carried out molecular docking simulations of the V(10) oligomer on three different structures of the myosin motor domain of Dictyostelium discoideum, representing distinct states of the ATPase cycle. The results indicate a clear preference of V(10) to bind at the back-door, but only on the "open" structures where there is access to the phosphate binding-loop. It is suggested that V(10) acts as a "back-door stop" blocking the closure of the 50-kDa cleft necessary to carry out ATP-gamma-phosphate hydrolysis. This provides a simple explanation to the non-competitive behavior of V(10) and spurs the use of the oligomer as a tool to elucidate myosin back-door conformational changes in the process of muscle contraction.

Myosin light chain phosphorylation inhibits muscle fiber shortening velocity in the presence of vanadate

We have shown that myosin light chain phosphorylation inhibits fiber shortening velocity at high temperatures, 30 degrees C, in the presence of the phosphate analog vanadate. Vanadate inhibits tension by reversing the transition to force-generating states, thus mimicking a prepower stroke state. We have previously shown that at low temperatures vanadate also inhibits velocity, but at high temperatures it does not, with an abrupt transition in inhibition occurring near 25 degrees C (E. Pate, G. Wilson, M. Bhimani, and R. Cooke. Biophys J 66: 1554-1562, 1994). Here we show that for fibers activated in the presence of 0.5 mM vanadate, at 30 degrees C, shortening velocity is not inhibited in dephosphorylated fibers but is inhibited by 37 +/- 10% in fibers with phosphorylated myosin light chains. There is no effect of phosphorylation on fiber velocity in the presence of vanadate at 10 degrees C. The K(m) for ATP, defined by the maximum velocity of fibers partially inhibited by vanadate at 30 degrees C, is 20 +/- 4 microM for phosphorylated fibers and 192 +/- 40 microM for dephosphorylated fibers, showing that phosphorylation also affects the binding of ATP. Fiber stiffness is not affected by phosphorylation. Inhibition of velocity by phosphorylation at 30 degrees C depends on the phosphate analog, with approximately 12% inhibition in fibers activated in the presence of 5 mM BeF(3) and no inhibition in the presence of 0.25 mM AlF(4). Our results show that myosin phosphorylation can inhibit shortening velocity in fibers with large populations of myosin heads trapped in prepower stroke states, such as occurs during muscle fatigue.

Decavanadate interactions with actin: inhibition of G-actin polymerization and stabilization of decameric vanadate

Decameric vanadate species (V10) inhibit the rate and the extent of G-actin polymerization with an IC50 of 68+/-22 microM and 17+/-2 microM, respectively, whilst they induce F-actin depolymerization at a lower extent. On contrary, no effect on actin polymerization and depolymerization was detected for 2mM concentration of "metavanadate" solution that contains ortho and metavanadate species, as observed by combining kinetic with (51)V NMR spectroscopy studies. Although at 25 degrees C, decameric vanadate (10 microM) is unstable in the assay medium, and decomposes following a first-order kinetic, in the presence of G-actin (up to 8 microM), the half-life increases 5-fold (from 5 to 27 h). However, the addition of ATP (0.2mM) in the medium not only prevents the inhibition of G-actin polymerization by V10 but it also decreases the half-life of decomposition of decameric vanadate species from 27 to 10h. Decameric vanadate is also stabilized by the sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, which raise the half-life time from 5 to 18h whereas no effects were observed in the presence of phosphatidylcholine liposomes, myosin or G-actin alone. It is proposed that the "decavanadate" interaction with G-actin, favored by the G-actin polymerization, stabilizes decameric vanadate species and induces inhibition of G-actin polymerization. Decameric vanadate stabilization by cytoskeletal and transmembrane proteins can account, at least in part, for decavanadate toxicity reported in the evaluation of vanadium (V) effects in biological systems.

Peroxynitrite induces F-actin depolymerization and blockade of myosin ATPase stimulation

Treatment of F-actin with the peroxynitrite-releasing agent 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) produced a dose-dependent F-actin depolymerization. This is due to released peroxynitrite because it is not produced by 'decomposed SIN-1', and it is prevented by superoxide dismutase concentrations efficiently preventing peroxynitrite formation. F-actin depolymerization has been found to be very sensitive to peroxynitrite, as exposure to fluxes as low as 50-100nM peroxynitrite leads to nearly 50% depolymerization in about 1h. G-actin polymerization is also impaired by peroxynitrite although with nearly 2-fold lower sensitivity. Exposure of F-actin to submicromolar fluxes of peroxynitrite produced cysteine oxidation and also a blockade of the ability of actin to stimulate myosin ATPase activity. Our results suggest that an imbalance of the F-actin/G-actin equilibrium can account for the observed structural and functional impairment of myofibrils under the peroxynitrite-mediated oxidative stress reported for some pathophysiological conditions.

Dynamics of the upper 50-kDa domain of myosin V examined with fluorescence resonance energy transfer

The upper 50-kDa region of myosin may be critical for coupling between the nucleotide- and actin-binding regions. We introduced a tetracysteine motif in the upper 50-kDa domain (residues 292-297) of myosin V containing a single IQ domain (MV 1IQ), allowing us to label this site with the fluorescein biarscenical hairpin-binding dye (FlAsH) (MV 1IQ FlAsH). The enzymatic properties of MV 1IQ FlAsH were similar to those of unlabeled MV 1IQ except for a 3-fold reduced ADP-release rate. MV 1IQ FlAsH was also capable of moving actin filaments in the in vitro motility assay. To examine rotation of the upper 50-kDa region, we determined the difference in the degree of energy transfer from N-methylanthraniloyl (mant)-labeled nucleotides to FlAsH in both steady-state and transient kinetic experiments. The energy transfer efficiency was higher with mant-ATP (0.65 +/- 0.02) compared with mant-ADP (0.55 +/- 0.02) in the absence of actin. Stopped-flow measurements suggested that the energy transfer efficiency decreased with phosphate release (0.04 s(-1)) in the absence of actin. In contrast, upon mixing MV 1IQ FlAsH in the ADP.P(i) state with actin, a decrease in the energy transfer signal was observed at a rate of 13 s(-1), similar to the ADP release rate. Our results demonstrate there was no change in the energy transfer signal upon actin-activated phosphate release and suggest that actin binding alters the dynamics of the upper 50-kDa region, which may be critical for the ability of myosin to bind tightly to both ADP and actin.

Gating of TRP channels: a voltage connection?

TRP channels represent the main pathways for cation influx in non-excitable cells. Although TRP channels were for a long time considered to be voltage independent, several TRP channels now appear to be weakly voltage dependent with an activation curve extending mainly into the non-physiological positive voltage range. In connection with this voltage dependence, there is now abundant evidence that physical stimuli, such as temperature (TRPV1, TRPM8, TRPV3), or the binding of various ligands (TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPM8, TRPM4), shift this voltage dependence towards physiologically relevant potentials, a mechanism that may represent the main functional hallmark of these TRP channels. This review discusses some features of voltage-dependent gating of TRPV1, TRPM4 and TRPM8. A thermodynamic principle is elaborated, which predicts that the small gating charge of TRP channels is a crucial factor for the large voltage shifts induced by various stimuli. Some structural considerations will be given indicating that, although the voltage sensor is not yet known, the C-terminus may substantially change the voltage dependence of these channels.

Vanadate oligomers: in vivo effects in hepatic vanadium accumulation and stress markers

The formation of vanadate oligomeric species is often disregarded in studies on vanadate effects in biological systems, particularly in vivo, even though they may interact with high affinity with many proteins. We report the effects in fish hepatic tissue of an acute intravenous exposure (12, 24 h and 7 days) to two vanadium(V) solutions, metavanadate and decavanadate, containing different vanadate oligomers administered at sub-lethal concentration (5 mM; 1 mg/kg). Decavanadate solution promotes a 5-fold increase (0.135 +/- 0.053 microg V(-1) dry tissues) in the vanadium content of the mitochondrial fraction 7 days after exposition, whereas no effects were observed after metavanadate solution administration. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels did not change and the overall reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was decreased by 30% 24 h after decavanadate administration, while for metavanadate, GSH levels increased 35%, the overall ROS production was depressed by 40% and mitochondrial superoxide anion production decreased 45%. Decavanadate intoxication did not induce changes in the rate of lipid peroxidation till 12 h, but later increased 80%, which is similar to the increase observed for metavanadate after 24 h. Decameric vanadate administration clearly induces different effects than the other vanadate oligomeric species, pointing out the importance of taking into account the different vanadate oligomers in the evaluation of vanadium(V) effects in biological systems.

Decavanadate effects in biological systems

Vanadium biological studies often disregarded the formation of decameric vanadate species known to interact, in vitro, with high-affinity with many proteins such as myosin and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump and also to inhibit these biochemical systems involved in energy transduction. Moreover, very few in vivo animal studies involving vanadium consider the contribution of decavanadate to vanadium biological effects. Recently, it has been shown that an acute exposure to decavanadate but not to other vanadate oligomers induced oxidative stress and a different fate in vanadium intracellular accumulation. Several markers of oxidative stress analyzed on hepatic and cardiac tissue were monitored after in vivo effect of an acute exposure (12, 24 h and 7 days), to a sub-lethal concentration (5 mM; 1 mg/kg) of two vanadium solutions ("metavanadate" and "decavanadate"). It was observed that "decavanadate" promote different effects than other vanadate oligomers in catalase activity, glutathione content, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial superoxide anion production and vanadium accumulation, whereas both solutions seem to equally depress reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as total intracellular reducing power. Vanadium is accumulated in mitochondria in particular when "decavanadate" is administered. These recent findings, that are now summarized, point out the decameric vanadate species contributions to in vivo and in vitro effects induced by vanadium in biological systems.

Decavanadate as a biochemical tool in the elucidation of muscle contraction regulation

Recently reported decameric vanadate (V(10)) high affinity binding site in myosin S1, suggests that it can be used as a tool in the muscle contraction regulation. In the present article, it is shown that V(10) species induces myosin S1 cleavage, upon irradiation, at the 23 and 74 kDa sites, the latter being prevented by actin and the former blocked by the presence of ATP. Identical cleavage patterns were found for meta- and decavanadate solutions, indicating that V(10) and tetrameric vanadate (V(4)) have the same binding sites in myosin S1. Concentrations as low as 50 muM decavanadate (5 muM V(10) species) induces 30% of protein cleavage, whereas 500 muM metavanadate is needed to attain the same extent of cleavage. After irradiation, V(10) species is rapidly decomposed, upon protein addition, forming vanadyl (V(4+)) species during the process. It was also observed by NMR line broadening experiments that, V(10) competes with V(4) for the myosin S1 binding sites, having a higher affinity. In addition, V(4) interaction with myosin S1 is highly affected by the products release during ATP hydrolysis in the presence or absence of actin, whereas V(10) appears to be affected at a much lower extent. From these results it is proposed that the binding of vanadate oligomers to myosin S1 at the phosphate loop (23 kDa site) is probably the cause of the actin stimulated myosin ATPase inhibition by the prevention of ATP/ADP exchange, and that this interaction is favoured for higher vanadate anions, such as V(10).

Decavanadate modulates gating of TRPM4 cation channels

We have tested the effects of decavanadate (DV), a compound known to interfere with ATP binding in ATP-dependent transport proteins, on TRPM4, a Ca(2+)-activated, voltage-dependent monovalent cation channel, whose activity is potently blocked by intracellular ATP(4-). Application of micromolar Ca(2+) concentrations to the cytoplasmic side of inside-out patches led to immediate current activation followed by rapid current decay, which can be explained by an at least 30-fold decreased apparent affinity for Ca(2+). Subsequent application of DV (10 microm) strongly affected the voltage-dependent gating of the channel, resulting in large sustained currents over the voltage range between -180 and +140 mV. The effect of DV was half-maximal at a concentration of 1.9 microm. The Ca(2+)- and voltage-dependent gating of the channel was well described by a sequential kinetic scheme in which Ca(2+) binding precedes voltage-dependent gating. The effects of DV could be explained by an action on the voltage-dependent closing step. Surprisingly, DV did not antagonize the effect of ATP(4-) on TRPM4, but caused a nearly 10-fold increase in the sensitivity of the ATP(4-) block. TRPM5, which is the most homologous channel to TRPM4, was not modulated by DV. The effect of DV was lost in a TRPM4 chimera in which the C-terminus was substituted with that of TRPM5. Deletion of a cluster in the C-terminus of TRPM4 containing positively charged amino acid residues with a high homology to part of the decavanadate binding site in SERCA pumps, completely abolished the DV effect but also accelerated desensitization. Deletion of a similar site in the N-terminus had no effects on DV responses. These results indicate that the C-terminus of TRPM4 is critically involved in mediating the DV effects. In conclusion, decavanadate modulates TRPM4, but not TRPM5, by inhibiting voltage-dependent closure of the channel.