• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.721-725
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• 2004

Acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) is one of several enzymes that require thiamine diphosphate and a divalent cation as essential cofactors. The active site contains several conserved ionizable groups and all of these appear to be important as judged by the fact that mutation diminishes or abolishes catalytic activity. Recently, we have shown [Yoon, M.-Y., Hwang, J.-H., Choi, M.-K., Baek, D.-K., Kim, J., Kim, Y.-T., Choi, J.-D. FEBS Letters 555 (2003), 185-191] that the activity is pH-dependent due to changes in $V_{max}$ and V/$K_m$. Data were consistent with a mechanism in which substrate was selectively catalyzed by the enzyme with an unprotonated base having a pK 6.48, and a protonated group having a pK of 8.25 for catalysis. Here, we have in detail studied the pH dependence of the kinetic parameters of the cofactors (ThDP, FAD, $Mg^{2+}$) in order to obtain information about the chemical mechanism in the active site. The $V_{max}$ of kinetic parameters for all cofactors was pH-dependent on the basic side. The pK of ThDP, FAD and $Mg^{2+}$ was 9.5, 9.3 and 10.1, respectively. The V/$K_m$ of kinetic parameters for all cofactors was pH-dependent on the acidic and on the basic side. The pK of ThDP, FAD and $Mg^{2+}$ was 6.2-6.4 on the acidic side and 9.0-9.1 on the basic side. The well-conserved histidine mutant (H392) did not affect the pH-dependence of the kinetic parameters. The data are discussed in terms of the acid-base chemical mechanism.

• BMB Reports
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.603-607
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• 2003

Abstract Plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are a class of proteins whose functions are still unknown. Some are proposed to have antimicrobial activities. To understand whether LTP110, a rice LTP that we previously identified from rice leaves, plays a role in the protection function against some serious rice pathogens, we investigated the antifungal and antibacterial properties of LTP110. A cDNA sequence, encoding the mature peptide of LTP110, was cloned into the Impact-CN prokaryotic expression system. The purified protein was used for an in vitro inhibition test against rice pathogens, Pyricularia oryzae and Xanthomonas oryzae. The results showed that LTP110 inhibited the germination of Pyricularia oryzae spores, and its inhibitory activity decreased in the presence of a divalent cation. This suggests that the antifungal activity is affected by ions in the media; LTP110 only slightly inhibited the growth of Xanthomonas oryzae. However, the addition of LTP110 to cultured Chinese hamster ovarian cells did not retard growth, suggesting that the toxicity of LTP110 is only restricted to some cell types. Its antimicrobial activity is potentially due to interactions between LTP and microbe-specific structures.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.13-17
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• 2009

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in angiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. $Mg^{2+}$ is the most abundant intracellular divalent cation in the body and plays critical roles in many cell functions. We investigated the effect of bFGF on the intracellular $Mg^{2+}$ concentration ($[Mg^{2+}]_i$) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). bFGF increased ($[Mg^{2+}]_i$) in a dose-dependent manner, independent of extracellular $Mg^{2+}$. This bFGF-induced $[Mg^{2+}]_i$ increase was blocked by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (tyrphostin A-23 and genistein), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors (wortmannin and LY294002) and a phospholipase $C{\gamma}$ ($PLC{\gamma}$) inhibitor (U73122). In contrast, mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (SB202190 and PD98059) did not affect the bFGF-induced $[Mg^{2+}]_i$ increase. These results suggest that bFGF increases the $[Mg^{2+}]_i$ from the intracellular $Mg^{2+}$ stores through the tyrosine kinase/PI3K/$PLC{\gamma}$-dependent signaling pathways.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.10
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• pp.787-795
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• 2017

Avoiding ingestion of excessively salty food is essential for cation homeostasis that underlies various physiological processes in organisms. The molecular and cellular basis of the aversive salt taste, however, remains elusive. Through a behavioral reverse genetic screening, we discover that feeding suppression by $Na^+$-rich food requires Ionotropic Receptor 76b (Ir76b) in Drosophila labellar gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs). Concentrated sodium solutions with various anions caused feeding suppression dependent on Ir76b. Feeding aversion to caffeine and high concentrations of divalent cations and sorbitol was unimpaired in Ir76b-deficient animals, indicating sensory specificity of Ir76b-dependent $Na^+$ detection and the irrelevance of hyperosmolarity-driven mechanosensation to Ir76b-mediated feeding aversion. Ir76b-dependent $Na^+$-sensing GRNs in both L- and s-bristles are required for repulsion as opposed to the previous report where the L-bristle GRNs direct only low-$Na^+$ attraction. Our work extends the physiological implications of Ir76b from low-$Na^+$ attraction to high-$Na^+$ aversion, prompting further investigation of the physiological mechanisms that modulate two competing components of $Na^+$-evoked gustation coded in heterogeneous Ir76b-positive GRNs.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.227-233
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• 2011

The Nramp1/Slc11a1 locus encodes a proton-coupled divalent cation transporter, expressed in late endosomes/lysosomes of macrophages, that constitutes a component of the innate immune response to combat intracellular pathogens and it was shown to play an important role in regulating inherent immunity. The previously identified Z-DNA forming polymorphic repeat(GT)n in the promoter region of the human Nramp1 gene does act as a functional polymorphism influencing gene expression. Research has shown that INF-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and bacteria LPS increase the level of Nramp1 expression. However, the molecular mechanism for Nramp1 gene regulation is unclear. In this research, bovine Nramp1 5'-flanking region (-1748~+769) was cloned and analyzed by bioinformatics. Then to find the core promoter and the cis-acting elements, deletion analysis of promoter was performed using a set of luciferase reporter gene constructs containing successive deletions of the bovine Nramp1 5'-flanking regions. Promoter activity analysis by the dual luciferase reporter assay system showed that the core promoter of Nramp1 was located at +58~-89 bp. Some positive regulatory elements are located at -89~-205 bp and -278~-1495 bp. And the repressor elements were in region -205~-278 bp, intron1 and -1495~-1748 bp. LPS-responsive regions were located at -1495~-1748 bp and -278~-205 bp. The present study provides an initial effort to explore the molecular mechanism of transcriptional activation of the bovine Nramp1 gene and should facilitate further studies to decode the complex regulatory process and for molecular breeding for disease resistance in bovines.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.463-471
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• 1999

Magnesium($Mg^{2+}$) is one of the most abundant intracellular divalent cation. Although recent studies demonstrate that adrenergic receptor stimulation evokes marked changes in $Mg^{2+}$ homeostasis, the regulation of $Mg^{2+}$ by dopaminergic receptor stimulation is not yet known. In this work, we used dopaminergic agents to identify which type(s) of receptors were involved in the mobilization of $Mg^{2+}$ by dopaminergic receptor stimulation in the perfused rat hearts, isolated myocytes and circulating blood. The $Mg^{2+}$ content was measured by atomic absorbance spectrophotometry. Dopamine(DA), apomorphine(APO) and pergolide stimulated $Mg^{2+}$ efflux in the perfused rat hearts and these effects were inhibited by haloperidol or fluphenazine, nonselective dopaminergic antagonists. SKF38393, a selective doparminergic agonist, increased $Mg^{2+}$ efflux from the perfused hearts in dose dependant manners and SKF38393-induced $Mg^{2+}$ efflux was blocked by haloperidol. However, dopaminergic agonists-induced $Mg^{2+}$ efflux was potentiated in the presence of sulpiride or eticlopride, $D_2$-selective antagonist, from the perfused hearts. This increase of $Mg^{2+}$ efflux was blocked by haloperidol or imipramine. DA or pergolide increased in circulating $Mg^{2+}$ from blood. By contrast, PPHT stimulated $Mg^{2+}$ influx(a decrease in efflux) from the perfused hearts and circulating blood. PPHT-induced $Mg^{2+}$ influx was blocked by fluphenazine in the perfused hearts. DA-stimulated $Mg^{2+}$ efflux was inhibited by dopaminergic antagoinst in the isolated myocytes. In conclusion, the flux of $Mg^{2+}$ is modulated by DA receptor activation in the rat hearts. The efflux of $Mg^{2+}$ can be increased by $D_1$-receptor stimulation and decreased by $D_2$-receptor stimulation, respectively.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.87-105
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• 1991

The purpose of this experiment was to measure the leaking and solubility of commonly used dental restorative materials - Silux plus (CS), Hi-pol (CH), Clearfil F-II, Fissureseal (FS), Glass-Ionomer cement Fuji Type II (GI), Amalgam Cavex 68 (AM), Zinc Phosphate Cement (ZP) and gutta-percha (GP) and investigate the relation between the solubility and marginal leakage. Disc-shape specimens were fabricated with each material and dipped into deionized water, 0.01M lactic acid and 0.005M KOH solution, thus the total ionic concentrations in each solution was measured with ion chromatograph after 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively. For the solubility test, each specimen was immersed in 0.001M and 0.01M lactic acid for 24 hours, respectively and total weight loss was calculated. Also, Zn leaking through the margin of restorations was measured. The obtained results were as follows: 1. The amounts of eluted ion from the eight materials were most in 0.01M lactic acid and least in deionized water. 2. Of the eight materials, the fluoride release was greatest for glass ionomer cement (GI) in 0.01 M lactic acid after 7 days. 3. In analysis of the divalent cation, Mg was eluted most for zinc phosphate cement (ZP) and Ca for Clearfil F-II (CF) in 0.01M lactic acid after 7 days. 4. In analysis of transition metals, Cu and Zn were detected only. 5. The solubility rate of eight materials was greater in 0.01M lactic acid than in 0.001M for 24 hours, for zinc phosphate cement (ZP) the rate was greatest (5.4%) in 0.001M lactic acid, and amalgam least (0.01%). 6. The Zn concentration of restorative material with Z.P.C base was greater in 0.01M lactic acid than in 0.001M lactic acid.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.2002-2010
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• 2006

This study examined the quenching of ofloxacin (OFL) and flumequine (FLU) fluorescence by $Cuj^{2+}$, $Ni^{2+}$, $Co^{2+}$ and $Mn^{2+}$ in an aqueous solution. The change in the fluorescence intensity and lifetime was measured at various temperatures as a function of the quencher concentration. According to the Stern-Volmer plots, the fluorescence emission was quenched by both collisions (dynamic quenching) and complex formation (static quenching) with the same quencher but the effect of static quenching was larger than that of dynamic quenching. Large static and dynamic quenching constants for both OFL and FLU support significant ion-dipole and orbital-orbital interactions between fluorophore and quencher. For both molecules, the static and dynamic quenching constants by $Cu^{2+}$ were the largest among all the metal quenchers examined in this study. In addition, both the static and dynamic quenching mechanisms by $Cu^{2+}$ were somewhat different from the quenching caused by other metals. Between $Ni^{2+}$ and FLU, a different form of chemical interaction was observed compared with the interaction by other metals. The change in the absorption spectra as a result of the addition of a quencher provided information on static quenching. With all these metals, the static quenching constant of FLU was larger than those of OFL. The fluorescence of OFL was quite insensitive to both the dynamic and static quenching compared with FLU. This property of OFL can be explained by the twisted intramolecular charge transfer in the excited state.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.717-724
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• 1999

This experiment was performed on three parts with prepared coagulants. (1) The characterization of coagulation for PACI coagulants. (2) Comparison of the characterization of coagulation with PAS and PACI coagulants. And (3) Comparison of the characterization of coagulation for the addition of calcium with PACI. Coagulation experiments were conducted with several dosages and pH for each coagulants. For the characterization of coagulation with PACI coagulants, coagulation of Nakdong river waters with three PACls (r=2.0, 2.2, 2.35) showed that the effectiveness of the three coagulants can be considered as r=2.2 > 2.0 > 2.35 which are also the order of higher polymeric aluminum contents. For the comparison of the characterization of coagulation for PAS and PACI coagulants, PAS (r=0.75) coagulants was more effective than other coagulant for the removal of organic matters by sweep floc mechanism with $A;(OH)_{3(S)}$. For comparison of the characterization of coagulation for the addition of calcium with PACI, the presence of divalent cation like $Ca^{2+}$ was supposed to influence the complex formation of organic anions. From the result of test on coagulation at various pH ranges, the PACI was least affected by the coagulation pH, and the addition of calcium to PACI was very effective for the removal of turbidity and organic materials over broader pH range (pH 4-9).

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.466-473
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• 2004

A new acid deoxyribonuclease (DNase) was purified from the cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis, and designated CSDNase. CSDNase was purified by $(NH_4)_2SO_4$ precipitation, Sephacryl S-100 HR gel filtration, weak anion-exchange HPLC, and gel filtration HPLC. The protein was single-chained, with an apparent molecular mass of ca. 34 kDa, as revealed by SDS-PAGE, and an isoelectric point of 7.05, as estimated by isoelectric focusing. CSDNase acted on both double-stranded (ds) and single- stranded (ss) DNA, but preferentially on dsDNA. The optimum pH of CSDNase was pH 5.5 and its optimum temperature 55. The activity of CSDNase was not dependent on divalent cations, but its enzymic activity was inhibited by high concentration of the cation: $MgCl_2$ above 150 mM, $MnCl_2$ above 200 mM, $ZnCl_2$ above 150 mM, $CaCl_2$ above 200 mM, NaCl above 300 mM, and KCl above 300 mM. CSDNase was found to hydrolyze DNA, and to generate 3-phosphate and 5-OH termini. These results indicate that the nucleolytic properties of CSDNase are essentially the same as those of other well-characterized acid DNases, and that CSDNase is a member of the acid DNase family. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an acid DNase in a fungus.