[Recombinant expression of black sesame polyphenol oxidase and its enzymatic properties]

To investigate the enzyme properties of the black sesame polyphenol oxidase (BsPPO), a synthesized Bsppo gene was cloned into the vector pMAL-c5x and expressed in E. coli. Subsequently, the MBP fusion label in the recombinant protein was removed by protease digestion after affinity purification. The synthesized Bsppo gene contained 1 752 bp which encodes 585 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 65.3 kDa. Transformation of the recombinant vector into E. coli BL21(DE3) resulted in soluble expression of the fusion protein MBP-BsPPO. The enzymatic properties of the recombinant BsPPO was investigated after MBP fusion tag excision followed by affinity purification. The results demonstrated that the optimal temperature and pH for BsPPO was 25°C and 4.0, respectively. BsPPO exhibited a good stability under low temperature and acidic environment. Low-intensity short-term light exposure increased the activity of BsPPO. Cu²⁺ could improve the activity of BsPPO while Zn²⁺ and Ca²⁺ showed the opposite effect. BsPPO could catalyze the oxidation of monophenols, diphenols, and triphenols, and exhibited good catalytic activity on l-tyrosine and vanillic acid. Moreover, BsPPO exhibited high catalytic activity on black sesame metabolites, including 2-methoxy cinnamic acid, indole-3-carboxylic acid and phloretin. These results may serve as a basis for further characterization of BsPPO.

Varroa destructor parasitism reduces hemocyte concentrations and prophenol oxidase gene expression in bees from two populations

Circulating hemocytes are responsible for defensive and healing mechanisms in the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Parasitism by the mite Varroa destructor and injection of V. destructor homogenate in buffer, but not buffer injection, showed similar reductions in total hemocyte concentrations in both Africanized and European adult honey bees. This indicated that compounds in V. destructor homogenate can have similar effects as V. destructor parasitism and that the response is not solely due to wounding. Samples from honey bees with different hemocyte concentrations were compared for the expression patterns of hemolectin (AmHml), prophenol oxidase (AmPpo), and class C scavenger receptor (AmSRC-C). Of the genes tested, only the expression of AmPpo correlated well with hemocyte counts for all the treatments, indicating that melanization is associated with those responses. Thus, the expression of AmPpo might be a suitable biomarker for hemocyte counts as part of cellular defenses against injection of buffer or mite compounds and V. destructor parasitism and perhaps other conditions involving healing and immunity.

Bacillus spp., a bio-control agent enhances the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes in rice against Pyricularia oryzae

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are found to control the plant diseases by adopting various mechanisms. Induced systemic resistance (ISR) is an important defensive strategy manifested by plants against numerous pathogens especially infecting at aerial parts. Rhizobacteria elicit ISR by inducing different pathways in plants through production of various metabolites. In the present study, potential of Bacillus spp. KFP-5, KFP-7, KFP-17 was assessed to induce antioxidant enzymes against Pyricularia oryzae infection in rice. The antagonistic Bacillus spp. significantly induced antioxidant defense enzymes i-e superoxide dismutase (1.7–1.9-fold), peroxidase (3.5–4.1-fold), polyphenol oxidase (3.0–3.8-fold), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (3.9–4.4-fold), in rice leaves and roots under hydroponic and soil conditions respectively. Furthermore, the antagonistic Bacillus spp significantly colonized the rice plants (2.0E+00–9.1E+08) and secreted multiple biocontrol determinants like protease (1.1–5.5 U/mg of soil or U/mL of hydroponic solution), glucanase, (1.0–1.3 U/mg of soil or U/mL of hydroponic solution), siderophores (6.5–42.8 μg/mL or mg) in the rhizosphere of different rice varieties. The results showed that treatment with Bacillus spp. enhanced the antioxidant defense activities in infected rice, thus alleviating P. oryzae induced oxidative damage and suppressing blast disease incidence.

A novel Lozenge gene in silkworm, Bombyx mori regulates the melanization response of hemolymph

Runt-related (RUNX) transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved either in vertebrate or invertebrate. Lozenge (Lz), a members of RUNX family as well as homologue of AML-1, functions as an important transcription factor regulating the hemocytes differentiation. In this paper, we identified and characterized RUNX family especially Lz in silkworm, which is a lepidopteran model insect. The gene expression analysis illustrated that BmLz was highly expressed in hemocytes throughout the whole development period, and reached a peak in glutonous stage. Over-expression of BmLz in silkworm accelerated the melanization process of hemolymph, and led to instantaneously up-regulation of prophenoloxidases (PPOs), which were key enzymes in the melanization process. Further down-regulation of BmLz expression by RNA interference resulted in the significant delay of melanization reaction of hemolymph. These findings suggested that BmLz regulated the melanization process of hemolymph by inducing PPOs expression, and played a critical role in innate immunity defense in silkworm.

Cloning and expression analysis of litchi (Litchi Chinensis Sonn.) polyphenol oxidase gene and relationship with postharvest pericarp browning

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) plays a key role in the postharvest pericarp browning of litchi fruit, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we cloned the litchi PPO gene (LcPPO, JF926153), and described its expression patterns. The LcPPO cDNA sequence was 2120 bps in length with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1800 bps. The ORF encoded a polypeptide with 599 amino acid residues, sharing high similarities with other plant PPO. The DNA sequence of the ORF contained a 215-bp intron. After carrying out quantitative RT-PCR, we proved that the LcPPO expression was tissue-specific, exhibiting the highest level in the flower and leaf. In the pericarp of newly-harvested litchi fruits, the LcPPO expression level was relatively high compared with developing fruits. Regardless of the litchi cultivar and treatment conditions, the LcPPO expression level and the PPO activity in pericarp of postharvest fruits exhibited the similar variations. When the fruits were stored at room temperature without packaging, all the pericarp browning index, PPO activity and the LcPPO expression level of litchi pericarps were reaching the highest in Nandaowuhe (the most rapid browning cultivar), but the lowest in Ziniangxi (the slowest browning cultivar) within 2 d postharvest. Preserving the fruits of Feizixiao in 0.2-μm plastic bag at room temperature would decrease the rate of pericarp water loss, delay the pericarp browning, and also cause the reduction of the pericarp PPO activity and LcPPO expression level within 3 d postharvest. In addition, postharvest storage of Feizixiao fruit stored at 4°C delayed the pericarp browning while decreasing the pericarp PPO activity and LcPPO expression level within 2 d after harvest. Thus, we concluded that the up-regulation of LcPPO expression in pericarp at early stage of postharvest storage likely enhanced the PPO activity and further accelerated the postharvest pericarp browning of litchi fruit.

Cytological and physiological basis for tomato varietal resistance against Alternaria alternata

BACKGROUND

Since tomato is an important food component, it is imperative to enhance its yield against the activities of many devastating fungal pathogens such as Alternaria alternata. The exploitation of plant innate resistance by cultivation of resistant varieties is an effective measure in this regard. In the present study, 28 tomato varieties were tested against 32 A. alternata isolates, and representative varieties were further evaluated to determine the extent and basis of their antifungal resistance.

RESULTS

A significant increase (104.7%) in polyphenols was recorded in the resistant variety Dinaar compared with the susceptible variety Red Tara. Dinaar also exhibited 100% enhancement of alkaloids and terpenoids along with a 30.7% increase in cell wall hemicellulose content. Significant differences were found in physical barriers (cellulose, lignin and pectin) of the representative varieties when stained tissue sections were subjected to colorimetric analysis. Similarly, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase showed increases of 78.37, 114.67 and 125.11% respectively in the resistant variety. Higher expression of glucanase genes was evident from native gel analysis, in which not only the number of isozymes but also the quantity of individual isozymes was significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

The resistant variety Dinaar had strong antifungal resistance and can therefore be recommended as suitable for cultivation in the agricultural system of Pakistan.

Activity of fusion prophenoloxidase-GFP and its potential applications for innate immunity study

Insect prophenoloxidase (PPO) is essential for physiological functions such as melanization of invading pathogens, wound healing and cuticle sclerotization. The insect PPO activation pathway is well understood. However, it is not very clear how PPO is released from hemocytes and how PPO takes part in cellular immunity. To begin to assess this, three Drosophila melanogaster PPO genes were separately fused with GFP at the C-terminus (rPPO-GFP) and were over-expressed in S2 cells. The results of staining and morphological observation show that rPPO-GFP expressed in S2 cells has green fluorescence and enzyme activity if Cu(2+) was added during transfection. Each rPPO-GFP has similar properties as the corresponding rPPO. However, cells with rPPO-GFP over-expressed are easier to trace without PO activation and staining. Further experiments show that rPPO1-GFP is cleaved and activated by Drosophila serine protease, and rPPO1-GFP binds to Micrococcus luteus and Beauveria bassiana spores as silkworm plasma PPO. The above research indicates that the GFP-tag has no influence on the fusion enzyme activation and PPO-involved innate immunity action in vitro. Thus, rPPO-GFP may be a convenient tool for innate immunity study in the future if it can be expressed in vivo.

Enhancement of biocontrol efficacy of Pichia carribbica to postharvest diseases of strawberries by addition of trehalose to the growth medium

The effects of trehalose on the antagonistic activity of Pichia caribbica against Rhizopus decay and gray mold decay of strawberries and the possible mechanisms involved were investigated. The proteomic analysis and comparison of P. carribbica in response to trehalose was analyzed based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The antagonistic activity of P. carribbica harvested from the culture media of NYDB amended with trehalose at 0.5% was improved greatly compared with that without trehalose. The PPO (Polyphenoloxidase) and POD (Peroxidase) activity of strawberries treated with P. carribbica cultured in the NYDB media amended with trehalose at 0.5% was higher than that of the strawberries treated with P. carribbica harvested from NYDB. The β-1, 3-glucanase activity of strawberries treated with P. carribbica cultured in the NYDB media amended with trehalose at 0.5% was also higher than that of the strawberries treated with P. carribbica harvested from NYDB and the control. Several differentially expressed proteins of P. carribbica in response to trehalose were identified in the cellular proteome, most of them were related to basic metabolism.

Enzyme characterisation, isolation and cDNA cloning of polyphenol oxidase in the hearts of palm of three commercially important species

Heart of palm (palmito) is the edible part of the apical meristem of palms and is considered a gourmet vegetable. Palmitos from the palms Euterpe edulis (Juçara) and Euterpe oleracea (Açaí) oxidise after harvesting, whereas almost no oxidation is observed in palmitos from Bactris gasipaes (Pupunha). Previous investigations showed that oxidation in Juçara and Açaí was mainly attributable to polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.14.18.1) activity. In this study, we partially purified PPOs from these three palmitos and analysed them for SDS activation, substrate specificity, inhibition by specific inhibitors, thermal stability, optimum pH and temperature conditions, Km and Ki. In addition, the total phenolic content and chlorogenic acid content were determined. Two partial cDNA sequences were isolated and sequenced from Açaí (EoPPO1) and Juçara (EePPO1). Semi-quantitative RT-PCR expression assays showed that Açaí and Juçara PPOs were strongly expressed in palmitos and weakly expressed in leaves. No amplification was observed for Pupunha samples. The lack of oxidation in the palmito Pupunha might be explained by the low PPO expression, low enzyme activity or the phenolic profile, particularly the low content of chlorogenic acid.

A wounding-induced PPO from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seedlings

Polyphenol oxidases (PPO) are induced in cowpea plants by wounding. The highest activity levels were detected 48h after this stimulus in both wounded and neighbor-to-wounded unifoliates of cowpea seedlings; the increase of activity was in the order of 13 to 15-fold, respectively, in comparison to control unifoliates. Multiple molecular forms of active PPO (Mrs 58, 73 and congruent with220kDa) were detected by partially denaturing SDS-PAGE. Wounding-induced cowpea PPO were extracted and purified through (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography. The effects of substrate specificity, pH, thermal stability and sensitivity to various inhibitors - resorcinol, EDTA, sodium azide and tropolone - of partially purified soluble PPO were investigated. Purified wounding-induced cowpea PPO (wicPPO) showed the highest activities towards 4-methylcatechol (Km=9.86mM, Vmax=24.66 EU [DeltaAmin(-1)]) and catechol (Km=3.44mM, Vmax=6.64 EU [DeltaAmin(-1)]); no activity was observed towards l-tyrosine, under the assay conditions used. The optimum pH for wound-induced cowpea PPO was 6.0 with 4-methylcatechol as substrate. The enzyme was optimally activated by 10 mM SDS and was highly stable even after 5 min at 80 degrees C. The most effective inhibitor was tropolone, whereas addition of 10mM of resorcinol, EDTA and sodium azide were able to reduce PPO activities by 40%, 15% and 100%, respectively.

A prophenoloxidase from the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis: gene cloning, expression and activity analysis

Prophenoloxidase (proPO) is a conserved copper-containing enzyme that plays important roles in immune response of crustaceans and insects. In the present study, the full-length cDNA of a prophenoloxidase (designated EsproPO) was cloned from haemocytes of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis by expressed sequence tag (EST) and PCR techniques. The isolated 3549bp full-length cDNA of EsproPO contained a 2040bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a putative proPO protein of 679 amino acids, a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 68bp, and a long 3'-UTR of 1441bp. Two putative copper-binding sites, a proteolytic activation site, and a complement-like motif (GCGWPQHM) were identified in the deduced amino acid sequence of EsproPO. Homology analysis revealed that EsproPO was highly similar to other proPOs from crustaceans with identities from 52% to 68%. The conserved domains and motifs, and higher similarity with other proPOs suggested that EsproPO was a member of the proPO family. The mRNA expression of EsproPO and PO specific activities in the tissues of hepatopancreas, gill, gonad, muscle, heart, eye and haemocytes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and colorimetric assay, respectively. The mRNA transcripts of EsproPO and PO specific activities could be detected in all the examined tissues with the highest level both in hepatopancreas. Three peaks of EsproPO mRNA expression were recorded at 2h, 12h and 48h in haemocytes of Chinese mitten crab post Vibrio anguillarum challenge, which was consistent with the temporal profile of PO specific activity. The mRNA expression pattern and the activity fluctuation of EsproPO post V. anguillarum stimulation indicated that it was potentially involved in the acute response against invading bacteria in Chinese mitten crab.

Demonstration of a true phenoloxidase activity and activation of a ProPO cascade in Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) in vitro

The prophenoloxidase (ProPO) system is the origin of melanin production and is considered to be an innate defence mechanism in invertebrates. In different bivalve species, phenoloxidase (PO) is present in the haemolymph as an inactive form of ProPO. The present study focuses on the Pacific adult oyster, Crassostrea gigas, an economically important bivalve species along French coasts. The results indicate that many factors may inhibit the PO-like activity. These include: phenylthiourea (PTU), sodium diethylthiocarbamate (DETC), beta-mercaptoethanol and tropolone, which repressed the spontaneous PO activity. The activation of PO-like activity in C. gigas acellular fraction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) involved participation of other factors, including at least one serine protease. PO was present as proPO in the acellular fraction of haemolymph and haemocytes of C. gigas and could be activated by an exogenous protease (trypsin-N-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone) when used at 1 gL(-1). Treatment of acellular fractions with other modulators/activators namely LPS (1 gL(-1)), zymosan (0.6 gL(-1)) or laminarin (0.6 gL(-1)) also increased PO-like activity but to a less important way. The study demonstrated the evidence of a true phenoloxidase activity in Pacific oyster, C. gigas (Thunberg). The activation of a proPO system by non-self molecules suggests the role played by PO in vivo in the internal defence mechanisms. Understanding the activation of the ProPO system could enable the evaluation of the health of oyster stocks.

Changes in immune gene expression and resistance to bacterial infection in lobster (Homarus gammarus) post-larval stage VI following acute or chronic exposure to immune stimulating compounds

Real-time PCR was used to measure changes in transcript abundance of genes encoding important immune proteins, namely prophenoloxidase (proPO gene), beta-1,3-glucan binding protein (betaGBP gene) and a 12.2 kDa antimicrobial peptide (amp gene) in post-larval stage VI (PLVI) juveniles of the European lobster, Homarus gammarus. Gene expression was studied in both healthy PLVI and following single or repeat exposure to a range of compounds claimed to induce immune reactivity. A single acute (3-h) exposure to any of the tested stimulants did not produce a significant increase in expression of either the proPO or betaGBP genes, measured 6h after stimulation. However, there were a small sub-group of positive responders, identified mainly from betaGBP expression, within the experimental groups stimulated with either a beta-1,3-glucan or an alginate. There was also no significant increase in the expression of any of the three genes tested 24 h after repeated weekly (3-h) exposures to a either the beta-1,3-glucan or the alginate over the longer (36-day) period. The results do show that amp is expressed at an extremely high level compared to proPO or betaGBP in healthy animals and a significant correlation was found between the expression of proPO and both betaGBP and amp, irrespective of whether or not the larvae were stimulated. None of the immune stimulated compounds improved survival of PLVI challenged with the opportunistic pathogen, Listonella anguillarum, or the lobster pathogen, Aerococcus viridans var. homari. Thus, we found no evidence to support recent claims that immunity and disease resistance can be primed or promoted within a given population of crustaceans or that these animals exhibit functional immune memory to some soluble immune elicitors.

Molecular cloning and characterisation of prophenoloxidase cDNA from haemocytes of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, and its transcription in relation with the moult stage

Expression of prophenoloxidase (proPO) cDNA was determined from haemocytes of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA using oligonucleotide primers based on the proPO sequence of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon, freshwater crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus, green tiger shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus, kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus, and white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. The proPO of M. rosenbergii was constitutively expressed. The 2,547-bp cDNA contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 2,013 bp, a 96-bp 5'-untranslated region, and a 438-bp 3'-untranslated region containing the poly A tail. The molecular mass of the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence (671 aa) was 76.7 kDa with an estimated pI of 7.05. It contained putative copper-binding sites, a complement-like motif (GCGWPRHM), a proteolytic activation site, and a conserved C-terminal region common to all known proPOs. However, no signal peptide sequence was detected in giant freshwater prawn proPO. Comparison of amino acid sequences showed that prawn proPO is similar to the proPO of penaeid, crayfish and lobster. Prawn proPO was only synthesised in haemocytes. The proPO transcript was significantly increased in the A stage and achieved the highest level in the B stage, and then declined sharply in the C stage and reached the lowest level in the D(2)/D(3) stage.

Immune cascade of Spodoptera litura: Cloning, expression, and characterization of inducible prophenol oxidase

Haemolymph associated phenol oxidase is a critical component of invertebrate immune reaction and cuticle sclerotization. Phenol oxidase catalyses the conversion of mono-phenols to diphenols and quinones which finally leads to melanin formation. We have cloned the c-DNA encoding phenol oxidase from the haemocytes of Spodoptera litura and expressed it in Escherichia coli. The encoding gene is 2452bp with an open reading frame of 2091 bp translating into a 697 amino acid protein. Multiple alignment analysis of the predicted protein sequence shows close homology to other lepidopeteran PPOII type genes. The transcription of the gene is induced upon microbial challenge of 6th instar larvae with E. coli and is unresponsive to injury. Cloning of the ORF of SLPPO in-frame in the E. coli expression vector pQE30 resulted in its expression. Enzymatic analysis of the recombinant protein reveals that the recombinant protein is catalytically active on 4-methyl pyrocatechol upon activation by cetyl pyridinium chloride.

Preliminary studies on differential defense responses induced during plant communication

We compared the expression patterns of three representative genes in undamaged tomato and tobacco plants in response to exposure to either tomato or tobacco fed on by Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm). When tomato and tobacco, two species of one family, were incubated in the chambers with the tomato plants damaged by the cotton bollworm, the expression of the PR1, BGL2, and PAL genes was up-regulated in leaves of both plants. However, the levels of gene expression were significantly higher in the tomato than that in the tobacco. In addition, the activities of enzymes, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and lipoxygenase were found to be higher in the tomato than those in the tobacco. Similar results were obtained when the damaged plants were replaced by the tobacco.

Real-time PCR quantification of the in vitro effects of crustacean immunostimulants on gene expression in lobster (Homarus gammarus) granular haemocytes

This paper presents data from an investigation of the mode of action of five different crustacean immunostimulants presented to European lobster (Homarus gammarus) granulocytes cultured in vitro. The experiments were designed to test whether or not the immunostimulants could cause the short-term up-regulation of genes coding for immune proteins without causing the cells to degranulate. Quantitative measurements of mRNA transcript abundance were made using real-time PCR and it was first necessary to isolate the complete gene sequences coding for the proteins prophenoloxidase (proPO), beta-1,3-glucan binding protein (betaGBP) and beta-actin (beta-act) in the lobster. These sequences were used to design TaqMan primer and fluorescent probe sets. The presented data indicated that the majority of the tested immunostimulants did not induce the up-regulation of immune-related gene expression in the granulocytes in isolation. Alternative modes of action, including the in vivo up-regulation of gene expression in haemopoetic tissues, are discussed.

Phenoloxidase activity in Apis mellifera honey bee pupae, and ecdysteroid-dependent expression of the prophenoloxidase mRNA

Phenoloxidase (monophenol, l-dopa: oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.14.18.1) is a multicopper oxidase, which plays an important role in melanin synthesis, necessary for defense against intruding microorganisms and parasites, wound healing and cuticle pigmentation. A phenoloxidase from the hemolymph of honey bee pupae exhibited an apparent molecular mass of 70 kDa, as estimated by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE. Optimal pH and temperature were 6.5 and 20 degrees C, respectively. Activity was fully stable for 30 min at 50 degrees C. Like phenoloxidases from the hemolymph of other insects, the honey bee enzyme was activated by trypsin and inhibited by protease inhibitors and phenylthiourea. Only high concentrations of sodium azide effectively inhibited the detected activity. A low concentration (5 microM) of Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ had a stimulatory effect on the activity. Single Michaelis-Menten curves were observed for l-dopa and dopamine oxidation, but the affinity of the enzyme for dopamine was greater than for L-dopa. Semiquantitative RT-PCR and Southern blot analysis using a 359 bp labeled probe, and quantification of the prophenoloxidase mRNA levels by real-time PCR showed increased amounts of transcripts in hemocytes and integument from young pupae injected with 20-hydroxyecdysone.

Polyphenol oxidase expression in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers inhibited to sprouting by treatment with iodine atmosphere

Iodine-saturated atmosphere was found to inhibit the sprouting of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers. The iodine concentration in tuber tissues increased as a function of exposure length, and the onset of inhibition of sprouting was found to depend on tubers genotype. During the time-course of the treatment, the transcription of polyphenol oxidases (EC 1.10.3.1 and EC 1.14.18.1) was undetectable in tuber peel, whereas in bud tissues featured an increase, followed by a decrease occurring simultaneously with the suppression of sprouting. The treatment of tubers with iodine strongly affected the expression of polyphenol oxidases at the transcriptional level. Polyphenol oxidase activity in buds poorly reflected the corresponding level of transcription; similarly, little differences were found among the enzyme isoforms expressed in buds as a function of length of exposure to iodine. These findings suggest that the induction of polyphenol oxidases mRNAs transcription could probe the inhibition of sprouting by iodine.

Structural and functional models for the dinuclear copper active site in catechol oxidases

Two new mu-methoxo-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complexes with a N-substituted sulfonamide, [Cu(mu-OMe)(L)(NH(3))](2) (1) and [Cu(mu-OMe)(L)(DMSO)](2) (2) [HL, N-2-(4-methylbenzothiazole)benzenesulfonamide], have been prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray difraction analyses. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C(2)/c with a=22.0678(18), b=7.9134(7), c=21.1186(18)A, beta=113.788(4) degrees and Z=8. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C(2)/c with a=18.0900(10), b=9.5720(10), c=24.2620(10) A, beta=98.7120(10) degrees and Z=8. In both complexes the copper atoms have square-planar environments bridged by two oxygen atoms from methoxide groups. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a very strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the copper(II) ions in both complexes (2J<-1000 cm(-1)). Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra of the two complexes both in solid and in solution are silent. 13C NMR spectra of the complexes in solid state have been studied. The complexes have been evaluated as model systems for the catechol oxidase enzyme using 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol as the test substrate. Complex 2 is slightly more active than complex 1.

Biochemical characterization of two differentially expressed polyphenol oxidases from hybrid poplar

Two polyphenol oxidase isoforms with distinct expression patterns were identified in hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpaxP. deltoides). PPO-1, corresponding to the previously cloned PtdPPO (Constabel et al., Plant Physiol. 124: 285-295) was primarily leaf tissue-specific and detected only after wounding. PPO-2 was expressed constitutively in all tissue types tested except mature leaves, with highest expression in very young leaves and conducting tissues such as roots, stems and petioles. These two PPO isoforms were partially purified from hybrid poplar by ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. They were found to differ in stability, pH optimum, and activation by SDS. Tests with common phenolic substrates showed that PPO-1 had a broader substrate specificity than PPO-2. The distinct enzymatic properties and expression patterns of these two PPO isoforms suggest that they may have different physiological functions in hybrid poplar.

Host prophenoloxidase expression in freshwater crayfish is linked to increased resistance to the crayfish plague fungus, Aphanomyces astaci

The crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) susceptible freshwater crayfish Astacus astacus and the resistant species Pacifastacus leniusculus were compared with respect to differential haemocyte count and expression of prophenoloxidase and peroxinectin. A major difference found was that resistant crayfish continuously produced high levels of prophenoloxidase (proPO) transcripts and that these levels could not be further increased, whereas in susceptible crayfish proPO transcript levels and resistance were augmented by immunostimulants. In As. astacus this could be registered as higher proPO transcript levels in the semigranular population of haemocytes and to an increased survival time after experimental infections with A. astaci.

Involvement of peroxidases in the formation of the brown coloration of heartwood in Juglans nigra

Oxidase activities were investigated within the cross-section of walnut trunk in relation to the brown staining of heartwood, especially in the transition zone where the colour change occurs. The distribution of peroxidase activity was investigated using 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) or guaiacol as a substrate. Generally, the highest activity was found in the cambial zone and in the middle sapwood. This activity was mainly vacuolar. However, during autumn a peak of activity was observed in the transition zone with DAB, but not with guaiacol. Immunohistolocalization of the peroxidase revealed that the protein was present in the transition zone even if the enzymatic activity was not detectable. Flavan-3-ols were abundantly localized in the transition zone and it is hypothesized that they are physiological substrates of peroxidases. By contrast, polyphenoloxidases do not seem to be implicated in heartwood formation.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a unique multipotent polyphenol oxidase from Marinomonas mediterranea

Marinomonas mediterranea is a recently isolated melanogenic marine bacterium containing laccase and tyrosinase activities. These activities are due to the expression of two polyphenol oxidases (PPOs), a blue multicopper laccase and an SDS-activated tyrosinase. The gene encoding the first one, herein denominated M. mediterranea PpoA, has been isolated by transposon mutagenesis, cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Its predicted amino acid sequence shows the existence of a signal peptide and four copper-binding sites characteristic of the blue multicopper proteins, including all fungal laccases. In addition, two additional putative copper-binding sites near its N-terminus are also present. Recombinant expression in E. coli of this protein clearly demonstrates its multipotent capability, showing both laccase-like and tyrosinase-like activities. This is the first prokaryotic laccase sequenced and the first PPO showing such multipotent catalytic activity. The expression of several truncated products indicates that the four copper-binding sites typical of blue multicopper proteins are essential for the laccase activity of this enzyme. However, the last two of these sites are not necessary for tyrosine hydroxylase activity as this activity is retained in a truncated product containing the first two sites as well as the extra histidine-rich clusters close to the N-terminus of the protein.

Polyphenol oxidase from hybrid poplar. Cloning and expression in response to wounding and herbivory

The inducible expression of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), a presumed antiherbivore enzyme, was examined in hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa x Populus deltoides). Following mechanical wounding simulating insect damage, PPO activity increased dramatically in wounded and unwounded leaves on wounded plants beginning at 24 and 48 h, respectively. A hybrid poplar PPO cDNA was isolated and its nucleotide sequence determined. On northern blots, PPO transcripts were detected within 8 h of wounding, and reached peak levels at 16 and 24 h in wounded and unwounded leaves, respectively. Methyl jasmonate spray and feeding by forest tent caterpillar also induced PPO expression. The induction of PPO was strongest in the youngest four leaves, which were generally avoided by caterpillars in free feeding experiments. This wound- and herbivore-induced expression of PPO in hybrid poplar supports the defensive role of this protein against insect pests.

Cloning genomic DNA encoding apple polyphenol oxidase and comparison of the gene product in Escherichia coli and in apple

Two PCR-amplified genomic DNA fragments encoding apple (cv. Fuji) polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were cloned and sequenced. A comparison of genomic DNA with cDNAs revealed that the PPOs lacked introns. Both PPO DNAs appear to encode a 66-kDa precursor protein consisting of a 56-kDa mature protein and a N-terminal transit peptide of 10-kDa N-terminal transit peptide. Apple PPO DNA was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the gene product (56 kDa) without a transit peptide was immunochemically detected and was the same size (ca. 65 kDa) as the main PPO of apple fruit by SDS-PAGE.

Isolation and characterization of the cDNA encoding the prophenoloxidase of fall webworm, hyphantria cunea

Two kinds of cDNA clones encoding prophenoloxidases (ProPO; zymogen of phenoloxidase (monophenol, L-dopa: oxygen oxydoreductase, EC 1.14.18.1)) were isolated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by screening of cDNA library that was prepared from whole larvae of the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera, Arctiidae). The cDNAs encode 681 and 697 amino acids with molecular masses of 78.2 and 80.2 kDa, respectively. Deduced amino acid sequence homology between the two H. cunea ProPOs are only 49% whereas the homology against other insect ProPOs ranged from about 40 to 72%. The phylogenic analysis showed that the insect ProPOs are grouped mainly into two families. A putative proteolytic cleavage site for enzyme activation was identical to other insect ProPOs. The conserved copper binding sites were 84-62% homologous to arthropod ProPOs. Two additional highly conserved regions were found in the carboxy terminal. Furthermore, like other insect prophenoloxidases, hydrophobic signal peptide sequences were absent in the deduced ProPOs from H. cunea. Southern blot analysis indicated that the H. cunea ProPO1 is present as a single copy in the genome. Northern blot analysis showed that the expression of the ProPO genes were concentrated in mid-instar larvae, but were much lower in other developmental stages.

Polyphenol oxidase in potato. A multigene family that exhibits differential expression patterns

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants was high in stolons, tubers, roots, and flowers but low in leaves and stems. PPO activity per tuber continued to increase throughout tuber development but was highest on a fresh weight basis in developing tubers. PPO activity was greatest at the tuber exterior, including the skin and cortex tissue 1 to 2 mm beneath the skin. Flowers had high PPO activity throughout development, particularly in the anthers and ovary. Five distinct cDNA clones encoding PPO were isolated from developing tuber RNA. POT32 was the major form expressed in tubers and was found in all parts of the tuber and at all stages of tuber development. It was also expressed in roots but not in photosynthetic tissues. POT33 was expressed in tubers but mainly in the tissue near the skin. POT72 was detected in roots and at low levels in developing tubers. NOR333 was identical with the P2 PPO clone previously isolated from potato leaves (M.D. Hunt, N.T. Eannetta, Y. Haifeng, S.M. Newman, J.C. Steffens [1993] Plant Mol Biol 21: 59-68) and was detected in young leaves and in tissue near the tuber skin but was highly expressed in flowers. The results indicate that PPO is present as a small multigene family in potato and that each gene has a specific temporal and spatial pattern of expression.

Systemin activates synthesis of wound-inducible tomato leaf polyphenol oxidase via the octadecanoid defense signaling pathway

Tomato plants overexpressing a prosystemin gene that encodes the precursor of a mobile wound signal called systemin have been shown previously to constitutively synthesize extraordinarily high levels of two defensive proteinase inhibitor proteins in leaves in the absence of wounding. We herein report that leaves of these transgenic plants possess enhanced levels of another defensive protein, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) at levels that are up to 70-fold higher than levels found in leaves of wild-type plants. Supplying young wild-type tomato plants with systemin through cut stems induced PPO activity in leaves, and wounding lower leaves of young tomato plants induced PPO activity in both wounded and unwounded leaves to levels equal to those induced by systemin. Exposing young tomato plants to methyl jasmonate vapor caused an increase in PPO activity equivalent to levels found in plants overexpressing the prosystemin gene. The data indicate that PPO and proteinase inhibitor genes are coactivated systemically by wounding via the octadecanoid signal transduction pathway and that systemin has a much broader role in signaling plant defensive genes than was previously known.

[The effect of a promoter P28-1 of Bacillus subtilis on Streptomyces differentiation]

A 1.1kb promoter P28-1 was inserted into pUC19. After then, the P28-1 was subcloned into the HindIII-EcoRI sites of the high copy number Streptomyces promoter probe plasmid pIJ4083 containing xy1E reporter gene. This recombinant plasmid was designated as pIJ4498. When pIJ4498 was introduced into Streptomyces coelicolor J1501 protoplasts, transformants conferred a white phenotype, whereas the vector pIJ4083 gave rise to colonies of normal, dark grey appearance which is the same as that of J1501 itself. After confirming pIJ4498 structure with some restriction enzymes, it was also introduced into whiG mutant (C71). Crude enzyme extracts were isolated from J1501/pIJ4498, J1501/pIJ4083 and C71/pIJ4498 respectively, the crude enzyme extract from J1501/pIJ4498 could oxidize catechol (colourless) to 2-hydroxy muconic semialdehyde (yellow colour), but crude enzyme extracts from J1501/pIJ4083 and C71/pIJ4498 could not oxidize catechol to 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde. The results indicated that P28-1 might be recognised by sigma whiG RNA polymerase, and activated the xylE reporter gene expression and reduced J1501 sporulation.

Molecular cloning and characterisation of grape berry polyphenol oxidase

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was purified to homogeneity from Sultana grapes yielding a single protein with an apparent molecular mass of 40 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. A degenerate oligonucleotide primer based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence of this purified 40 kDa grape PPO protein was used to amplify a 1650 bp cDNA clone (GPO1M) by 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3'-RACE). GPO1M hybridized to a single 2.2 kb transcript from grape berry mRNA indicating the presence of further upstream sequence which was cloned using 5'-RACE PCR. The complete 1990 bp cDNA (GPO1) encodes a 67 kDa protein consisting of a 10.6 kDa chloroplast transit peptide, a 40.5 kDa catalytic unit containing two copper-binding regions and a 16.2 kDa C-terminal extension. Southern analysis suggested the presence of only one PPO gene in grapevine. High levels of gene expression were found in young developing berries, leaves and roots, but there was little expression in mature tissues. Biogenesis of PPO in grapevine tissues, appears to involve synthesis of a 67 kDa precursor protein which is imported into the chloroplast and processed to remove a 10.6 kDa chloroplast transit peptide from the N-terminus and a 16.2 kDa peptide of unknown function from the C-terminus.

Import, targeting, and processing of a plant polyphenol oxidase

A tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) gene encoding a precursor of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was transcribed and translated in vitro. The import, targeting, and processing of the [35S]methionine-labeled precursor protein (pPPO) were studied in isolated chloroplasts. The protein was routed to the thylakoid lumen in two steps. The 67-kD precursor was first imported into the stroma in an ATP-dependent step. It was processed to a 62-kD intermediate by a stromal peptidase. Translocation into the lumen was light dependent and involved processing of the 62-kD to the 59-kD mature form. The mature polypeptide was soluble in the lumen and not bound to thylakoids. This two-step targeting pattern was observed in plastids from a variety of plants including pea (Pisum sativum L.), tomato, and maize (Zea mays L.). The ratio between the intermediate and mature forms observed depended on the plant species, leaf age, growth conditions, and illumination regime to which the plants had been subjected. Cu2+ was not required for pPPO import or processing. Furthermore, low concentrations of Cu2+ (1-5 microM) markedly inhibited the first import step. Tentoxin specifically inhibited pPPO import, leaving the precursor bound to the envelope membrane. The two-step routing of pPPO into chloroplasts, typical of thylakoid lumen proteins, is consistent with the two-domain structure of the transit peptide and appears to be a feature of all plant PPO genes isolated so far. No evidence was found for unorthodox routing mechanisms, which have been suggested to be involved in the import of plant PPOs. The two-step routing may account for some of the multiplicity of PPO observed in vivo.

L-tyrosine stimulates induction of tyrosinase activity by MSH and reduces cooperative interactions between MSH receptors in hamster melanoma cells

L-tyrosine, a precurosr to melanin, has recently been shown to be a regulator of the melanogenic pathway in some cultured melanoma cell lines. In this paper we demonstrated that L-tyrosine, besides increasing binding capacity for MSH, decreased cooperativity between MSH receptors and increased the level of tyrosinase induction by MSH. Apparently, regulation of MSH receptor activity by L-tyrosine involves specific changes in the interactions between the receptors and modification of the cellular responsiveness to MSH.

Regulation of tyrosinase synthesis and its processing in the hair follicular melanocytes of the mouse during eumelanogenesis and phaeomelanogenesis

Tyrosinase synthesis and its posttranslational processing was compared in hair follicular melanocytes of C3H-HeAvy mice during eumelanogenesis and phaeomelanogenesis. Tyrosinase activity was increased during eumelanogenesis and this was paralleled by an increase in tyrosinase synthesis, as measured by the incorporation of [35S]methionine. Although tyrosinase activity was lower during phaeomelanogenesis there was no change in tyrosinase synthesis. alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) increased tyrosinase activity and its synthesis during eumelanogenesis but not during phaeomelanogenesis. Bromo-adenosine 3,5-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt (8-bromo-cAMP) was similarly effective during eumelanogenesis, but unlike alpha-MSH stimulated tyrosinase synthesis during phaeomelanogenesis. This suggests that during phaeomelanogenesis the melanocytes may fail to express MSH receptors. This cannot account for the lower tyrosinase activity, however, for alpha-MSH acts predominantly at the level of tyrosinase synthesis and this was similar during eumelanin and phaeomelanin production. The reduced tyrosinase activity is, therefore, presumably due to some posttranslational change. Accordingly, less tyrosinase was associated with the melanosomal fraction during phaeomelanogenesis than during eumelanogenesis. Glycosylation of tyrosinase, as measured by the incorporation of [3H]glucosamine was also reduced during phaeomelanogenesis. Although 8-bromo-cAMP increased glycosylation of tyrosinase in both eumelanin and phaeomelanin producing melanocytes, it failed to alter the subcellular distribution of the enzyme. It would appear that, although glycosylation of tyrosinase is lower during phaeomelanogenesis, the reduced tyrosinase expression is the result of decreased uptake of tyrosinase by the melanosome.

Synthesis and activity of Xenopus laevis oocyte tyrosinase

This study investigates the mechanisms that control pigment synthesis in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Although we find the molecular weight of oocyte tyrosinase to be similar to that of amphibian skin, we were unable to increase its activity by proteases or detergents, as has been reported for skin tyrosinase. On the other hand, by measuring the activity of polysomal-bound enzyme, we were able to correlate increased tyrosinase activity with increased levels of enzyme synthesis. We therefore suggest that in oocytes, the activity of tyrosinase is primarily dependent on its synthesis, whereas in skin, the rate-limiting step is the post-translational activation of the enzyme. We speculate on these differences in relation to the functional role of melanin in skin and oocytes.

L-tyrosine induces synthesis of melanogenesis related proteins

In cultured amelanotic hamster melanoma cells L-tyrosine induces melanogenesis. This induction involves an increase in intracellular concentration of proteins precipitated by polyclonal anti-tyrosinase antibodies, and stimulation of the Vmax of tyrosinase activity. Therefore it is suggested that in hamster melanoma cells L-tyrosine induces synthesis of tyrosinase and melanogenesis related proteins.

Induction of tyrosinase by L-methionine in Streptomyces antibioticus

Investigations were carried out to establish conditions favorable for the formation of tyrosinase, an inducible metalloenzyme synthesized by Streptomyces antibioticus. It was determined that the size of the inoculum and age of the culture as well as the temperature of incubation were important factors for enzyme synthesis. Induction of tyrosinase by S. antibioticus appears to be specific for L-methionine with maximal enzyme synthesis observed at 0.1 mM. Addition of CuSO4 and D-glucose at the time of induction also are important for increased enzyme activity. Inhibition of tyrosinase synthesis was observed with actinomycin D, rifampicin, and chloramphenicol suggesting that both transcriptional and translational events are required for tyrosinase induction.

3,3',5-L-triiodothyronine but not L-thyroxine can block the induction of tyrosinase by imidazole in cultured B16 melanoma cells

3,3',5-L-triiodothyronine (T3) can inhibit tyrosinase activity in B16/C3 melanoma cells in culture and block the induction of that enzyme by imidazole (Endocrinol. 119, 2118, 1986). The current study examined the effect of thyroxine (T4) on tyrosinase activity. Proliferating cultures were exposed to either T3 (0-500 nM) or T4 (0-50,000 nM) in addition to imidazole (10 mM). Imidazole induced enzyme activity by approximately 3-fold and T3 could block that induction with a maximal inhibition occurring at 10 nM. Even at the highest concentrations used, T4 had no effect on tyrosinase activity. These studies disclose that T4, the tetraiodinated parent compound from which T3 is derived, is devoid of intrinsic biological activity in this T3 responsive system.

Inhibition of imidazole-induced tyrosinase activity by estradiol and estriol in cultured B16/C3 melanoma cells

The effect of estrogens on tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) activity was studied in B16/C3 melanoma cultures. Estradiol, estriol, and other related steroids failed to influence tyrosinase activity when added to the medium of proliferating cultures. Imidazole (10 mM), on the other hand, induced the activity of that enzyme 3-fold, as reported previously. Estradiol and estriol blocked imidazole induction, however, unlike the other estrogenic compounds. The blockade occurred within 15 min of hormone addition and was reversible. Dose-response studies revealed that the maximal estradiol effect occurred at 0.75 nM and the half-maximal effect occurred at 0.5 nM. Estriol was more potent, with the maximal blockade occurring at approximately 0.5 nM and half-maximal effect at 0.25 nM. The induction of tyrosinase by imidazole and the blockade of this induction by estradiol and estriol could not be demonstrated in broken cell preparations, suggesting that direct enzyme activation-inactivation was not involved. Studies utilizing inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis suggest that this effect is mediated at a pre-translational level and is independent of mRNA destabilization.

Regulation of tyrosinase synthesis by alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in hair follicular melanocytes of the mouse

Tyrosinase activity was increased in hair follicular melanocytes of C3H-HeAvy mice during the hair cycle and reached higher levels on days 6-8 after plucking than on day 12. Similarly, the rate of incorporation of [35S]methionine into tyrosinase was greater on days 6-8 than on day 12, but the relative difference was much less. alpha-MSH had no effect on tyrosinase activity or the rate of [35S]methionine incorporation on day 12 and, while it increased both on days 6 and 8, it had a greater effect upon the latter. Pulse-chase experiments showed that the half-life of tyrosinase was 3.5 h and that this was unaffected by alpha-MSH. The results indicate that the increases in tyrosinase activity which occur during the hair cycle involve changes in both the synthesis and activation of the enzyme and that the predominant effect of alpha-MSH is on the former of these two processes.

The influence of copper on the induction of tyrosinase and laccase in Neurospora crassa

The influence of copper on the cycloheximide-induced synthesis of the copper-containing enzymes tyrosinase and laccase in Neurospora crassa was studied by enzyme activity measurements and immunological means. The amount of active enzyme molecules is far higher when the culture medium is copper-supplemented before cycloheximide induction. The synthesis of the apoproteins is not dependent on the presence of copper. This suggests the existence of a copper-storage protein for which metallothionein is a likely candidate.

Dopa oxidase expression in fibroblast x melanoma fusions. Extinction in heterokaryons and maintenance in non-dividing cybrids

Pigmented B-16 mouse melanoma cells were fused with chick embryo fibroblasts or fibroblast cytoplasts and maintained as heterokaryons or non-dividing cybrids, respectively. These single cells were examined ultrastructurally for evidence or pigment gene expression using a cytochemical test for dopa oxidase, the initial enzyme in the conversion of dopa to melanin. Heterokaryons showed significantly less enzyme activity than control cells, whereas non-dividing cybrids showed no significant difference. Therefore, the presence of the intact nuclear membranes in the heterokaryons did not serve as a barrier to the interactions resulting in extinction of differentiated function(s). However, the presence of the fibroblast nucleus was necessary to elicit continued response.

Endocrine responsiveness in human melanocytes and melanoma cells in culture

Studies were performed for the investigation of endocrine responsiveness in cell lines derived from either normal human melanocytes or human melanoma cells. Alterations in differentiation (tyrosinase activity) were determined in cells exposed to either melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH, 10(-7) M), theophylline (10(-3) M), N6,O2'-dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP, 10(-4) M), or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, 10(-6) M). Cultures derived from normal uveal melanocytes demonstrated increased tyrosinase activity upon exposure to either theophylline, db-cAMP, or PGE1, but not to MSH. However, MSH responsiveness was detected in 7 of 11 human melanoma cell lines. Four cell lines demonstrated increased activity of tyrosinase after MSH treatment, whereas three lines showed an MSH-induced inhibition of enzyme activity. PGE1 was effective in stimulating tyrosinase activity in five of nine cell lines examined. Theophylline was the most effective stimulator of tyrosinase in melanoma-derived cell populations and caused increased enzyme activity in eight of eleven cell lines.

Light stimulation of iris tyrosinase in vivo

Although exposure of epidermal melanocytes to ultraviolet radiation is known to increase tyrosinace activity, a similar effect has never been demonstrated for the iris. This paper presents evidence that light stimulates tyrosinase activity in iris melanocytes in rabbits. Levels of iris tyrosinase were found to be greater in eyes of rabbits exposed to light for 6 weeks than in eyes of rabbits maintained in darkness. Despite increasing tyrosinase levels, exposure to light produced to no clinically observable change in iris color.

Decay of hormone responsiveness in mouse melanoma cells in culture as a function of cell density

Cloudman S91 mouse melanoma cells lose their ability to demonstrate an MSH-induced increase in tyrosinase activity as cell density increases. This loss in hormone responsiveness occurs before confluency is reached and cannot be reversed by exposure of cells to increasing concentrations of MSH. The failure of high-density cultures to respond to MSH is apparently not the result of an inability of MSH to stimulate cAMP production, since either low- or high-density cultures exposed to MSH demonstrate equivalent increases in intracellular levels of cAMP. Further, neither theophylline (1mM), dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10(-4)M), or prostaglandin E1 (10(-6)M) is effective in stimulating tyrosinase activity in melanoma cells cultured at densities exceeding 6 X 10(4) cells/cm2. This finding suggests that the decay of hormone responsiveness occurs at a cellular site distal to cAMP production. The decrease in tyrosinase stimulation by MSH as cell density increases is also apparently not the result of an increase in activity of any soluble inhibitor of the enzyme, for cytosol preparations from high-density cultures (10(5) cells/cm2) fail to inhibit tyrosinase activity in cell homogenates from low-density cultures treated with MSH.

Tyrosinase maturation and pigment expression in B16 melanoma: relation to theophylline treatment and intracellular cyclic AMP

We have studied the effects of theophylline treatment on pigmentation characteristics and growth of two B16 melanoma cell lines, HFH-18 and P/140. Cell counts of control and theophylline-treated cultures confirmed that the drug inhibits cell growth. Light and electron microscope cytochemistry with the L-dopa reaction indicated that the two cell lines differ in their ability to transfer Golgi-associated tyrosinase to developing premelanosomes. The results of these experiments, considered with results of electrophoretic analyses and activity measurements by the Pomerantz method, also provide evidence that increased tyrosinase synthesis occurs in response to theophylline treatment. In addition, results indicate that theophylline induces changes in the rate of synthetic or degradative posttranslational modification of tyrosinase. Measurements of intracellular cyclic AMP levels by radioimmunoassay in control cultures and in theophylline- and alpha-MSH-treated cultures were made. Although the hormone induced spectacular increases in cyclic AMP levels, theophylline produced no detectable change. These results indicate that theophylline differs from alpha-MSH because theophylline-induced changes in pigmentation may not require the participation of intracellular cyclic AMP.

Cellular localization of tyrosinase in human malignant melanoma cell lines

Human malignant melanocytes show characteristic morphologic modifications which are particularly evident in their specific organelles: melanosomes. These modifications are conserved in cell culture. The ultrastructural localization of tyrosinase, the enzyme which converts tyrosine and dopa into melanin, was determined in 13 human melanoma cell lines. The different cell lines possess 4 distribution patterns of melanin synthesis based on dopa oxidase activity. The two first pathways, which involve the Golgi apparatus, seem to differ by the amount of enzyme within this organelle. The third pathway mainly involves the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, whereas tyrosinase is visible only in vesicles in the fourth. Some cells synthesize the enzyme in the manner observed in very early embryos.

Changes of some enzymatic activities in iodoacetate-treated microconidiating cultures of Neurospora crassa

In iodoacetate-treated microconidating cultures of Neurospora crassa, mycelial yield, sucrose consumption and ethanol production are reduced. The specific activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is sharply decreased while the specific activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase are stimulated. A polyphenoloxidase is induced in the microconidiating cultures.

In vitro induction of tyrosinase activity in goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) integument by ACTH and dibutyryl-cAMP

Tyrosinase was first detected in melanoblasts by the DOPA-oxidase reaction in the presence of catalase in explants of goldfish integument after 12 hr culture with either ACTH (1IU/ml) or DB-cAMP (0.1mM). Melanin did not appear in the new melanocytes until 24 hr. The data indicate that the release of cAMP within the melanoblast in response to ACTH treatment is rapid and the tyrosinase in the melanoblast is released from inhibition and/or activated at least 12 hr prior to melanization of premelanosomes.