Nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation on metric graphs: A model for generation and transport of parity-time-symmetric nonlocal solitons in networks.

We consider the parity-time (PT)-symmetric, nonlocal, nonlinear Schrödinger equation on metric graphs. Vertex boundary conditions are derived from the conservation laws. Soliton solutions are obtained for the simplest graph topologies, such as star and tree graphs. The integrability of the problem is shown by proving the existence of an infinite number of conservation laws. A model for soliton generation in such PT-symmetric optical fibers and their networks governed by the nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation is proposed. Exact formulas for the number of generated solitons are derived for the cases when the problem is integrable. Numerical solutions are obtained for the case when integrability is broken.

[Adrenodoxins and their role in the cytochrome P450 systems]. / Adrenodoksiny i ikh rol' v sistemakh tsitokhroma R450.

The role of partner proteins in the formation of functional complexes in cytochrome P450 systems was investigated by means of optical biosensor technique. Kinetic constants and equilibrium dissociation constants of complexes of cytochrome CYP11A1 (P450scc) with wild-type adrenodoxin (Adx WT) and mutant forms of adrenodoxin R106D and D109R were determined using an optical biosensor. Wild-type adrenodoxin (Kd = (1.23±0.09)⋅10⁻6 M) and mutant D109R (Kd = (2.37±0.09)⋅10⁻8 M) formed complexes with cytochrome P450scc. For the R106D mutant, no complex formation was detected. To investigate the possibility of the participation of adrenodoxins and their mutant variants in the process of electron transfer as electron donors in mitochondrial cytochrome P450 systems, the electrochemical properties of these iron-sulfur proteins Adx WT and mutant forms of adrenodoxins were studied. Adx WT, mutant forms R106D and D109R have redox potentials E1/2 significantly more negative than cytochromes P450 (-579±10 mV, -590±15 mV, and -528±10 mV, respectively). These results suggest that Adx WT and mutant forms may be electron donors in the cytochrome P450 systems.

[Screening of potential non-azole inhibitors of lanosterol14-alpha demethylase (CYP51) of Candida fungi]. / Skrining potentsial'nykh neazol'nykh ingibitorov 14-al'fademetilazy (CYP51) gribov roda Candida.

Currently, opportunistic fungi of the genus Candida are the main causative agents of mycoses, which are especially severe upon condition of acquired immunodeficiency. The main target for the development of new antimycotics is the cytochrome P450 51 (CYP51) of the pathogenic fungus. Due to the widespread distribution of Candida strains resistancy to inhibitors of the azole class, the screening for CYP51 inhibitors both among non-azole compounds and among clinically used drugs repurposing as antimycotics is becoming urgent. To identify potential inhibitors from the non-azole group, an integrated approach was applied, including bioinformatics analysis, computer molecular modeling, and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology. Using in silico modeling, the binding sites for acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, chlorpromazine and haloperidol (this compounds, according to the literature, showed antimycotic activity) were predicted in the active site of CYP51 of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The Kd values of molecular complexes of acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen and haloperidol with CYP51, determined by SPR analysis, ranged from 18 µM to 126 µM. It was also shown that structural derivatives of haloperidol, containing various substituents, could be positioned in the active site of CYP51 of Candida albicans with the possible formation of coordination bonds between the hydroxyl groups of the derivatives and the iron atom in the heme of CYP51. Thus, the potential basic structures of non-azole compounds have been proposed, which can be used for the design of new CYP51 inhibitors of Candida fungi.

[SPR analysis of protein-protein interactions with P450 cytochromes and cytochrome b5 integrated into lipid membrane]. / SPR analiz belok-belkovykh vzaimodeistvii s uchastiem tsitokhromov R450 i tsitokhroma b5, vstroennykh v bisloinuiu lipidnuiu membranu.

Identification of new protein-protein interactions (PPI) and characterization of quantitative parameters of complex formation represent one of central tasks of protein interactomics. This work is a logical continuation of the cycle of our previous works devoted to the study of PPIs among the components of cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase system. Using an optical biosensor of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR biosensor), a comparative analysis on the determination of kinetic and equilibrium parameters of complex formation between the membrane-bound hemoprotein cytochrome b5 with cytochrome P450s was performed using two different protocols for protein immobilization: 1) covalent non-oriented one on to the carboxymethyl dextran chip type CM and 2) non-covalent oriented immobilization in the lipid environment on the chip type L1 with internal control of liposomes surface distribution. In the second protocol it was shown that the complex formation was characterized by 2.5 times higher affinity due to an decrease in rate dissociation constants. The appropriateness of using both experimental models is discussed.

Ligand-binding properties and catalytic activity of the purified human 24-hydroxycholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, CYP39A1.

Oxysterols are derivatives of cholesterol and biologically active molecules that are involved in a number of functions, including cholesterol homeostasis, immune response, embryogenic development and pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Enzymes catalyzing their synthesis and metabolism are of particular interest as potential or evaluated drug targets. Here we report for the first time biochemical analysis of purified human oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase selective for 24-hydroxycholesterol. Binding analyses indicated a tight binding of the oxysterols and estrone. Ligand screening revealed that CYP39A1 binds with high affinity antifungal drugs and prostate cancer drug galeterone (TOK-001). Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved Asn residue in the active site revealed its crucial role for protein folding and heme incorporation. Developed protocol for expression and purification enables further investigation of this hepatic enzyme as off-target in development of specific drugs targeting cytochrome P450 enzymes.

[Interaction of prostacyclin synthase with cytochromes P450]. / Vzaimodeistvie prostatsiklinsintazy s tsitokhromami P450.

Biosensor experiments on investigation of interaction between prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) and different proteins of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase systems were perfomed. Interaction of PGIS with microsomal (CYP21A2, CYP2E1) and mitochondrial (CYP27A1, CYP11B1, CYP11B2, CYP11A1) cytochrome P450s was detected. Kinetic and equilibrium parameters of protein complexes formation were determined. Data obtained suggest an essential role of these hemoproteins interaction in regulation of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 biosynthesis.

SPR-Based study of affinity of cytochrome P450s / redox partners interactions modulated by steroidal substrates.

The goal of this work was to test the hypothesis that the affinity of protein-protein interactions in the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase system is modulated by the low-molecular-weight compounds (substrates or inhibitors). The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based study was carried out using the recombinant protein preparations of three microsomal cytochromes P450 (CYP17A1, CYP21A2, and CYP2C19) and their redox partners: cytochrome b5 (CYB5A), NADPH - cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), and also iron-sulfur protein adrenodoxin (Adx). As a result, we have revealed some specificity of the influence of the steroid substrates on the binding affinity of CYPs with their redox partners, namely: the lack of effect on CPR/CYPs and Adx/CYP complex formation, and a significant effect on interactions between CYB5A and steroidogenic CYPs. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) value of the CYB5A/CYP17A1 complex decreased by 5 times in the presence of progesterone (P4), which was due to a 10 times increase in the association rate constant (kon). In this case, a twofold increase in the dissociation rate constant (koff) value of CYB5A/CYP17A1 complex formation was observed. It was also demonstrated that the affinity of CYB5A/CYP17A1 interaction increased in the presence of two other steroidal substrates 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and pregnenolone and that effect was comparable with P4. In contrast, only the twofold decrease in the affinity of CYB5A/CYP21A2 interaction in the presence of P4 was caused by a slight increase in the koff value (the kon value of the complex did not change). This indicates a different format of the steroidal substrates effects expressed in a change in the stability of the CYB5A/CYPs complexes. Thus, it was found that P4 modulated the both kinetic and equilibrium constants of CYB5A/CYP17A1 and CYB5/CYP21A2 complex formation and complexes, while not affecting the CYB5A/CYP2C19 interaction (2C19 is the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme possessing broad substrate specificity), thereby indicating a specific influence of steroidal substrates on interactions involving steroidogenic CYPs. Our results are consistent with current understanding of the role of CYB5A as a regulator of cytochrome P450 activity in P450-dependent monooxygenase system.

Drug design strategies for Cushing's syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a metabolic disorder caused by chronic hypercortisolism. CS is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, skeletal and psychological dysfunctions and can be fatal if left untreated. The first-line treatment for all forms of CS is a surgery. However, medical therapy has to be chosen if surgical resection is not an option or is deemed ineffective. Currently available therapeutics are either not selective and have side effects or are only available as an injection (pasireotide). Areas covered: The authors discuss the recent drug developments for the medical treatment of CS through two validated molecular targets. Specifically, the authors look at selective inhibitors of CYP11B1 that reduce cortisol production by inhibiting steroid 11beta-hydroxylase and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonists that interrupt cortisol-mediating transcriptional regulation of related genes. Expert opinion: Patients with CS have limited treatment options; indeed, there is an unmet need for new compounds that target CYP11B1 selectively versus several steroidogenic enzymes and/or GR-signaling pathways. The complexity of steroid biosynthesis and signaling requires the application of structure-based drug discovery techniques that use molecular targets and highly similar off-targets. Significant differences in steroidogenesis between humans and other species necessitates caution over the choice of in vivo model for the preclinical evaluation of future potential compounds.

[Study specificity of isatin interactions with P450 cytochromes]. / Spetsifichnost' vzaimodeistviia izatina s tsitokhromami R450.

Cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase systems exist basically in all living organisms, where they perform various important functions. The coordinated functioning of these systems involves many proteins participating in different protein-protein interactions (PPI). Previously, we have found that the endogenous non-peptide bioregulator isatin (indoledione-2,3), synthesized from indole by means of certain cytochromes P450 (e.g. P450 2E1, P450 2C19, P450 2A6) regulates affinity of some PPI. In this work, an attempt has been undertaken to register a direct interaction of isatin with a set of different proteins related to the functioning of cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase: five isoforms of cytochromes P450, two isoforms of cytochrome b5, cytochrome P450 reductase, adrenodoxin, adrenodoxin reductase and ferrochelatase. The study has shown that isatin binds specifically only to cytochromes P450 with high affinity (the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) is about 10-8 M).

[The effect of isatin on protein-protein interactions between cytochrome b5 and cytochromes P450]. / Vliianie izatina na vzaimodeistvie tsitokhroma b5 s tsitokhromami R450.

Cytochromes P450 (CYP) are involved in numerous biochemical processes including metabolism of xenobiotics, biosynthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones etc. Since some CYP catalyze indol oxidation to isatin, we have hypothesized that isatin can regulate protein-protein interactions (PPI) between components of the CYP system thus representing a (negative?) feedback mechanism. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible effect of isatin on interaction of human CYP with cytochrome b5 (CYB5A). Using the optical biosensor test system employing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) we have investigated interaction of immobilized CYB5A with various CYP in the absence and in the presence of isatin. The SPR-based experiments have shown that a high concentration of isatin (270 mM) increases Kd values for complexes CYB5A/CYP3А5 and CYB5A/CYP3A4 (twofold and threefold, respectively), but has no influence on complex formation between CYB5A and other CYP (including indol-metabolizing CYP2C19 and CYP2E1). Isatin injection to the optical biosensor chip with the preformed molecular complex CYB5A/CYP3A4 caused a 30%-increase in its dissociation rate. Molecular docking manipulations have shown that isatin can influence interaction of CYP3А5 or CYP3A4 with CYB5A acting at the contact region of CYB5A/CYP.

[Proteomic analysis of contaminants in recombinant membrane hemeproteins expressed in E. coli and isolated by metal affinity chromatography].

Contaminating proteins have been identified by "shotgun" proteomic analysis in 14 recombinant preparations of human membrane heme- and flavoproteins expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography of ten proteins was performed on Ni2+-NTA-sepharose 6B, and the remaining four proteins were purified by ligand affinity chromatography on 2',5'-ADP-sepharose 4B. Proteomic analysis allowed to detect 50 protein impurities from E. coli. The most common contaminant was Elongation factor Tu2. It is characterized by a large dipole moment and a cluster arrangement of acidic amino acid residues that mediate the specific interaction with the sorbent. Peptidyl prolyl-cis-trans isomerase SlyD, glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase, and catalase HPII that contained repeating HxH, QxQ, and RxR fragments capable of specific interaction with the sorbent were identified among the protein contaminants as well. GroL/GroS chaperonins were probably copurified due to the formation of complexes with the target proteins. The Ni2+ cations leakage from the sorbent during lead to formation of free carboxyl groups that is the reason of cation exchanger properties of the sorbent. This was the putative reason for the copurification of basic proteins, such as the ribosomal proteins of E. coli and the widely occurring uncharacterized protein YqjD. The results of the analysis revealed variation in the contaminant composition related to the type of protein expressed. This is probably related to the reaction of E. coli cell proteome to the expression of a foreign protein. We concluded that the nature of the protein contaminants in a preparation of a recombinant protein purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography on a certain sorbent could be predicted if information on the host cell proteome were available.

Direct Molecular Fishing of New Protein Partners for Human Thromboxane Synthase.

Thromboxane synthase (TBXAS1) catalyzes the isomerization reaction of prostaglandin H2 producing thromboxane A2, the autocrine and paracrine factor in many cell types. A high activity and metastability by these arachidonic acid derivatives suggests the existence of supramolecular structures that are involved in the regulation of the biosynthesis and directed translocation of thromboxane to the receptor. The objective of this study was to identify TBXAS1 protein partners from human liver tissue lysate using a complex approach based on the direct molecular fishing technique, LC-MS/MS protein identification, and protein-protein interaction validation by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). As a result, 12 potential TBXAS1 protein partners were identified, including the components regulating cytoskeleton organization (BBIP1 and ANKMY1), components of the coagulation cascade of human blood (SERPINA1, SERPINA3, APOH, FGA, and FN1), and the enzyme involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and endogenous bioregulators (CYP2E1). SPR validation on the Biacore 3000 biosensor confirmed the effectiveness of the interaction between CYP2E1 (the enzyme that converts prostaglandin H2 to 12-HHT/thromboxane A2 proantagonist) and TBXAS1 (Kd = (4.3 ± 0.4) × 10-7 M). Importantly, the TBXAS1•CYP2E1 complex formation increases fivefold in the presence of isatin (indole-2,3-dione, a low-molecular nonpeptide endogenous bioregulator, a product of CYP2E1). These results suggest that the interaction between these hemoproteins is important in the regulation of the biosynthesis of eicosanoids.

Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis enzyme involved in vitamin D and 7-dehydrocholesterol metabolism.

Problems arising during treatment of tuberculosis are well known, therefore studies of Mycobacterium drug molecular targets are an area of particular importance. Members of the cytochrome P450 family (CYP) may belong to potential candidates for drug targets being involved in metabolism of biologically important molecules in the host organism. CYP124 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTCYP124) catalyzes ω-hydroxylation of methyl-branched lipids. The data obtained in the present study indicate that this enzyme can also oxidize provitamin D3 (7-dehydrocholesterol) and vitamin D3. We found that the final product is different from 1α- and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, so we propose that MTCYP124 is involved in alternative pathway for metabolism of vitamin D3.

Detection of microwave radiation of cytochrome CYP102 A1 solution during the enzyme reaction.

Microwave radiation at 3.4-4.2 GHz frequency of the cytochrome P450 CYP102 A1 (BM3) solution was registered during the lauric acid hydroxylation reaction. The microwave radiation generation was shown to occur following the addition of electron donor NADPH to a system containing an enzyme and a substrate. The radiation occurs for the enzyme solutions with enzyme concentrations of 10-8 and 10-9 Ðœ. The microwave radiation effect elicited by the aqueous enzyme solution was observed for the first time. The results obtained can be used to elaborate a new approach to enzyme systems research, including studying of the mechanism of interaction of a functioning enzyme system with microenvironment.

[Protein-protein interactions of cytochromes P450 3A4 and 3A5 with their intermediate redox partners cytochromes b5].

Molecular interactions between proteins redox partners (cytochromes Р450 3А4, 3А5 and cytochrome b5) within the monooxygenase system, which is known to be involved in drug biotransformation, were investigated. Human cytochromes Р450 3А4 and 3А5 (CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) form complexes with various cytochromes b5: the microsomal (b5mc) and mitochondrial (b5om) forms of this protein, as well as with 2 "chimeric" proteins, b5(om-mc), b5(mc-om). Kinetic constants and equilibrium dissociation constants were determined by the SPR biosensor. Essential distinction between CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 was only observed upon their interactions with cytochrome b5om. Electroanalytical characteristics of electrodes with immobilized hemoproteins were obtained. The electrochemical analysis of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, b5mc, b5om, b5(om-mc), and b5(mc-om) immobilized on screen printed graphite electrodes modified with membranous matrix revealed that these proteins have very close reduction potentials -0.435  -0.350 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Cytochrome b5mc was shown to be capable of stimulating the electrocatalytic activity of CYP3A4 in the presence of its substrate testosterone.

The role of cytochrome b5 structural domains in interaction with cytochromes P450.

To understand the role of the structural elements of cytochrome b5 in its interaction with cytochrome P450 and the catalysis performed by this heme protein, we carried out comparative structural and functional analysis of the two major mammalian forms of membrane-bound cytochrome b5 - microsomal and mitochondrial, designed chimeric forms of the heme proteins in which the hydrophilic domain of one heme protein is replaced by the hydrophilic domain of another one, and investigated the effect of the highly purified native and chimeric heme proteins on the enzymatic activity of recombinant cytochromes P4503A4 and P45017A1 (CYP3A4 and CYP17A1). We show that the presence of a hydrophobic domain in the structure of cytochrome b5 is necessary for its effective interaction with its redox partners, while the nature of the hydrophobic domain has no significant effect on the ability of cytochrome b5 to stimulate the activity of cytochrome P450-catalyzed reactions. Thus, the functional properties of cytochrome b5 are mainly determined by the structure of the heme-binding domain.

[Role of antioxidants in electro catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4].

The electrochemical analysis of cytochrome Р450 3А4 catalytic activity has shown that vitamins C, A and Е influence on electron transfer and Fe3+/Fe2+ reduction process of cytochrome Р450 3А4. These data allow to assume possibility of cross effects and interference of vitamins-antioxidants with drugs metabolised by cytochrome Р450 3А4, at carrying out of complex therapy. This class of vitamins shows antioxidant properties that lead to increase of the cathodic current corresponding to heme reduction of this functionally significant haemoprotein. Ascorbic acid of 0.028-0.56 mM concentration stimulates cathodic peak (an electrochemical signal) of cytochrome Р450 3А4. At the presence of diclofenac (Voltaren) - a typical substrate of cytochrome Р450 3А4 - the increase growth of a catalytic current testifying to an electrocatalysis and stimulating action of ascorbic acid is observed. In the presence of vitamins A and Е also is registered dose-dependent (in a range of 10-100 M) increase in a catalytic current of cytochrome Р450 3А4: the maximum increase corresponds to 229 ± 20% for 100 M of vitamin A, and 162±10% for 100 M of vitamin E. Vitamin E in the presence of P450's inhibitor itraconazole doesn't give essential increase in a reductive current, unlike retinol (vitamin A). This effect can manifest substrate properties of tocopherol (vitamin E). The electrochemical approach for the analysis of catalytic activity of cytochrome Р450 3А4 and studies of influence of biologically active compounds on an electrocatalysis is the sensitive and effective sensor approach, allowing to use low concentration of protein on an electrode (till 10-15 mol/electrode), to carry out the analysis without participation of protein redox partners, and to reveal drug-drug or drug-vitamins interaction in pre-clinical experiments.

[Protein-protein interactions of cytochromes P450 3A4 and 3A5 with their intermediate redox partners cytochromes b5].

Molecular interactions between proteins redox partners (cytochromes P450 3A4, 3A5 and cytochrome b5) within the monooxygenase system, which is known to be involved in drug biotransformation, were investigated. Human cytochromes P450 3A4 and 3A5 (CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) form complexes with various cytochromes b5: the microsomal (b5mc) and mitochondrial (b5om) forms of this protein, as well as with 2 "chimeric" proteins, b5(om-mc), b5(mc-om). Kinetic constants and equilibrium dissociation constants were determined by the SPR biosensor. Essential distinction between CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 was only observed upon their interactions with cytochrome b5om. Electroanalytical characteristics of electrodes with immobilized hemoproteins were obtained. The electrochemical analysis of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, b5mc, b5om, b5(om-mc), and b5(mc-om) immobilized on screen printed graphite electrodes modified with membranous matrix revealed that these proteins have very close reduction potentials -0.435 - -0.350 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Cytochrome b5mc was shown to be capable of stimulating the electrocatalytic activity of CYP3A4 to testosterone.

[An effective scheme to produce recombinant uracil-DNA glycosylase of Escherichia coli for PCR diagnostics].

An effective scheme has been developed to produce recombinant uracil-DNA glycosylase of Escherichia coli K12 intended to be used for PCR diagnostics, making it possible to achieve a high yield of the end product using a two-stage purification. The gene encoding this enzyme was cloned into the pCWori vector within the same reading frame with six residues of histidine in the C-erminal sequence. Using this vector and the E. coli DH5alpha, a host-vector expression system has been developed and conditions for protein synthesis have been optimized. To purify the protein, metal affinity chromatography with further dialysis was used to remove imidazole. The enzyme yield was no less than 60 mg of the end protein per 1 L of the culture medium. The concordance between amino acid sequences of the recombinant and native enzymes was proved by peptide mass fingerprinting and mass spectrometry. A rapid test to determine the activity of the enzyme preparation was suggested. It was found that the activity of 1.0 mg of the recombinant protein is no less than 3 x 10(3) units. The recombinant enzyme was most stable at pH 8.0 and an ionic strength of the solution equal to 200 mM; it lost its activity completely for 10 min at 60 degrees C. Storage during 1 h at 20 degrees C resulted in the loss of no more than 30% of activity. In the enzyme preparation, the activity of DNase was absent. The free energy of the unfolding of the protein globule of the recombinant uracil-DNA glycosylase is 23.1 +/- 0.2 kJ/mol. The data obtained indicate that the recombinant enzyme may be recommended for use in PCR diagnostics to prevent the appearance of false positive results caused by pollution of the reaction mixture by products of the preceding reactions.

Role of microsomal steroid hydroxylases in Δ7-steroid biosynthesis.

CYP17 (steroid 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase) is a key enzyme in steroid hormone biosynthesis. It catalyzes two independent reactions at the same active center and has a unique ability to differentiate Δ(4)-steroids and Δ(5)-steroids in the 17,20-lyase reaction. The present work presents a complex experimental analysis of the role of CYP17 in the metabolism of 7-dehydrosteroids. The data indicate the existence of a possible alternative pathway of steroid hormone biosynthesis using 7-dehydrosteroids. The major reaction products of CYP17 catalyzed hydroxylation of 7-dehydropregnenolone have been identified. Catalytic activity of CYP17 from different species with 7-dehydropregnenolone has been estimated. It is shown that CYP21 cannot use Δ(5)-Δ(7) steroids as a substrate.