[Functional characteristic of the CefT transporter of the MFS family involved in the transportation of beta-lactam antibiotics in Acremonium chrysogenum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae].

Vectors for the expression of the CefT transporter of the MFS family in Acremonium chrysogenum--a producer of beta-lactam antibiotic cephalosporin C--and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a fusion with the cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) have been created. The subcellular localization of the CefT-CFP hybrid protein in yeast cells has been investigated. It was shown that the CefT-CFP hybrid protein is capable of complementation of the qdr3, tpo 1, and tpo3 genes encoding for orthologous MFS transporters of Saccharomycetes, making the corresponding strains resistant to spermidine, ethidium bromide, and hygromycin B. High-yield strain VKM F-4081D of A. chrysogenum, expressing the cefT-cfp fusion, was obtained by an agrobacteria conjugated transfer. It was also shown that the constitutive expression of cefT in A. chrysogenum VKM F-4081D led to a change in the biosynthetic profiles of cephalosporin C and its precursors. This resulted in a 25-35% decrease in the finite product accumulated in the cultural liquid with a simultaneous increase in the concentration of its intermediators.

[Peculiarities of the Brevundimonas diminuta Gl7ACA-Acylase quaternary structure formation and obtaining stable enzyme analogues].

The physicochemical and enzymatic properties of hybrid analogues of the Brevundimonas diminuta Gl7ACA-acylase (BrdGIA), containing the N-terminal chitin-binding domain of the bacterial chitinase (BrdG1A/NmChBD) or the C-terminal oligohistidine sequence (BrdGIA/H), were studied. An enhanced thermostability level of BrdG1A/NmChBD could suggest the stabilizing effect of the chitin-binding domain. An analysis of pH profiles of the enzymatic activity of recombinat BrdGIA analogues did not reveal significant differences: the catalytic activity of both variants changed slightly in the.interval ofpH values from 6.0 to 9.0 but drastically decreased at lower pH values. Both analogues demonstrated similar sensitivity towards denaturing agents: addition of 2.0 M ofguanidine chloride resulted in the complete inactivation of both enzymes. A scheme was developed for obtaining isolated recombinant alpha- and beta-subunits of BrdGLA. In vitro enzyme reconstructions indicated that the alpha-subunit was necessary for the formation of a correct spatial structure of the beta-subunit and for the formation of a functionally active enzyme.

[Chromosomal polymorphism of Acremonium chrysogenum strains producing cephalosporin C].

Using pulse electrophoresis in controlled homogenous electric field we conducted molecular karyotyping of highly-productive and laboratory strains of Acremonium chrysogenum generating antibiotic cephalosporin C (cefC). Differences in size of several chromosomes of highly active strain CB26/8 compared to the wild-type strain ATCC 11550 were revealed. It was shown that chromosomal polymorphism in the highly active strain was not associated with alteration of localization and copy number ofcephalosporin C biosynthesis and transport genes. A cluster of "early" cefC biosynthesis genes is located on chromosome VI (4.4 Mb); a cluster of the "late genes", on chromosome II (2.3 Mb). Both clusters are presented as a single copy perA. chrysogenum genome in the wild-type and in CB26/8 producer strains. Based on comparative analysis of laboratory and industrial cefC producers, a karyotype scheme for A. chrysogenum strains of various origins was designed.

[Biosynthesis and purification of human beta2-adrenergic receptor expressed in methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris].

Human beta2-adrenergic receptor is one of the most studied G-protein-coupled receptors. It plays a key role in autonomic nervous system and is a drug target in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Despite the fact that its crystal structure was revealed, a physiological role and molecular mechanisms of its action remain largely unknown. We designed the construct pVR2ADRH, which contained the gene for human beta2-adrenergic receptor with a polyhistidine tag C-terminal extension. The recombinant DNA was used for transformation of the GS115 strain of Pichia pastoris. The heterologous expression level obtained was about 20 mg/l. The receptor was extracted from membrane fraction and was purified by metal-affinity and ion-exchange chromatography. The active receptors were isolated by alprenolol-sepharose CL-4B. The resulting level of purified human beta2-adrenergic receptor was approximately 1 mg per liter of culture. The homogeneity of the protein sample was confirmed by a dynamical light scattering analysis of the receptor's micellar solution.

[Expression of modified oxidase of D-aminoacids of Trigonopsis variabilis in methylotrophic yeasts Pichia pastoris].

Effective recombinant strains Pichia pastoris that produce functionally active hybrid of Trigonopsis variabilis D-aminoacids bond with chitin-connecting domain of chitinase A1 of Bacillus circulans (DAOcbd) were obtained. The dependence of DAOcbd production levels from production of the number of copies of "expression cassette" integrated in the AOX1 locus of recombinant strains was studied. It was indicated that synthesized DAOcbd may be easily purified and immobilized on chitin sorbents and possessed high specific activity. Produced strains and methods of their cultivation and DAOcbd extraction may be used for development of technologies of obtaining of biocatalyzers in technological processes of obtaining of 7-aminocephalosporane acid.

Recombinant human sperm-specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase: structural basis for enhanced stability.

Sperm-specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDS) is bound to the fibrous sheath of the sperm flagellum through the hydrophobic N-terminal domain of the enzyme molecule. Expression of human GAPDS in E.coli cells yields inactive and insoluble protein. Presumably, the N-terminal domain prevents correct folding of the full-length recombinant enzyme. To obtain GAPDS in a soluble and active form, a recombinant enzyme lacking in 68 amino acids of the N-terminal domain (dN-GAPDS) was expressed in E.coli cells. Purified dN-GAPDS was shown to be a protein of 9.3 nm in diameter (by dynamic light scattering), which is close to the size of the muscle tetrameric glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (8.6 nm). The catalytic properties of the protein differed a little from those of the muscle glyceraldehyde-3-phoshate dehydrogenase. However, compared to muscle glyceraldehyde-3-phoshate dehydrogenase, dN-GAPDS exhibited enhanced thermostability (the transition midpoints values are 60.8 and 67.4°C, respectively) and was much more resistant towards action of guanidine hydrochloride (inactivation constants are 2.45±0.018 and 0.118 ± 0.008 min(-1), respectively). The enhanced stability of dN-GAPDS is likely to be related to some specific features of the GAPDS structure compared to that of the muscle enzyme: 1) reduced number of solvent-exposed salt bridges; 2) 2 additional buried salt bridges; and 3) 6 additional proline residues in GAPDS meeting the "proline rule". It is assumed that high stability of the sperm-specific GAPDS is of importance for the efficiency of fertilization.

[The concentration dynamics of inorganic polyphosphates during the cephalosporin C synthesis by Acremonium chrysogenum].

The contents of five fractions of energy-rich inorganic polyphosphates (polyPs), ATP, and H(+)-ATPase activity in the plasma membrane were determined in a low-activity cephalosporin C (cephC) producer Acremonium chrysogenum ATCC 11550 and selected highly efficient producer strain 26/8 grown on glucose or a synthetic medium providing for active synthesis of this antibiotic. It was shown that strain 26/8 on the synthetic medium produced 26-fold higher amount of cephC as compared with strain ATCC 11550. This was accompanied by a drastic decrease in the cell contents of ATP and the high-molecular-weight fractions polyP2, polyP3, and polyPS with a concurrent increase in the low-molecular-weight fraction polyP1. These data suggest that polyPs are involved in the cephC synthesis as a source of energy. H(+)-ATPase activity insignificantly changed at both low and high levels of cephC production. This confirms the assumption that A. chrysogenum has other alternative antibiotic transporters in addition to cefT. The obtained results can be used for optimizing commercial-scale cephC biosynthesis.

[Structure peculiarities of cell walls of Acremonium chrysogenum--an autotroph of cephalosporin C].

Alterations of cell walls of Acremonium chrysogenum occurring at intensive synthesis of cephalosporin C has been studied. It is shown, using electron microscopy, that the cell wall of the cells ofATCC 11550 strain ("wild" type) became looser and thicker during growth. The cell wall of the cells of strain 26/8 (hyperautotroph of cephalosporin C) considerably degraded by the end of the stationary phase. Biochemical analysis has shown that these alterations entailed decrease of the proteins' content covalently or noncovalently linked with the polysaccharides of cell walls of both strains. An increase of sensitivity of cell walls of the strain-superproducer to an activity of lytic enzymes of chitinase, laminarinase, proteinase K, and lyticase preparation has been observed during the growth, but this increase has not been found in the case of "wild" type strain. The obtained results evidence to the structure failure of the cell wall of A. chrysogenum entailing the intensive creation of antibiotic.

[Cowpea mosaic virus chimeric particles bearing ectodomain of matrix protein 2 (M2E) of influenza A virus: production and characteristics].

The epitope presentation system for ectodomain of M2-protein of influenza A virus (M2e) based on Cowpea Mosaic Virus (CPMV) was constructed for expression in plants Vigna unguiculata. CPMV is widely used as a vector for production of immunogenic chimeric virus particles (CVPs) bearing epitopes of different infectious human and animal pathogens. To produce chimeric CPMV virus particles in plants, two binary vectors were constructed bearing modified gene coding for S-coat protein of CPMV with insertions of M2e epitopes of human influenza and bird influenza viruses. Antigenic and immunogenic properties of CVPs obtained were investigated in mice immunization experiments and it was shown that they can induce anti-M2e IgG production and partial protection mice against challenge with low doses of flu virus. However, low infectivity and immunogenicity of CPMV chimeric particles indicate the need for further optimization of plant virus-based systems for M2e-epitopes presentation to use plants as a possible source of flu vaccines.

[Production of hepatitis B virus core particles protein in plants, by using cowpea mosaic virus-based vector].

The core antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBcAg) has attracted considerable attention as a carrier for antigenic sequences for various diagnostic and vaccine applications. The hepatitis B core protein has been expressed in different expression systems. At present, for reasons of cost, scale, and safety, the plant-based expression systems are attracting increasing interest. The expression and assembly for the hepatitis B core protein were investigating in N. benthamiana plants using the new expression system based on deleted version of cowpea mosaic virus RNA-2. Analysis of HBcAg expression revealed that the core protein expressed in plants and could self-assemble into virus-like particles. Virus-like particles could be purified by differential and sucrose gradient centrifugation. This expression system has the advantage of biocontainment and can be used for the rapid production of HBcAg virus-like particles for immunological and vaccine applications.

[Genetic transformation of the mycelium fungi Acremonium chrysogenum].

The system of transformation of heterologous genes under the method of agrobacterial transfer into Acremonium chrysogenum ATCC 11550 wild-type strains, natural producents of beta-lactam antibiotic cephalosporin C, and strains highly producing cephalosporin C 26/8 revealed by the multistage selection on its basis were developed. Vectors for agrobacterial transformation of A. chrysogenum containing expression cassettes of genes encoding resistance to geneticin (G418) and bleomicin (Zeocin) antibiotics under control of Ashbya gossypii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae TEF1 promoters were constructed. A comparable assessment of agrotransformation methods while co-cultivating fungi and agrobacterial cells on filters and in deep culture was conducted. Transformants, selected by resistance to geneticin and bleomicin, were characterized by PCR and Southern blot analyses.

[Cloning and expression of variants of the glutaryl-7-aminocephalosporic acid acylase of the bacterium Brevundimonas diminuta in Escherichia coli cells].

The gene coding for glutaryl-7-aminocephalosporic acid acylase (Gl7ACA acylase) of the bacterium Brevundimonas diminuta (BrdGl7ACA), a commercial enzyme widely used in modem biocatalytic technologies for manufacture of b-lactam antibiotics, was cloned. Efficient expression systems for producing a "native" recombinant BrdGl7ACA and its analogs modified by attaching affinity groups--the chitin-binding domain of chitinases A1 and hexahistidine sequence--were designed. It was demonstrated that both the recombinant hybrid proteins and the native Gl7ACA acylase produced in E. coli cells underwent a correct autoproteolytic processing with generation of functionally active enzymes and could be isolated with a high yield using one-step affinity chromatography.

[Telomerization as a method of obtaining immortal human cells preserving normal properties]. / Telomerizatsiia--sposob polycheniia immortal'nykh kletok cheloveka, sokhraniaiushchikh normal'nye svoistva.

Most human somatic cells have no telomerase activity. This leads to terminal underreplication of chromosomes and, hence, proliferative ageing of cells. We studied the consequences of introduction of the gene of the catalytic component of human telomerase hTERT in the normal fibroblasts of adult human skin. The expression of this gene led to the appearance of telomerase activity in the fibroblasts, elongation of telomeres (to the size characteristic of the embryonic cells), and immortalization. The cells retained their normal karyotype. The activity of ribosomal genes remained unchanged: the degree of their methylation, abundance, and transcriptional activity (two clones were studied). The cells did not undergo significant changes after transition over the Hayflick's limit, retained the constant rate of proliferation (one of the clones was followed to the level of 200 duplications of the population), and resembled, in appearance, young diploid human fibroblasts. The initial cells and cells transfected by an empty vector could pass through no more than 68 duplications, their proliferation slowed down and they acquired the morphology characteristic for the ageing cells. The telomerized cells retained the normal capacity of entering the proliferative rest as a result of serum starvation. Telomerization did not eliminate the contact inhibition of proliferation but led to an increased saturating density of cells, which reached the levels characteristic for the early embryonic cells. The long-term suppression of the telomerase function by azidothymidine led to a shortening of telomeres and significantly slowed down cell proliferation. The cells that did not divided for a long time were enlarged, preserved their viability, and resembled, in appearance, the ageing cells. In the test on heterokaryons (index of telomerase activity on the chromosomes inside the cell), the telomerized cells behaved as other immortal cells. All these data suggest that the telomerized cells preserved the normal mechanisms of regulation of cell proliferation.

[Purification and properties of recombinant Erwinia carotovora L-asparaginase expressed in E.coli cells]. / Vydelenie, ochistka i nekotorye svoistva rekombinantnoi L-asparaginazy Erwinia carotovora, ékspressirovannoi v kletkakh E. coli.

The method of purification Erwinia carotovora recombinant L-asparaginase, expressed in E.coli, including ultrasonic disintegration of biomass, fractionation ammonium sulfate and column chromatography on CM- or SP-Sepharose has been developed. According to SDS-PAAGE the enzyme preparation was homogeneous, its specific activity and yield consist respectively about 620 IU/mg of protein and 75%. Physical-chemical and structural properties of recombinant Erwinia carotovora L-asparaginase are similar to the enzymes from the wild strains Erwinia carotovora and recombinant L-asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi.

[Heterologous expression of eukaryotic CYP450. 1. Heterologous expression of cytochrome P450 2B4 using groups with various affinity in E. coli]. / Geterologichnaia ékspressiia éukarioticheskikh CYP450. 1. Geterologichnaia ékspressiia tsitokhroma P450 2B4 c razlichnymi kontsevymi affinnymi gruppami v shtammakh E. coli.

The expression levels of cytochrome P450 2B4 variants with N- and C-terminal modifications were compared and some of the enzymatic characteristics of recombinant proteins studied. Following C-terminal hybrids for CYP2B4 gene were constructed: 1) with intein-chitin binding domain cassette 2) with hexahistidine tag. These modifications were combined with P450 2B4 glutathione-S-transferase N-terminal fusions [Pernecky S.J., et. al., (1995) Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 318, 446-456]. The obtained constructs provided for the synthesis of full-length protein products in E. coli cells with holoenzyme yield at the levels of 200-1000 nmoles/l of the bacterial culture. Partial in vivo proteolysis was observed for C-terminal fusions with intein moiety despite the presence of glycine aminoacid residue at the junction of two proteins. The principle inapplicability of standard purification scheme for isolation of P450 2B4-intein fusions is demonstrated, since the P450 domain is inactivated at 40 mM DTT concentrations. The recombinant full-length CYP 2B4 with C-terminal oligohistidine tail was expressed under the control of T7 promoter and purified using immobilized metal-ion chelating chromatography. The C-terminal hexahistidine tag does not affect the catalytic properties of recombinant enzyme in 7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylation reaction.

[Cloning of the human cytochrome p450 2B6 gene in Escherichia coli cells]. / Klonirovanie gena tsitokhroma p450 2B6 cheloveka v kletkakh Escherichia coli.

Human cytochrome P450 2B6 gene from plasmid pUC9, carrying cytochrome CYP2B6 cDNA was cloned into eucariotic expression vector pcDNA 3.1 (+). Cytochrome P450 2B6 gene in recombinant plasmid pcDNA 3.1 (+)/CYP 2B6 was expressed in E. coli cells. The expression of catalytically active recombinant protein was 60-100 nm per liter of the culture medium.

[Expression constructs of inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase in Escherichia coli cells]. / Konstruirovanie sistemy ékspressii indutsibel'noi izoformy sintazy oksida azota v kletkakh Escherichia coli.

In the present work we describe the construction of expression system for inducible murine macrophage nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in E.coli. For this purpose a framework of translation iNOS was cloned in the expression vector pCWori +. As biosynthesis of active iNOS requires coexpression of calmodulin (CaM), for obtaining functional expression of this protein we conducted amplification of an appropriate site of the library total cDNA a frog Xenopus laevis, then plasmids for coexpression of calmodulin were constructed under a control tac and T7 promotors. Recombinant iNOS was functionally active as revealed by the analysis of CO-reduced spectrums, detection of derivation NO with the help of reaction conversion HbO2 in metHb, and also identification of a molecule NO by EPR method. The output of recombinant iNOS at usage of different constructions varied from 10 up to 22 mg/l culture, and specific activity was from 0.42 up to 0.64 U/mg of protein. These data coincide with the earlier published results of other investigators. It was established, that the expressed iNOS is associated to a membrane fraction of cells, thus in the 105,000 g-supernatant the activity of an enzyme is not detected. The data on membrane localization iNOS are inconsistent with general notion this enzyme is soluble.

[Isolation and specificity of novel restriction endonucleases Bsp40091 and AsiI, isoschizomers of BamHI]. / Vydelenie i opredelenie spetsifichnosti novykh éndonukleaz restriktsii Bsp40091 i AsiI izoshizomerov BamHI.

New type II restriction endonucleases AsiI and Bsp40091 are detected in Azotobacter species N55 and Bacillus species 4009, respectively. Purified preparations of the restriction enzymes free from interfering nucleases and phosphatases were obtained by column chromatography on phosphocellulose and heparin-sepharose (Asil) and phosphocellulose and DEAE-cellulose (Bsp40091). The yield of purified AsiI and Bsp40091 was 16 x 10(3) and 8 x 10(3) units per g of wet cells, respectively. The above restriction endonucleases recognize the 5'-G decreases GATCC-3' sequence on double-stranded DNA and cleave it as shown, thus being true isoschizomers of BamHI restriction endonuclease.