Potential neurotoxicity of titanium implants: Prospective, in-vivo and in-vitro study

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a frequently used biomaterial, particularly in orthopedic and dental implants, and it is considered an inert and benign compound. This has resulted in toxicological scrutiny for TiO₂ in the past decade, with numerus studies showing potential pathologic downstream effects. Herein we describe case report of a 77-year-old male with subacute CNS dysfunction, secondary to breakdown of a titanium-based carotid stent and leading to blood levels 1000 times higher (3 ppm) than the reported normal. We prospectively collected tissues adjacent to orthopedic implants and found a positive correlation between titanium concentration and time of implant in the body (r = 0.67, p < 0.02). Rats bearing titanium implants or intravascularly treated with TiO₂ nanoparticles (TiNP) exhibited memory impairments. A human blood-brain barrier (BBB) in-vitro model exposed to TiNP showed paracellular leakiness, which was corroborated in-vivo with the decrease of key BBB transcripts in isolated blood vessels from hippocampi harvested from TiNP-treated mice. Titanium particles rapidly internalized into brain-like endothelial cells via caveolae-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis and induced pro-inflammatory reaction with increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes and proteins. Immune reaction was mediated partially by IL-1R and IL-6. In summary, we show that high levels of titanium accumulate in humans adjacent to orthopedic implants, and our in-vivo and in-vitro studies suggest it may be neurotoxic.

The moonlighting activities of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase: Biotechnological and biomedical applications

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) is a homodimeric flavin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the NAD⁺ -dependent oxidation of dihydrolipoamide. The enzyme is part of several multi-enzyme complexes such as the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase system that transforms pyruvate into acetyl-co-A. Concomitantly with its redox activity, DLDH produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are involved in cellular apoptotic processes. DLDH possesses several moonlighting functions. One of these is the capacity to adhere to metal-oxides surfaces. This was first exemplified by the presence of an exocellular form of the enzyme on the cell-wall surface of Rhodococcus ruber. This capability was evolutionarily conserved and identified in the human, mitochondrial, DLDH. The enzyme was modified with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) groups, which enabled its interaction with integrin-rich cancer cells followed by "integrin-assisted-endocytosis." This allowed harnessing the enzyme for cancer therapy. Combining the TiO₂ -binding property with DLDH's ROS-production, enabled us to develop several medical applications including improving oesseointegration of TiO₂ -based implants and photodynamic treatment for melanoma. The TiO₂ -binding sites of both the bacterial and human DLDH's were identified on the proteins' molecules at regions that overlap with the binding site of E3-binding protein (E3BP). This protein is essential in forming the multiunit structure of PDC. Another moonlighting activity of DLDH, which is described in this Review, is its DNA-binding capacity that may affect DNA chelation and shredding leading to apoptotic processes in living cells. The typical ROS-generation by DLDH, which occurs in association with its enzymatic activity and its implications in cancer and apoptotic cell death are also discussed.

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase moonlighting activity as a DNA chelating agent

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) is a mitochondrial enzyme that comprises an essential component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Lines of evidence have shown that many dehydrogenases possess unrelated actions known as moonlightings in addition to their oxidoreductase activity. As part of these activities, we have demonstrated that DLDH binds TiO2 as well as produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). This ROS production capability was harnessed for cancer therapy via integrin-mediated drug-delivery of RGD-modified DLDH (DLDHRGD ), leading to apoptotic cell death. In these experiments, DLDHRGD not only accumulated in the cytosol but also migrated to the cell nuclei, suggesting a potential DNA-binding capability of this enzyme. To explore this interaction under cell-free conditions, we have analyzed DLDH binding to phage lambda (λ) DNA by gel-shift assays and analytic ultracentrifugation, showing complex formation between the two, which led to full coverage of the DNA molecule with DLDH molecules. DNA binding did not affect DLDH enzymatic activity, indicating that there are neither conformational changes nor active site hindering in DLDH upon DNA-binding. A Docking algorithm for prediction of protein-DNA complexes, Paradoc, identified a putative DNA binding site at the C-terminus of DLDH. Our finding that TiO2 -bound DLDH failed to form a complex with DNA suggests partial overlapping between the two sites. To conclude, DLDH binding to DNA presents a novel moonlight activity which may be used for DNA alkylating in cancer treatment.

RGD-modified dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase conjugated to titanium dioxide nanoparticles –switchableintegrin-targeted photodynamic treatment of melanoma cells

The photocytotoxic effect of UVA-excited titanium dioxide (TiO₂), which is caused by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is often used in medical applications, such as cancer treatment. Photodynamic-therapy (PDT) is applied in several cancer models including cutaneous melanoma (CM), however the lack of selectivity causing damage to surrounding healthy tissues limits its applicability and novel targeted-delivery approaches are required. As cancer cells often overexpress integrin receptors (e.g. αvβ₃) on their cell surface, targeted delivery of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) via an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif would make PDT more selective. We have recently reported that the mitochondrial enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) strongly and specifically conjugates TiO₂via coordinative bonds. In this work we have modified DLDH with RGD moieties (DLDH^RGD), creating a molecular bridge between the integrin-expressing cancer cells and the photo-excitable TiO₂ nanoparticles. Physicochemical assays have indicated that the hybrid-conjugated nanobiocomplex, TiO₂–DLDH^RGD, is producing controlled-release ROS under UVA illumination, with anatase NPs being the most photoreactive TiO₂ form. This drug delivery system exhibited a cytotoxic effect in αvβ₃ integrin-expressing mice melanoma cells (B16F10), but not in normal cells lacking this integrin (HEK293). No cytotoxic effect was observed in the absence of UV illumination. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of combining the high efficiency of TiO₂-based PDT, with an integrin-mediated tumor-targeted drug delivery for nanomedicine.

This work presents a UVA switchable integrin-targeted photodynamic therapy in melanoma, composed of an RGD-modified DLDH conjugated to TiO₂ nanoparticles, with high selectivity towards integrin-expressing cancer cells.

Direct and Rapid Analysis of the Adhesion of Bacteria to Solid Surfaces: Interaction of Fluorescently Labeled Rhodococcus Strain GIN-1 (NCIMB 40340) Cells with Titanium-Rich Particles

A fluorimetric assay which enables direct and accurate analysis of the adhesion of bacteria to solid particles was developed. The assay is based on labeling of the bacteria with fluorescamine, which reacts with primary amino groups on the cell surface to yield a yellow fluorescence that is easily detectable by both fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorimetry. As an example, fluorescent labeling of Rhodococcus strain GIN-1 (NCIMB 40340) cells enabled the detection and quantitative determination of their adsorption to TiO(inf2) and coal fly ash particles. Exposure of the cells to 10% acetone during the labeling reaction affected neither their viability nor their ability to adhere to these particles. Only a small fraction (;sim2%) of the total cell protein was labeled by fluorescamine upon staining of intact bacterial cells, which may indicate preferential labeling of certain proteins. Specificity studies carried out with the fluorescence assay confirmed previous findings that Rhodococcus strain GIN-1 cells possess high affinities for TiO(inf2), ZnO, and coal fly ash and low affinities for other metal oxides. In principle, the newly developed fluorimetric assay may be used for determination of cell adhesion to any solid matrix by either microscopic examination or epifluorescence measurements. In the present work, the adhesion of several other microorganisms to TiO(inf2) particles was tested as well, but their ability to adhere to these particles was significantly lower than that of Rhodococcus strain GIN-1 cells.

Characterizing the adsorption of peptides to TiO2 in aqueous solutions by liquid chromatography

The interactions between titanium oxide (TiO(2)) and flexible peptides, decorated by amine, carboxyl, and phosphoserine functional groups, were characterized using analytical liquid chromatography with various loading and eluting solutions. This approach enabled discernment of the type of intermolecular interactions generated between the peptides and the metal oxide surfaces in addition to unraveling more subtle effects, specific ions, and oxide phase may have on the adsorption. The peptide presenting Lys residues adsorbed to the oxide surface in the presence of Tris buffer and eluted under conditions that indicated its binding via electrostatic interactions at physiological pH values. Upon adsorption to the oxide in the presence of phosphate buffer, the same peptide exhibited stronger electrostatic interactions with the surface, mediated by the buffer phosphate ions. In Tris-buffered saline (TBS), pH 7.4, as the adsorption medium, the peptide with the phosphoserine residues exhibited affinity indicative of coordinative binding to the titanium oxide, whereas a similar peptide decorated by carboxylate groups failed to adsorb. On the basis of differences in the interactions of these peptides with the TiO(2), the efficient separation of the two peptides was demonstrated. A basic amphiphilic peptide, composed mostly of Lys and Leu residues, was found to strongly adsorb to TiO(2) while in helical conformation only, demonstrating the strong impact the secondary structure may have on adsorption to the surface. The methodology presented in this study allows the elucidation of in situ binding mechanism and relative strengths to titanium oxide surfaces at conditions which resemble biologically relevant environments.

The structure and synthetic capabilities of a catalytic peptide formed by substrate-directed mechanism--implications to prebiotic catalysis

Previously, we have shown that a small substrate may serve as a template in the formation of a specific catalytic peptide, a phenomenon which might have had a major role in prebiotic synthesis of peptide catalysts. This was demonstrated experimentally by the formation of a catalytic metallo-dipeptide, Cys2-Fe2+, around o-nitrophenyl beta-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG), by dicyandiamide (DCDA)-assisted condensation under aqueous conditions. This dipeptide was capable of hydrolyzing ONPG at a specific activity lower only 1000 fold than that of beta galactosidase. In the present paper we use molecular modeling techniques to elucidate the structure of this catalyst and its complex with the substrate and propose a putative mechanism for the catalyst formation and its mode of action as a "mini enzyme". This model suggests that interaction of Fe2+ ion with ONPG oxygens and with two cysteine SH groups promotes the specific formation of the Cys2-Fe2+ catalyst. Similarly, the interaction of the catalyst with ONPG is mediated by its Fe2+ with the substrate oxygens, leading to its hydrolysis. In addition, immobilized forms of the catalyst were synthesized on two carriers--Eupergit C and amino glass beads. These preparations were capable of catalyzing the formation of ONPG from beta-D-galactose and o-nitrophenol (ONP) under anhydrous conditions. The ability of the catalyst to synthesize the substrate that mediates its own formation creates an autocatalytic cycle where ONPG catalyzes the formation of a catalyst which, in turn, catalyzes ONPG formation. Such autocatalytic cycle can only operate by switching between high and low water activity conditions, such as in tidal pools cycling between wet and dry environments. Implications of the substrate-dependent formation of catalytically active peptides to prebiotic processes are discussed.

Staphylococcus aureus leucocidin, a virulence factor in bovine mastitis

The involvement of Staphylococcus aureus exosecretions in bovine udder infection (Younis et al. 2003) suggests that four different monomer protein bands appearing between 36 and 31 kDa, are associated with the severity of the cow's infection response. Three out of these four bands have been identified by means of protein sequencing. Band B, with a MW of 35 kDa was identified as Panton-Valentaine leucocidin LukF'-PV chain- Staph. aureus; band C, with a MW of 32 kDa was identified as leucocidin chain LukM precursor- Staph. aureus; and band D was found to be similar, but not identical, to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase-C-X. Bands B and C were purified by gel filtration using FPLC. The ability of these proteins to induce udder inflammation in vivo, and proliferation response in vitro and cytokine secretion were tested for both the crude exosecretions and purified bands. Three cows were inoculated intracisternally, with three quarters receiving either 0·007–0·008 mg (as total proteins) of Staph. aureus FR2449/1 bacterial exosecretion, pooled fraction 39–41 (bands B and C), or culture broth medium. The fourth quarter was left free as a control. Quarters that received fraction 39–41 of Staph. aureus FR2449/1, exhibited induced inflammation, which was indicated by increased somatic cell count and enhanced NAGase activity that was significantly higher than that of the original Staph. aureus FR2449/1 bacterial exosecretion. Proliferation tests of bovine blood lymphocytes in vitro showed that the pooled fraction 39–41 stimulated bovine proliferation of mononuclear cells much more than the original Staph. aureus FR2449/1 bacterial exosecretion. Secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 was in accordance with the contents of LukF'-PV and LukM precursor in the exosecretions. The results suggest that LukM/LukF' induce inflammation into the udder by a mechanism similar to that of LPS or by a unique mechanism(s) which requires further investigation.

Age-dependent preference in human antibody responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae polypeptide antigens

Vulnerability to Streptococcus pneumoniae is most pronounced in children. The microbial virulence factors and the features of the host immune response contributing to this phenomenon are not completely understood. In the current study, the humoral immune response to separated Strep. pneumoniae surface proteins and the ability to interfere with Strep. pneumoniae adhesion to cultured epithelial cells were analysed in adults and in children. Sera collected from healthy adults recognized Strep. pneumoniae separated lectin and nonlectin surface proteins in Western blot analysis and inhibited on average 80% of Strep. pneumoniae adhesion to epithelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. However, sera longitudinally collected from healthy children attending day care centres from 18 months of age and over the course of the following 2 years revealed: (a) development of antibodies to previously unrecognized Strep. pneumoniae surface proteins with age; (b) a quantitative increase in antibody responses, measured by densitometry, towards separated Strep. pneumoniae surface proteins with age; and (c) inhibition of Strep. pneumoniae adhesion to epithelial cells, which was 50% on average at 18 months of age, increased significantly to an average level of 80% inhibition at 42 months of age equalling adult sera inhibitory values. The results obtained in the current study, from the longitudinally collected sera from healthy children with documented repeated Strep. pneumoniae colonization, show that repeated exposures are insufficient to elicit an immune response to Strep. pneumoniae proteins at 18 months of age. This inability to recognize Strep. pneumoniae surface proteins may stem from the inefficiency of T-cell-dependent B-cell responses at this age and/or from the low immunogenicity of the proteins.

Initial steps in Streptococcus pneumoniae interaction with and pathogenicity to the host

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pnc) is one of the leading pathogens in the world. Attachment to respiratory mucosal and lung surfaces is presumed to be involved in carriage, in disease and in the interaction with macrophages initiating innate immune responses. We hypothesized that bacterial adhesins mediate Pnc adhesion and host cell invasiveness. Initial studies have focused on the purification of cell wall and membrane proteins using fetuin affinity chromatography, SDS PAGE and western blot analysis probed with pooled healthy human sera. Using a Pnc clinical isolate, and a gpt mutant we have detected 10-lectin proteins isolated from the cell wall and adherent to the affinity column and 15 lectins isolated from membrane extracts. The fetuin-captured lectins agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes. 15 proteins in the cell wall and 18 proteins in the membrane that failed to bind to the fetuin column did not agglutinate rabbit erythrocytes. Further purification of the cell wall and membrane fetuin-separated fractions was achieved via anion exchange FPLC, was verified by SDS PAGE. These proteins maintained their agglutinating activity, and were subsequently tested for their ability to interfere with Pnc adhesion and invasion of epithelial cells in culture. Additional biochemical, immunological and molecular techniques are being used in attempt to identify relevant proteins.

Interactions of calmodulin with metal ions and with its target proteins revealed by conformation-sensitive monoclonal antibodies

Two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against bovine calmodulin (CaM), CAM1 and CAM4, enable one to monitor conformational changes that occur in the molecule. The interaction of CAM1 with CaM depends on the Ca2+ occupancy of its Ca(2+)-binding sites. CAM4, in contrast, interacts with CaM in a Ca(2+)-independent manner, interacting with both holoCaM and EGTA-treated CaM to a similar extent. Their interaction with various CaMs, CaM tryptic fragments and chemically modified CaM, as well as molecular graphics, led to identification of the CAM1 and CAM4 epitopes on the C- and N-terminal lobes of CAM respectively. The two mAbs were used as macromolecular probes to detect conformational changes occurring in the CaM molecule upon binding of metal ions and target proteins and peptides. MAb CAM1 successfully detected changes associated with Al3+ binding even in the presence of Ca2+, indicating that Al3+ and Ca2+ ions may bind to the protein simultaneously, leading to a new conformation of the molecule. MAbs CAM1 and CAM4 were used to follow the interactions of CaM with its target peptides and proteins. Complexes with melittin, mastoparan, calcineurin and phosphodiesterase showed different immunological properties on an immuno-enzyme electrode, indicating unique structural properties for each complex.

A citrate-binding site in calmodulin

Calmodulin (CaM) is a major Ca2+ messenger which, upon Ca2+ activation, binds and activates a number of target enzymes involved in crucial cellular processes. The dependence on Ca2+ ion concentration suggests that CaM activation may be modulated by low-affinity Ca2+ chelators. The effect on CaM structure and function of citrate ion, a Ca2+ chelator commonly found in the cytosol and the mitochondria, was therefore investigated. A series of structural and biochemical methods, including tryptic mapping, immunological recognition by specific monoclonal antibodies, CIDNP-NMR, binding to specific ligands and association with radiolabeled citrate, showed that citrate induces conformational modifications in CaM which affect the shape and activity of the protein. These changes were shown to be associated with the C-terminal lobe of the molecule and involve actual binding of citrate to CaM. Analyzing X-ray structures of several citrate-binding proteins by computerized molecular graphics enabled us to identify a putative citrate-binding site (CBS) on the CaM molecule around residues Arg106-His107. Owing to the tight proximity of this site to the third Ca(2+)-binding loop of CaM, binding of citrate is presumably translated into changes in Ca2+ binding to site III (and indirectly to site IV). These changes apparently affect the structural and biochemical properties of the conformation-sensitive protein.

Semaphorins as mediators of neuronal apoptosis

Shrinkage and collapse of the neuritic network are often observed during the process of neuronal apoptosis. However, the molecular and biochemical basis for the axonal damage associated with neuronal cell death is still unclear. We present evidence for the involvement of axon guidance molecules with repulsive cues in neuronal cell death. Using the differential display approach, an up-regulation of collapsin response mediator protein was detected in sympathetic neurons undergoing dopamine-induced apoptosis. A synchronized induction of mRNA of the secreted collapsin-1 and the intracellular collapsin response mediator protein that preceded commitment of neurons to apoptosis was detected. Antibodies directed against a conserved collapsin-derived peptide provided marked and prolonged protection of several neuronal cell types from dopamine-induced apoptosis. Moreover, neuronal apoptosis was inhibited by antibodies against neuropilin-1, a putative component of the semaphorin III/collapsin-1 receptor. Induction of neuronal apoptosis was also caused by exposure of neurons to semaphorin III-alkaline phosphatase secreted from 293EBNA cells. Anti-collapsin-1 antibodies were effective in blocking the semaphorin III-induced death process. We therefore suggest that, before their death, apoptosis-destined neurons may produce and secrete destructive axon guidance molecules that can affect their neighboring cells and thus transfer a "death signal" across specific and susceptible neuronal populations.

Immuno-detection of aluminium and aluminium induced conformational changes in calmodulin--implications in Alzheimer's disease

Binding of calcium to calmodulin (CAM) induces specific structural rearrangements in the whole protein molecule. Ca2+ organizes and stabilizes the four-domains structure of calmodulin in a helical, active conformation that can bind to its target proteins; the central helix remaining flexible is an essential condition for their bio-recognition. The conformation of calmodulin, and its efficacy to interact with target proteins, is profoundly altered when bound to metal ions other than calcium. As recently reported, the local structural changes of CaM, which occur upon aluminium binding, lead to the impairment of protein flexibility and to the loss of its ability to interact with several other proteins, which may decrease or inhibit the regulatory character of calmodulin. In this study we followed conformational changes occurring in the calmodulin molecule after aluminium binding using highly specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) able to differentiate between the conformational states of calmodulin, as well as mAbs which recognize aluminium free or bound to proteins. Under the same experimental conditions, mAb CAM-1, a Ca2+ conformation sensitive antibody raised against calmodulin, fails to recognize the calmodulin-aluminium complex, despite the presence of Ca2+, while the anti-Al antibodies show a maximal binding pattern towards their antigen. These data suggest that Al3+ ions bind to calmodulin in the presence of Ca2+ ions, leading to an inactive, reversible conformation, instead of its physiological active form. Alteration of the conformation of calmodulin imposed by Al binding may have possible implications in the neurotoxicity mechanism related to Alzheimer's disease.

Substrate-directed formation of small biocatalysts under prebiotic conditions

One of the most debated issues concerning the origin of life, is how enzymes which are essential for existence of any living organism, evolved. It is clear that, regardless of the exact mechanism, the process should have been specific and reproducible, involving interactions between different molecules. We propose that substrate templating played a crucial role in maintaining reproducible and specific formation of prebiotic catalysts. This work demonstrates experimentally, for the first time, substrate-directed formation of an oligopeptide that possesses a specific catalytic activity toward the substrate on which it was formed. In our experiments we used the substrate O-nitrophenol-beta-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG) as a molecular template for the synthesis of a specific catalyst that is capable of cleaving the same substrate. This was achieved by incubation of the substrate with free amino acids and a condensing agent (dicyandiamide) at elevated temperatures. A linear increase with time of the reaction rate (d[product]/d2t), pointed to an acceleration regime, where the substrate generates the formation of the catalyst. The purified catalyst, produced by a substrate-directed mechanism, was analyzed, and identified as Cys2-Fe+2. The mechanism of substrate-directed formation of prebiotic catalysts provides a solution to both the specificity and the reproducibility requirements from any prebiotic system which should evolve into the biological world.

Endothelin in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of patients in the early stage of ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endothelin 1 (ET-1), a highly potent endogenous vasoactive peptide, exerts a sustained vasoconstrictive effect on cerebral vessels. Elevation of ET-1 in plasma has been reported 1 to 3 days after ischemic stroke. Since we assumed that a much faster and more intense response may be observed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and since an increase in concentration of ET-1 in the CSF may cause constriction of cerebral vessels and eventually influence the neurological outcome, we measured ET-1 values in the CSF within 18 hours of stroke onset and compared the values with those in the plasma.

METHODS

Twenty-six consecutive patients with acute stroke were clinically evaluated according to the modified Matthew Scale and underwent two repeat CT scans. Within 5 to 18 hours of stroke onset, lumbar puncture and blood samples were concomitantly obtained and tested; ET-1 levels in CSF and plasma of these patients were analyzed by radioimmunoassay and compared with the levels of a control group of patients with no neurological disease.

RESULTS

The mean CSF concentration of ET-1 in the CSF of stroke patients was 16.06 +/- 4.9 pg/mL, compared with 5.51 +/- 1.47 pg/mL in the control group (P < .001). It was significantly higher in cortical infarcts (mean, 17.7 +/- 4.1 pg/mL) than in subcortical lesions (mean, 10.77 +/- 4.1 pg/mL) (P < .001) and significantly correlated with the volume of the lesion (P = .003). The correlation between ET-1 levels in the CSF and the Matthew Scale score was less significant (P = .05). Plasma ET-1 level was not elevated in any group.

CONCLUSIONS

ET-1 is found to be significantly elevated in the CSF of stroke patients during the 18 hours after stroke. No elevation was demonstrated in plasma at this time period. ET-1 may be used as an additional indicator of ischemic vascular events in the early diagnosis of stroke. The dissimilarity between the CSF and plasma ET-1 concentrations may lead also to an hypothesis that there is a vasoconstrictive effect on the cerebral vessels or a neuronal effect caused by ET-1 in the mechanism of the progression of brain ischemia.

Functional conformations of calmodulin: I. Preparation and characterization of a conformational specific anti-bovine calmodulin monoclonal antibody

Calmodulin, similarly to many other Ca(2+)-activated proteins, undergoes considerable conformational changes in the presence of Ca2+ ions. These changes were followed using specific monoclonal antibodies against calmodulin. Since calmodulin is a poor immunogen due to its high phylogenetic conservancy, glutaraldehyde-crosslinked bovine brain extract, which contains a considerable amount of functionally active calmodulin complexed with its target proteins, was used as an antigen. Out of nine anti-calmodulin mAbs isolated, three (namely, CAM1, CAM2 and CAM4) were purified and characterized. MAb CAM1 was identified as an IgG1 while mAbs CAM2 and CAM4 belong to IgM class. Additivity ELISA showed that mAb CAM1 binds to an epitope located remote from the epitopes recognized by the other two mAbs, while mAbs CAM2 and CAM4 recognize close epitopes. MAb CAM1 was found to be especially sensitive to the conformational state of calmodulin in the presence of Ca2+ ions. The interactions of mAbs CAM2 and CAM4 with calmodulin are only slightly affected by Ca2+ removal. In addition mAb CAM1 failed to recognize other calmodulin molecules, such as spinach and various plant recombinant calmodulins, while mAbs CAM1 and CAM4 share common epitopes with the above molecules.

Adsorption of Rhodococcus Strain GIN-1 (NCIMB 40340) on Titanium Dioxide and Coal Fly Ash Particles

Rhodococcus strain GIN-1 (NCIMB 40340) can be used to enrich and isolate a titanium-rich fraction from coal fly ash. The gram-positive bacterium was isolated by its ability to adhere strongly and rapidly to suspended particles of pure titanium dioxide or coal fly ash. Adsorption depends on the salt concentration and occurs in seawater. Lowering of the salt concentration or washing of particles with pure water did not, however, cause desorption of the bacteria from TiO 2 particles; this was achieved by strong alkaline treatment or combined treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate and urea but not with dilute acids, alcohols, or cationic or nonionic detergents. The bacterium exhibits higher affinity towards oxides of Ti and Zn than to other oxides with similar distribution of particle size. Moreover, it adheres much faster to TiO 2 than to magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) or Al 2 O 3 . After about 1 min, more than 85% of the cells were adsorbed on TiO 2 , compared with adsorption of only 10 and 8% to magnetite and Al 2 O 3 , respectively. Adsorption of the bacteria on TiO 2 occurs over a pH range of 1.0 to 9.0 and at temperatures from 4 to over 80°C. Scanning electron microscopy combined with X-ray analysis revealed preferential adherence of the bacterium to coal ash particles richer in Ti. Stronger adhesion to TiO 2 was also demonstrated in the translocation of bacteria, preadsorbed on magnetite, to TiO 2 particles. The temporary co-adhesion to magnetite and TiO 2 was exploited for the design of a prototype biomagnetic separation process in which bacterial cells serve as an adhesive mediator between magnetite and TiO 2 particles in a mixture of Al, Si, and Ti oxides that simulates their proportion in the ash.

Eupergit C-coated membranes as solid support for a sensitive immunoassay of human albumin

A number of commercially available membranes preactivated by coating with oxirane-containing Eupergit C beads were used for diagnostic immunoassay applications. These membranes possess a higher capacity for protein binding than the respective unmodified membranes as measured with fluorescently labelled antibodies. Immobilization of antigens or antibodies as the first step of the assay was achieved by covalent binding of amino groups of proteins to the oxirane moieties introduced onto the membranes. The high performance of the newly developed membranes bearing covalently bound antibodies, was demonstrated by a dot enzyme-linked microalbuminuria immunoassay as compared to unmodified membranes.

Microalbuminuria immunoassay based on antibodies covalently conjugated to Eupergit C-coated beads

OBJECTIVE

To develop a reliable, simple, and sensitive assay for microalbuminuria, based on covalent attachment of anti-HSA to oxirane-bearing polymethylmethacrylate beads (Eupergit CB6200).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Anti-HSA antibodies were coupled to CB6200 beads by reaction of their amino groups with the oxirane groups of the matrix. The capability of the beads to bind HSA from standard solutions or urine was evaluated and compared with the state of the art ELISA test.

RESULTS

The new bead immunoassay is sensitive and linear in the range of 1-25 mg/L, which is considered the low microalbuminuria range. When HSA levels in urine were tested, the intra- and interassay CV values ranged between 2.7 and 3.9% and between 5.6 and 6.6%, respectively. The long-term storage stability of the antibodies covalently bound on the beads was higher than of the same antibodies adsorbed on ELISA plates. After 16 wk of storage, the CV was about 7.3% with the bead assay, compared with 14% obtained for the ELISA test under the same experimental conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

A new procedure for microalbuminuria assay was developed, with Eupergit CB6200 beads as a solid support for covalent binding of the first antibody. Accuracy, sensitivity, reproducibility, and precision of the bead immunoassay were similar to those of commonly used immunoassays, as exemplified by the analysis of HSA in 53 clinical urine samples. The bead assay retains a low degree of variability over long storage periods, and the beads may be reapplied after a simple acid-washing procedure.

Increased plasma endothelin-1 in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endothelins are a recently discovered group of most powerful vasoconstrictor peptides. Endothelin-1 is produced by endothelial cells, and endothelin-3 is derived from neuronal tissue. Theoretically, endothelin-mediated vasoconstriction may enhance ischemic neuronal damage. This study aimed to measure plasma levels of both endothelins in patients with acute nonhemorrhagic cerebral infarction.

SUMMARY OF REPORT

Plasma levels of endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 were measured by radioimmunoassay in 16 consecutive patients within the first 72 hours after the onset of nonhemorrhagic cerebral infarct, as diagnosed clinically and by computed tomography. There was a marked (fourfold) elevation in plasma endothelin-1 levels in the patients (median, 11.7 pg/ml; 25th and 75th centiles, 5.4 and 13.2 pg/ml) compared with those in a control group of 13 age-matched subjects (median, 2.56 pg/ml; 25th and 75th centiles, 2.4 and 3.0 pg/ml; p less than 0.0001). The first 24 hours after stroke onset were associated with higher endothelin-1 levels, and there was a trend to elevated levels with more severe neurological deficits. In all patients and controls endothelin-3 levels were below 0.5 pg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic stroke is associated with acute and marked increases in plasma levels of endothelin-1. This may reflect enhanced production by damaged endothelial cells within the infarcted tissue. Local leakage of endothelin-1 may induce severe and prolonged constriction of collateral vessels and may therefore have a deleterious role in the pathogenesis and final outcome of cerebral infarction.

Affinity purification of antibodies using immobilized FB domain of protein A

A continuous method for the efficient digestion of protein A into active fragments (FB, Mr = 7000) using immobilized trypsin was developed. These fragments originate from almost identical five-repeated monovalent Fc-binding units of 58 residues each. The fragments obtained were found to be similar to the recently described genetically engineered fragment B. Antibody-binding characteristics of the FB domain and also of intact protein A, immobilized on to adipic dihydrazide-modified Eupergit CB6200 beads, were investigated. Based on the experimental data obtained, a high-performance liquid chromatographic column containing C30N Eupergit C-immobilized FB domain was prepared and its performance in antibody purification was compared with that of Eupergit C-immobilized intact protein A.

Calcium-modulated conformational affinity chromatography. Application to the purification of calmodulin and S100 proteins

The purification of proteins by affinity chromatography is based on their highly specific interaction with an immobilized ligand followed by elution under conditions where their affinity towards the ligand is markedly reduced. Thus, a high-degree purification by a single chromatographic step is achieved. However, when several proteins in the crude mixture share affinity to a common immobilized ligand, they may not be resolved by affinity chromatography and subsequent "real" chromatographic purification steps may be required. It is shown that by using properly selected gradient elution conditions, the affinities of the various proteins towards the immobilized ligand may be gradually modulated and their separation may be achieved. This is exemplified by the isolation and separation of a group of Ca(2+)-activated proteins, Calmodulin, S100a and S100b, from bovine brain extract, using a melittin-Eupergit C affinity column which is developed with Ca(2+)-chelator gradients. As expected, separation of the three proteins into individual peaks, eluted in order of increasing affinity to the matrix, was obtained. Sigmoid selectivity curves calculated from the elution volumes under different elution conditions for each of the proteins were obtained, illustrating the chromatographic behaviour of the gradient affinity separation system.

Desmin as an immunochemical marker of human decidual cells and its expression in menstrual fluid

The expression of intermediate filament proteins in human endometrial tissue was examined. Desmin was selectively expressed in decidualized stroma, as demonstrated by SDS-PAGE analysis and positive response with a monoclonal antibody specific for desmin in ELISA and in western blot analysis. The same monoclonal antibody specifically stained human decidual cells in decidualized endometrium (secretory endometrium) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections prepared from diagnostic curettage samples. Desmin was also detected in menstrual fluid. Therefore, desmin might serve as a biochemical and histochemical marker of human decidualized endometrium.

Antihemorrhagic factors from the blood serum of the western diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus atrox

Several antihemorrhagic factors isolated from C. atrox serum are glycoproteins with mol. wt ranging from 65,000 to 80,000. The antihemorrhagic activity of these factors was stable at a pH range of 1.3-11.5 and at temperatures up to 85 degrees C, for 30 min. The isolated antihemorrhagins also neutralized the proteolytic activity of C. atrox venom, as tested with azocollagen and gelatin, and formed a complex with hemorrhagic toxin e isolated from the same venom. The neutralization capacity of the isolated antihemorrhagins was six times as high as the commercial polyvalent antivenom produced for clinical use.

Eupergit C as a carrier for high-performance liquid chromatographic-based immunopurification of antigens and antibodies

An immunoaffinity purification system using C30N and C1Z Eupergit C beads was developed and optimized. Poly- and monoclonal antibodies were purified using immobilized antigens and antigens were purified using immobilized antibodies. Antigens were used that possess enzymic activities and the efficiency of antigen binding was determined from the enzymic activity of the matrix-bound immunocomplexes. High-performance immunoaffinity purification using Eupergit C beads proved to be highly specific, reproducible, free from protein leakage and possessed a low degree of non-specific adsorption of tissue proteins. These characteristics of the system were illustrated by the isolation of immunoglobulin G from serum and of human decidua proteins from the decidua tissue and from seminal plasma. These proteins were obtained at high purity in a single purification step, as shown by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Enhanced activity of immobilized dimethylmaleic anhydride-protected poly- and monoclonal antibodies

The effect of reversible protection of the free amino groups of poly- and monoclonal antibodies by dimethylmaleic anhydride on their binding activity following immobilization onto various carriers was studied. The treatment with dimethylmaleic anhydride resulted in a 1.6-1.8-fold increase in the activity of immobilized goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin antibody immobilized onto different epoxy containing carriers and a 3-10.7-fold increase in the activity of immobilized monoclonal antibodies specific for carboxypeptidase A. The increase in activity was most pronounced at low antigen to carrier loads and over a wide range of modifier to protein ratios. The application of reversible protection of antibodies may permit the development of highly active immobilized antibody preparations for use in immunoaffinity purification.

Effect of polyethylene glycol on the non-specific adsorption of proteins to Eupergit C and agarose

Non-specific adsorption of serum proteins to Eupergit C (EC) and agarose during the process of immunoaffinity chromatography often leads to contamination of the specifically eluted antigens to be purified. This effect was studied by application of serum samples to a beta-mercaptoethanol-blocked EC (EC-beta ME) column followed by analysis of proteins eluted with various elution buffers. Inclusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG 400 or 1500) in the loading buffer reduced the non-specific adsorption of proteins to EC but had an adverse effect on agarose. Covalent attachment of amino-PEG to EC and to epoxy-activated Sepharose mimicked the effect of PEG in solution with EC and resulted in a marked reduction in non-specific adsorption of serum proteins. Inclusion of PEG in the loading buffer during immunopurification of a serum protein (immunoglobulin G) or seminal plasma protein (human decidua protein hDP71) resulted in a marked improvement in the purity of these proteins eluted from the respective columns by ammonium acetate (pH 10).

Enzymic oxidation of monoclonal antibodies by soluble and immobilized bifunctional enzyme complexes

Site-specific modification of monoclonal antibodies was achieved by oxidation of the carbohydrate moieties of antibodies which are located remote from the antigen binding sites. Sialic acid and galactose are terminal sugars of these carbohydrate chains. Concomitant treatment of the antibodies with neuraminidase and galactose oxidase generated aldehyde groups in the oligosaccharide moieties of immunoglobulins which reacted selectively with amino or hydrazide groups of the matrix. Subsequent immobilization of neuraminidase and galactose oxidase on Eupergit C-adipic dihydrazide proved to be an efficient and selective system for the enzymic oxidation of the monoclonal antibodies without impairing their immunological activity. Oriented immobilization of enzymically oxidized monoclonal antibodies on hydrazide or amino Eupergit C derivatives thus leads to the formation of antibody matrix conjugates which possess high antigen-binding activities.

Endothelins are more sensitive than sarafotoxins to neutral endopeptidase: possible physiological significance

Incubation of endothelins (ETs) with bovine kidney neutral endopeptidase (NEP) resulted in a selective two-step degradation with loss of biochemical activity. The Km of the enzyme indicated high-affinity binding, and hydrolysis was completely inhibited by phosphoramidon. The first step was nicking of the Ser5-Leu6 bond, followed by cleavage at the amino side of Ile19. The nicked peptide exhibited biochemical activities comparable to those of the intact peptide--i.e., binding to the ET receptor, induction of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, and toxicity. The twice-cleaved product was inactive. The sarafotoxins (SRTXs) were more resistant than the ETs to NEP: for example, the half-time for ET-1 was approximately 1 hr, while it was approximately 4 hr for SRTX-b and even higher for SRTX-c. These in vitro findings may indicate a regulatory role of NEP (or similar enzymes) in the physiological inactivation of ETs. They might also help to explain why under certain physiological conditions ETs may be less toxic than SRTXs.

Oriented immobilization of periodate-oxidized monoclonal antibodies on amino and hydrazide derivatives of Eupergit C

Amino and hydrazyno derivatives of Eupergit C were prepared by reaction of the beads with hexamethylene diamine (HMD) and adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH), respectively. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against carboxypeptidase A (CPA) and horse radish peroxidase (HRP) were prepared, and those that did not inhibit the respective enzymatic activities were selected. The carbohydrate moieties of these antibodies were oxidized by reaction with sodium periodate and then coupled onto the modified beads. The oxidation and coupling reactions were optimized to achieve highly active matrix-conjugated antibodies. Thus, antibody-matrix conjugates that possessed antigen-binding activities close to the theoretical value of 2 mol antigen bound/mol immobilized antibody were obtained.

Identification, immunoaffinity purification and initial characterization of a novel 71 kD human decidua associated protein by use of specific monoclonal antibodies

This study is part of an ongoing attempt to identify and characterize proteins associated with the human decidual tissue. A novel decidual-associated glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 71 kD named hDP71 (human decidual-protein 71), has been identified and purified by immunoaffinity technique using monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies recognizing the hDP71 were raised against a partly purified preparation of decidual associated proteins, which was obtained by immunoabsorption of serum proteins from crude decidual extract. Although the hDP71 was copurified with another decidual-associated glycoprotein, the previously described hDP200 (Halperin et al., 1989), evidence is presented showing that the monoclonal antibodies described above are specific for hDP71.

Identification, immunoaffinity purification and partial characterization of a human decidua-associated protein

A crude extract of pooled early-pregnancy decidual tissue was enriched for soluble decidual proteins by exhaustive affinity absorption with antibodies to human serum proteins immobilized on Eupergit C. The partly purified extract was used to prepare monoclonal antibodies. A monoclonal antibody was obtained recognizing an antigen present in extract of decidual tissue and not in extract of proliferative endometrium. The monoclonal antibody was used for immunoaffinity purification of the decidua-associated protein. By SDS-PAGE analysis, under reducing conditions it yielded 2 bands at apparent molecular weights of 55,000 and 25,000. Under non-reducing conditions a single protein band at apparent molecular weight of 200,000 was observed. The Mr 200,000 protein was named hDP200 and the Mr 55,000 protein was named hDP55. It is suggested that hDP55 is a subunit of the hDP200. The hDP200 did not react with polyclonal antibodies specific for PP12 and PP14. PP14 has been shown to be immunologically indistinguishable from PEP and alpha 2-PEG. Our data therefore suggest that hDP200 is a novel human decidua-associated protein.

Use of monoclonal antibodies in the detection of structural alterations occurring in lysozyme on heating

Seven murine anti-hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), which recognize distinct epitopes of the native enzyme, were used as macromolecular probes to detect structural or conformational alterations occurring in HEL on heating at 95 degrees C, pH 5. As the interactions of the heat-treated HEL with its corresponding MAbs were carried out at room temperature, only irreversible structural and/or conformational alterations could be detected. The transformation of the native enzyme into its denatured form was followed electrophoretically and chromatographically. The denatured enzyme was more negatively charged at pH 8.4 and exhibited a longer retention time on reverse-phase HPLC than native HEL. Its specific catalytic activity was considerably lower than that of the native enzyme. Of the seven MAbs tested in competitive ELISA assays with native and heat-treated HEL only one, MAb D74.3, failed to recognize the heat-treated enzyme. This antibody, which is directed toward the active site region of the enzyme, was ineffective in inhibiting the catalytic activity of the heat-treated HEL using M. lysodeikticus as substrate. In contrast, the monoclonal antibody D1.3, which recognizes an epitope remote from the active site of HEL, inhibited the catalytic activity of the native as well as the heat-treated enzyme. The results indicate that the active site of HEL undergoes an irreversible structural alteration on heating for 2 hr at 95 degrees C, pH 5. No irreversible structural changes could be detected in the other regions of HEL recognized by the corresponding MAbs.

SRTX-d, a new native peptide of the endothelin/sarafotoxin family

The primary structure of a new sarafotoxin, SRTX-d, from the venom of Atractaspis engaddensis is described. SRTX-d differs from SRTX-b in two substitutions: Ile19 instead of Val and Thr2 instead of Ser. The toxicity of SRTX-d and its vasoconstriction potency are very low in comparison to SRTX-a and SRTX-b, whereas its IC50 for 125I-SRTX-b binding is similar to that of SRTX-b. It is suggested that the Thr to Ser substitution, which is shared by two additional weak members of the endothelin/sarafotoxin family, SRTX-c and ET-3, affects the biological activity of SRTX-d as well.

Immunological and structural characterization of sarafotoxin/endothelin family of peptides

A highly specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed for the potent vasoconstrictor peptides, sarafotoxin-b and human endothelin. The antigenic determinants of the antibodies employed in studies with these assays were found to be localized within the amino acid sequence at positions 4-7. This was confirmed by CNBr cleavage of the methionyl residue at position 6 in the sarafotoxin and at position 7 in the endothelin. The chemically characterized modified peptides showed very low cross reactivity in the RIAs. On the other hand, the binding properties as well as the ability to induce phosphoinositide hydrolysis were very similar in the modified and native peptides, indicating that despite cleavage of the peptide bond the biologically active conformation responsible for either binding or phosphoinositide hydrolysis is retained, probably because of the disulfide bonds. Thus, structural alteration might be a valuable means of curtailing some of the various activities induced by the sarafotoxin/endothelin family of peptides.

Localization of a highly immunogenic region of carboxypeptidase A recognized by three different monoclonal antibodies and their use in the detection of subtle conformational alterations in this enzyme region

Three murine monoclonal antibodies (mAb 100, 104, and 121) elicited against carboxypeptidase A (CPA) were prepared and characterized. All three mAbs recognize the same or partially overlapping sites of CPA. This is corroborated by the lack of antibody additivity in the ELISA assay carried out in the presence of pairs of mAbs, the similarity in molecular weight of the immunocomplex formed between CPA and one of the mAbs in the presence of another, and also a competition experiment in which one of the mAbs was labeled enzymatically. The three mAbs do not affect the enzymatic activity of CPA. Even at high concentrations, they do not recognize carboxypeptidase B (CPB) in spite of the similar tertiary structure and the 50% homology in amino acid sequence with CPA. This antigenic determinant is located on one of the four cyanogen bromide fragments of CPA. On the basis of the known sequences of the two enzymes, criteria which predict high antigenicity, and experimental data using synthetic peptides, such a determinant was found to be located within the amino acid sequence from residues 209 to 218 of the CPA molecule. The mAbs prepared detect conformational alterations in the above enzyme epitope when the enzyme is exposed to various conditions. The binding of the mAbs to CPA adsorbed onto a polystyrene plate is characterized by apparent binding constants higher by 1 or 2 orders of magnitude than those characterizing the interaction of the mAbs with CPA in solution. The mAbs also readily detect both conformational alterations of CPA on treatment with urea and subtle, reversible conformational alterations on removal of zinc from the active site of the enzyme.