Crystallographic studies on the binding of coenzyme analogs to D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Palinurus versicolor

In contrast with the coezyme, two coenzyme analogs, ADP-ribose and SNAD, bind non-cooperatively to D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Palinurus versicolor (PV) GAPDH complexed with ADP-ribose and SNAD has been crystallized by the method of sitting-drop vapor diffusion. X-ray diffraction data analysis reveals that both crystals belong to the same space group (C2), and have similar cell dimensions: a =152.80 A, b =100.35 A, c =128.31 A, β=110.28° and a =153.41 A, b =100.51 A, c =128.44 A, β =110.48°, respectively. It is estimated that the asymmetric unit in each crystal contains 4 subunits. This is a novel crystal form which is quite different from that previously reported for holo- and apo-GAPDH from the same spurce. The result suggests that the binding of the two coenzyme analogs to GAPDH may lead to some significant conformational changes, which are different from those induced by the coenzyme binding. The self-rotation function indicates that the tetramer of these two GAPDH

Structure of D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Palinurus versicolor in a tetragonal crystal form

D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (holo-GAPDH) from Palinurus versicolor was crystallized in a novel crystal form by the method of sitting-drop vapor diffusion. The crystals have space group P4212, cell parameters a=15.49 nm, c=8.03 nm and two subunits per asymmetric unit. The crystal structure at 0.34 nm was determined by the molecular replacement method. The final model has crystallographic Rfree and R factors of 0.274 and 0.262, and r.m.s. deviations of 0.002 nm for bond lengths and 2.33?for bond angles. The two subunits in asymmetric unit are similar to each other not only in the three-dimensional structure, but also in average temperature factors. This result demonstrates that the obvious difference in average temperature factors for the different subunits in C2 crystal form reported previously may be attributed to the different crystallographic environments of the subunits. This further supports that holo-GAPDH has a good 222 molecular symmetry.

Positive Effects of Isopropanol as a Co-Precipitant in Glycerol-3-Phosphate Acyltransferase Crystallization

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase(GPAT) is considered as the rate-limiting enzyme of glycerolipid synthesis pathway and the core element in lysophosphatidic acid(LPA) synthesis. For understanding its catalytic mechanism, the structural biology study is expected, but is always hindered by obtaining crystals for X-ray diffraction analysis. In this study, a progressive strategy to optimize the crystal of microalgae plastidial GPAT was presented. After the expression and purification of GPAT, the crystals were screened by hanging-drop and only clusters were obtained. The crystals were optimized by adjusting temperature, pH, protein concentration, or precipitant, but little improvement. To improve the interaction between protein and precipitant, the isopropanol was applied as co-precipitant. The qualified crystals formed. It's suggested that isopropanol is critical to affect protein crystallization by altering polyethylene glycol(PEG)-water-protein interaction when PEG serves as precipitant. The resulting crystal diffracted to a resolution of 2.75 ? and belonged to space group P1, with unit-cell parameters a = 50.79, b = 80.09, c = 88.21 ?, and α = 62.85, β = 73.04, γ = 80.53?. This work introduced a new strategy to optimize the crystal of the heterogeneous catalysis enzymes like GPAT and provided the fundamental structural information for the oriented synthesis of marine microalgae glycerolipid.

Variation in 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase (EPSPS) Coding Sequences and Glyphosate Response among <i>Cyperus rotundus</i>L. Populations

The gene sequence encoding 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), the enzymatic target site of the herbicide glyphosate, was determined for several purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) accessions from geographically distant locations and these were aligned to generate a consensus sequence. The EPSPS sequences each had single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) only a few of which were predicted to cause an amino acid change in the EPSP synthase. None had the proline to serine substitution or other substitutions responsible for glyphosate resistance reported in other species. A dendrogram generated from the cluster analysis of the EPSPS gene sequences indicated similarities between accessions from Tanzania, Indonesia, California-2, Greece, Brazil, Argentina and Iran much like cluster analysis previously reported based on RAPD scores and morphological traits possibly indicating a common genetic background or origin. Considering the differences in EPSPS sequences, the response of these purple nutsedge accessions to 0.84 kg·ae·ha-1 of glyphosate was assessed to determine whether differential tolerance was present. At 7 days after the first application control ranged from 9% for the accession from Greece to 73% for the accession from Tanzania. Control of these accessions increased to 45% and 93% respectively by 14 days after the second application. The I50’s for glyphosate inhibition of growth for four accessions from geographically distant countries (Mississippi, Brazil, Indonesia and Tanzania) were 0.21, 0.10, 0.25 and 0.06 kg·ha-1, respectively, which represented a 4-fold difference. The difference in sensitivity to glyphosate may be a result of a non-target site mechanism such as differences in sequestration, translocation or cuticle thickness rather than alterations in EPSPS.

Separation and Purification of GST-glycerol-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase

In order to investigate the expression of glycerol-3 -phosphate dehydrogenase by GCY1 gene in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae, induction culture of the S. cerevisiaestrain was performed with SD-URA 2% galactose, 3 × YP ＋ 6% glucose, SC-URA 2% galactose, and SC-URA 2% galactose ＋ 5% NaCI glyeerol-3-phosphate dehydregenase, the cultured S. cerevisiaewas comminuted followed by full-automatic high-speed purification, and SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis was performed for molecular weight of the GST fusion protein. The results showed that after shaking culture of the S. cerevisiae containing GCY1 at 25 ℃, the OD values of its 3 × YP ＋ 6% glucose culture and SC-URA 2% galaetose ＋ 5% NaC1 culture were 8.75 and 7.35, respectively. It was shown by purification with a Profinia low-pressure liquid chromatograph that only the S. cerevisiae cultured in SC-URA 2% galactose ＋ 5% NaC1 medium expressed glycerel-3-phosphate de- hydrogenase, the molecular weight of which was detected as 65 ku by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis.

Role of Cathepsin G in the Degradation of Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Triggered by 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal in U937 Cells

Degradation of oxidized or oxidatively modified proteins is an essential part of the cellular antioxidant defense system. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a major reactive aldehyde formed by lipid peroxidation, causes many types of cellular damage. HNE-modified proteins are degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway or the lysosomal pathway. However, our previous studies using U937 cells showed that HNE-modified glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is degraded by cathepsin G. In the present study, we examined whether GAPDH in U937 cells treated with HNE in culture is degraded similarly to that incubated with HNE and U937 cell extract. Treatment with HNE for 10 min in culture decreased GAPDH activity in a concentration dependent manner, but did not affect GAPDH degradation. The proteasome activities were not affected by HNE, but culturing with HNE decreased cathepsin G activity and protein level in a concentration dependent manner. These results suggest that HNE-induced oxidative stress leads to decreased cathepsin G activity and results in the loss of GAPDH degradation. Taken together, our findings indicate that cathepsin G has an important role in the degradation of oxidatively modified GAPDH in U937 cells.

Purification and characterization of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from saline strain Idiomarina loihiensis

Idiomarina loihiensis was isolated from the salt works in Sfax (Tunisia), until now, the characterization of the GAPDH phosphorylante was never studied. Here, we report the isolation and the biochemical characterization of glyceralehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) fromI. loihiensis saline’s bacteria on the basis of the apparent native and subunit molecular weights, physico-chemical and kinetic characterizations. The purification method consisted of two steps, ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by one chromatographic step, namely dye-affinity on Blue Sepharose CL-6B. Polyclonal antibodies against the purified enzyme were used to recognize theI. loihiensis GAPDH by Western blotting. The optimum pH of the purified enzyme was 8.5. Studies on the effect of temperatures revealed an enzyme increasing activity of about 45?C. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was 36 kDa determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Non-denaturing polyacrylamide gels yield a molecular weight of 147 kDa. The Michaelis constants for NAD+ and D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate estimated was 19 μM and 3.1 μM, respectively. The maximal velocity of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 2.06 U/mg, approximately 6-fold increase in specific activity and a final yield of approximately 32.5%. The physicochemical properties of this GAPDH, being characterized, could be used in further studies.

Role of sphingosine kinases and sphingosine 1-phosphate in mediating adipogenesis

Recent Background: Development of obesity involves promotion of preadipocyte differrentiation. This study investigated the role that sphingosine kinases (SPHK) and ceramide-derived sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) play in adipocyte terminal differentiation. Materials and Methods: The mouse 3T3-L1 cell line was used as a model for adipogenesis. Cells were harvested at specific time points after initation of differentiation, and SPHK activity was measured. 3T3-L1 cells were treated with S1P and expression of early adipogenesis transcription markers was measured by real time PCR. The expression of S1P-receptors (S1PRs) during differentiation was measured. Results: SPHK activity is induced when 3T3-L1 cells are treated with insulin, dexamethasone, and isobutylmethylxanthine to induce differentiation. SPHK1 is active in preadipocytes and early in the differentiation process. Both SPHK1 and SPHK2 isozymes contribute to activity in differentiated adipocytes. Inhibition of SPHK1 attenuates adipocyte differentiation;however, extracellular S1P does not rescue the effect of SPHK1 inhibition on adipogenesis. Although treatment of preadipocytes with S1P induced message expression of the early adipogenesis transcription factor CC AAT/ binding proteinalpha, continued treatment did not fully support the development of differentiated adipocytes. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) are expressed in preadipocytes and message expression declines markedly during adipocyte differentiation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the contribution of SPHK and S1P to adipogenesis is mediated primarily through biphasic activation of SPHK1 and 2 with extracellular S1P and S1PRs playing little role during preadipocyte differentiation.

Effect of mango seed kernel extract on the adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in rats fed a high fat diet

Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) are one of the most important tropical foods. The seed is one of the main by-products of mango processing. Therefore, it is important to find an economically viable use for this waste (e.g., as a food additive or supplement with high nutraceutical value). We investigated the anti-obesity effects of mango seed kernel extract with hot water (MSKE-W) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity rat model. MSKE-W caused a significant decrease in the activity of glycerol 2-phosphate dehydrogenase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without eliciting cell cytotoxicity and inhibited cellular lipid accumulation through down-regulation of transcription factors such as PPARγ and C/EBPα. In the animal model, rats fed an HFD containing 1% MSKE-W gained less weight than rats fed an HFD alone. The visceral fat mass in rats fed an HFD containing 1% MSKE-W tended to be lower than that in rats fed an HFD alone. Furthermore, histological examination of rat livers from an HFD showed steatohepatitis. However, rats on an HFD containning 1% MSKE-W showed no histopathological changes in liver tissue. Our results indicate that MSKE-W influences anti-obesity effects, both in vitro and in vivo, and suggest that MSKE-W provides a novel preventive potential against obesity.

Overexpression of Sweet Pepper Glycerol-3-Phosphate Acyltransferase Gene Enhanced Thermotolerance of Photosynthetic Apparatus in Transgenic Tobacco

In order to investigate the relationship between the lipid composition in thylakoid membrane and thermostability of photosynthetic apparatus, tobacco transformed with sweet pepper sense glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase （GPAT） gene were used to analyze the lipid composition in thylakoid membrane, the net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters under high temperature stress. The results showed that the saturated extent of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol （MGDG）, sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol in thylakoid membrane of transgenic tobacco T1 lines increased generally. Particularly, the saturated extent in MGDG increased obviously by 16.2% and 12.6% in T1-2 and T1-1, respectively. With stress temperature elevating, the maximum efficiency of photosystem Ⅱ （PSⅡ） photochemistry （Fv/Fm）, actual photochemical efficiency of PSll in the light （ФPSⅡ） and net photosynthetic rate （Pn） of the two lines and wild type tobacco plants decreased gradually, but those parameters decreased much less in transgenic plants. Even though the recovery process appeared differently in the donor and acceptor side of PSⅡ in transgenic tobacco compared with wild-type plants, the entire capability of PSⅡ recovered faster in transgenic tobacco, which was shown in the parameters of PI, Fv/Fm and ФPSⅡ, as a result, the recovery of Pn was accelerated. Conclusively, we proposed that the increase in saturated extent of thylakoid membrane lipids in transgenic plants enhanced the stability of photosynthetic apparatus under high temperature stress.

Intracellular and Extracellular Phosphatidylinositol 3-Phosphate Produced by Phytophthora Species Is Important for Infection

RxLR effectors produced by Phytophthora pathogens have been proposed to bind to phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate （Ptdlns（3）P） to mediate their translocation into host cells and/or to increase their stability in planta. Since the levels of Ptdlns（3）P in plants are low, we examined whether Phytophthora species may produce Ptdlns（3）P to pro- mote infection. We observed that Ptdlns（3）P-specific GFP biosensors could bind to P. parasitica and P. sojae hyphae dur- ing infection of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves transiently secreting the biosensors, suggesting that the hyphae exposed Ptdlns（3）P on their plasma membrane and/or secreted Ptdlns（3）R Silencing of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases （PI3K） genes, treatment with LY294002, or expression of Ptdlns（3）pobinding proteins by P. sojae reduced the virulence of the pathogen on soybean, indicating that pathogen-synthesized Ptdlns（3）P was required for full virulence. Secretion of Ptdlns（3）P-binding proteins or of a PI3P-5-kinase by N. benthamiana leaves significantly increased the level of resist- ance to infection by P. parasitica and P. capsici. Together, our results support the hypothesis that Phytophthora species produce external Ptdlns（3）P to aid in infection, such as to promote entry of RxLR effectors into host cells. Our results derived from P. sojae RxLR effector Avrlb confirm that both the N-terminus and the C-terminus of this effector can bind Ptdlns（3）P.

Substrate Selectivity of Glycerol-3-phosphate Acyl Transferase in Rice

Substrate selectivity of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase （EC 2. 3. 1. 15） of rice （Oryza sativa L.） was explored in a comparative study of acyltransferases from seven plant species. In vitro labeling of acyl carrier protein （ACP） with ^14C or 3H showed that acyltransferase from chill-sensitive plants, such as rice that uses either oleic （18：1） or palmitic acid （16：0） as acyl donor at comparable rates, displays lower selectivity than the enzyme from chill-resistant plants, such as spinach, which preferentially uses oleic acid （18：1） rather than palmitic acid （16：0） as an acyl donor. This may be a result of the size and character of the substrate-binding pocket of acyltransferase. Homology modeling and protein structure-based sequence alignment of acyltransferases revealed that proteins from either chill-sensitive or chill-tolerant plants shared a highly conserved domain containing the proposed substrate-binding pocket. However, the aligned residues surrounding the substrate-binding pocket are highly heterogeneous and may have an influence mainly on the size of the substrate binding pockets of acyltransferases. The substrate selectivity of acyltransferase of rice can be improved by enlarging the substrate-binding pocket using molecular biological methods.

Cloning of genomic DNA of rice 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase gene and chromosomal localization of the gene

The shikimate pathway enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase (EPSPs) is the target of nonselective herbicide glyphosate. A partial rice epsps cDNA was generated by RT-PCR with primers designed according to EST sequence in GenBank and used as probe for rice genomic library screening. In a screen of approximately 8.0×104 clones from the rice genomic library, sixteen positive clones were obtained, which strongly hybridized to the probe. One clone, E11, was selected for further analysis and the full-length 3661 bp rice epsps genomic sequence was obtained. Sequence analysis and homologous comparison revealed that epsps gene is composed of 8 exons and 7 introns. Analysis by restriction fragment length polymorphism with the probe of rice epsps cDNA fragment confirmed that rice epsps is located on chromosome 6 with an indica-japonica (ZYQ8-JX17) double-haploid (DH) population. This is the first report on the EPSP synthase from monocotyledons.

Emerging role of autophagy in colorectal cancer:Progress and prospects for clinical intervention

Autophagy is a physiological mechanism in which cells degrade themselves and quickly recover the degraded cell components.Recent studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the occurrence,development,treatment,and prognosis of colorectal cancer.In the early stages of colorectal cancer,autophagy can inhibit the production and development of tumors through multiple mechanisms such as maintaining DNA stability,inducing tumor death,and enhancing immune surveillance.However,as colorectal cancer progresses,autophagy may mediate tumor resistance,enhance tumor metabolism,and other pathways to promote tumor development.Therefore,intervening in autophagy at the appropriate time has broad clinical application prospects.This article summarizes the recent research progress of autophagy and colorectal cancer and is expected to provide new theoretical basis and reference for clinical treatment of colorectal cancer.

Sperm glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene expression in asthenozoospermic spermatozoa

It has been suggested that the energy required for sperm motility is produced by oxidative phosphorylation while glycolysis seems to be an important source for ATP transmission along the flagellum. Some studies have investigated the chemical and kinetic properties of the enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase to identify any changes in the regulation of glycolysis and sperm motility. In contrast, there are few studies analyzing the genetic basis of hypokinesis. For this reason, we investigated the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene in human sperm to evaluate whether asthenozoospermia was correlated with any changes in its expression. Semen examination and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene expression studies were carried out on 116 semen samples divided into two groups - Group A consisted of 58 normokinetic samples and Group B of 58 hypokinetic samples. Total RNA was extracted from spermatozoa, and real-time PCR quantification of mRNA was carried out using specific primers and probes. The expression profiles for the Groups A and B were very similar. The mean delta Ct was as follows - Group A, 5.79 ＋ 1.04; Group B, 5.47 ＋ 1.27. Our study shows that in human sperm, there is no difference in glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene expression between samples with impaired motility and samples with normal kinetics. We believe that this study could help in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of sperm kinetics, suggesting that hypomotility may be due to a possible posttranscriptional impairment of the control mechanism, such as mRNA splicing, or to posttranslational changes.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling promotes ORMDL3- dependent generation of sphingosine-1-phosphate by inhibiting sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR),a cellular chemical sensor,controls cellular homeostasis,and sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P),a bioactive intermediate of sphingolipid metabolism,is believed to have a role in immunity and inflammation,but their potential crosstalk is currently unknown.We aimed to determine whether there is a functional linkage between AhR signaling and sphingolipid metabolism.We showed that AhR ligands,including an environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon(PAH),induced S1P generation,and inhibited S1P lyase(S1PL)activity in resting cells,antigen/IgE-activated mast cells,and mouse lungs exposed to the AhR ligand alone or in combination with antigen challenge.The reduction of S1PL activity was due to AhR-mediated oxidation of S1PL at residue 317,which was reversible by the addition of an antioxidant or in cells with knockdown of the ORMDL3 gene encoding an ER transmembrane protein,whereas C317A S1PL mutant-transfected cells were resistant to the AhR-mediated effect.Furthermore,analysis of AhR ligand-treated cells showed a time-dependent increase of the ORMDL3–S1PL complex,which was confirmed by FRET analysis.This change increased the S1P levels,which in turn,induced mast cell degranulation via S1PR2 signaling.In addition,elevated levels of plasma S1P were found in children with asthma compared to non-asthmatic subjects.These results suggest a new regulatory pathway whereby the AhR–ligand axis induces ORMDL3-dependent S1P generation by inhibiting S1PL,which may contribute to the expression of allergic diseases.

Monolayers Langmuir-Blodgett Films of Synthetic Artificial Mimic Molecules That Resemble the Following Tetraether Lipids on Silicon Wafers

This study investigated the behavior and molecular organization of synthetic artificial mimic molecules that resemble the following tetraether lipids: di-O-hexadecyl-glycero-3-phosphatidyl-glycerol (DHGPG) and bis-4-dodecylphenyl-12-phosphate. These molecules were analyzed using Langmuir film balance, ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. The monolayer Langmuir-Blodgett films of DHGPG and bis-4-dodecylphenyl-12-phosphate were stable on the solid surface silicon wafers. The ellipsometry and AFM results showed that monolayers Langmuir-Blodgett films of DHGPG and bis-4-dodecylphenyl-12-phosphate were present, and the thickness of the observed films varied from 1.2 - 5.0 nm.

The role of AtGPDHc2 in regulating cellular redox homeostasis of Arabidopsis under salt stress

Plants glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GPDH)catalyzes the formation of glycerol-3-phosphate,and plays an essential role in glycerolipid metabolism and stress responses.In the present study,the knock-out mutants of cytosolic GPDH(AtGPDHc2)and wild-type Arabidopsis plants were treated with 0,50,100,and 150 mmol L–1 NaCl to reveal the effects of AtGPDHc2 deficiency on salinity stress responses.The fluctuation in redox status,reactive oxygen species(ROS)and antioxidant enzymes as well as the transcripts of genes involved in the relevant processes were measured.In the presence of 100 and 150 mmol L–1 NaCl treatments,AtGPDHc2-deficient plants exhibited a pronounced reduction in germination rate,fresh weight,root length,and overall biomass.Furthermore,loss of AtGPDHc2 resulted in a significant perturbation in cellular redox state(NADH/NAD+and AsA/DHA)and consequent elevation of ROS and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances(TBARS)content.The elevated ROS level triggered substantial increases in ROS-scavenging enzymes activities,and the up-regulated transcripts of the genes(CSD1,sAPX and PER33)encoding the antioxidant enzymes were also observed.In addition,the transcript levels of COX15,AOX1A and GLDH in gpdhc2 mutants decreased in comparison to wild-type plants,which demonstrated that the deficiency of AtGPDHc2 might also has impact on mitochondrial respiration under salt stress.Together,this work provides some new evidences on illustrating the roles of AtGPDHc2 playing in response to salinity stress by regulating cellular redox homeostasis,ROS metabolism and mitochondrial respiration.

Changes in Inositol Phosphates in Low Phytic Acid Field Pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i>L.) Lines during Germination and in Response to Fertilization

Inositol phosphates are the main form of phosphorous (P) storage in legume seeds. Mutants low in inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), also known as phytic acid (PA), have been developed to increase iron (Fe) bioavailability and reduce P waste to the environment. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) inositol-P form changes during germination, and 2) the effect of P fertilizer application on seed PA, total P, and Fe concentration of three field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars and two low-PA lines grown under greenhouse conditions. Low-PA field pea lines clearly had lower PA (1.3 - 1.4 mg·g-1) than cultivars (3.1 - 3.7 mg·g-1). Phytic acid concentration in both cultivars and low-PA lines decreased during germination, but tended to increase seven days after germination. Levels of inositol-3-phosphate-phosphate (IP3-P;0.6 mg·g-1) and inorganic P (1.8 - 2.0 mg·g-1) were higher in low-PA lines than in the field pea cultivars. Reduction of PA in low-PA line seeds may reduce seed Fe and total P concentrations, as levels in the low-PA lines (37 - 42 mg·kg-1 Fe;4003 - 4473 mg·kg-1 total P) were typically less than in field pea cultivars (37 - 55 mg·kg-1 Fe;3208 - 4985 mg·kg-1 total P) at different P fertilizer rates. Overall, IP3 is the major form of P present in low-PA field pea lines during germination;however IP6 is the major form of P present in field pea cultivars. Therefore, low-PA field pea lines could be a potential solution to increase Fe bioavailability, feed P utilization, and reduce P waste to the environment.

Effects of Temperature and Energy on Stability of Oligomeric Enzyme Probed on Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Escherichia coli 3-Deoxy-D-manno-octulosonate 8-phosphate（KDO8P） synthase catalyzed the condensation reaction between D-arabinose 5-phosphate（A5P） and phosphoenolpyruvate（PEP） to form KDO8P and inorganic phosphate（Pi）. The noncovalent tetrameric association ofKDO8P synthase was observed and dissociated in gas phase by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry under the very ＂soft＂ conditions. The results indicate that PEP-bound enzyme generated abundant tetrameric species as well as monomeric species at the ＂soft＂ conditions, whereas, the unbound enzyme favored the formation of a dimeric species. The mass spectra of the mixture of the enzyme with one of substrates, PEP, and A5P or one of products, KDO8P and Pi show that the complex of the unbound enzyme with PEP or Pi was prone to the formation of a monomeric species, whereas, that of the unbound enzyme with A5P or KDO8P was similar to the unbound enzyme. The intensity of the dimeric species increased with the increase of temperature at a collision voltage of 10 V. Taken together, the results presented here suggest that mass spectrometry will be a powerful tool to explore subtile conformational changes and/or subunit-subunit interactions of multiprotein assembly induced by ligand-binding and/or the changes of environmental conditions.