Minireview: cellular redox state regulates hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and intracellular hormone potency

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) interconvert potent and relatively inactive forms of individual steroid hormones using nicotinamide cofactors NADPH/NADP(+) and NADH/NAD(+) [nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate), reduced/oxidized forms]. Although reactions with purified enzymes in vitro may be driven in either direction depending on the assay conditions, HSD enzymes appear to function in one direction or the other in intact cells. At least for some of these enzymes, however, the apparent unidirectional metabolism actually reflects bidirectional catalysis that reaches a pseudoequilibrium state with a strong directional preference. This directional preference, in turn, derives from intracellular concentration gradients for the nicotinamide cofactors and the relative affinities of each HSD for these cofactors. Because the concentrations of free cofactor exceed those of steroids by many orders of magnitude, the activities of these enzymes are predominantly driven by cofactor abundance, which is linked to intermediary metabolism. Consequently, the amount of active steroids in cells containing HSDs may be modulated by cofactor abundance and, hence, intracellular redox state. We will review the evidence linking cofactor handling and HSD activity, speculate on additional ways that intracellular metabolism can alter HSD activity and, thus, hormone potency, and discuss fruitful avenues of further investigation.     

Biochemical activation of AZQ [3,6-diaziridinyl-2,5-bis(carboethoxyamino)-1,4-benzoquinone] to its free radical species

The aziridinyl quinone 3,6-diaziridinyl-2,5-bis(carboethoxyamino)-1,4-benzoquinone is an antitumor agent that enhances electron flow from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) to molecular oxygen in rat liver microsomes, rat liver nuclei, and purified NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. The process is enzymatic and has an optimum pH of 7.5; NADPH is the preferred cofactor. Electron spin resonance studies show the presence of a free radical semiquinone characterized by five hyperfine lines at g = 2.0046.     

Engineering of a functional human NADH-dependent cytochrome P450 system

A functional human NADH-dependent cytochrome P450 system has been developed by altering the cofactor preference of human NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), the redox partner for P450s. This has been achieved by a single amino acid change of the conserved aromatic amino acid Trp-676, which covers the re-side of the FAD isoalloxazine ring in the nicotinamide-binding site. Of the mutations made, the substitution of Trp-676 with alanine (W676A) resulted in a functional NADH-dependent enzyme, which catalyzed the reduction of cytochrome c and ferricyanide as well as facilitated the metabolism of 7-ethoxyresorufin by CYP1A2. Kinetic analysis measuring cytochrome c activity revealed that the NADH-dependent k(cat) of W676A is equivalent (90%) to the NADPH-dependent k(cat) of the wild-type enzyme, with W676A having an approximately 1,000-fold higher specificity for NADH. The apparent K(M)(NADPH) and K(M)(NADH) values of W676A are 80- and 150-fold decreased, respectively. In accordance with structural data, which show a bipartite binding mode of NADPH, substitution of Trp-676 does not affect 2'-AMP binding as seen by the inhibition of both wild-type CPR and the W676A mutant. Furthermore, NADPH was a potent inhibitor of the W676A NADH-dependent cytochrome c reduction and CYP1A2 activity. Overall, the results show that Trp-676 of human CPR plays a major role in cofactor discrimination, and substitution of this conserved aromatic residue with alanine results in an efficient NADH-dependent cytochrome P450 system.     

Biochemical Changes in the Platelet Energy Transferring System during Concomitant Action of Cephalin and Serotonin

S ummary . The paper concerns the investigations of the changes in the concentrations of endogenous nicotinamide adenine nucleotides (NAD⁺, NADH, NADP⁺ and NADPH) and reduced glutathione (GSH) during the incubation of canine blood platelets with cephalin and/or serotonin. Activity of NADH-dependent glutathione reductase in this instance was also determined. These investigations have revealed the following findings: (1) platelets maintained constant levels of nicotinamide adenine nucleotides and GSH during incubation in Hanks' solution; (2) 5-HT induced a marked immediate increase in the amounts of NAD⁺, NADH and GSH and a moderate reduction in the amount of NADPH; no significant change was seen in the amount of NADP⁺ or in the activity of NADH-dependent glutathione reductase; (3) cephalin had similar effects on NAD⁺, NADH and GSH, but to a lesser extent; in addition, it induced a significant decrease in the amounts of NADP⁺ and NADPH and a marked activation of NADH-dependent glutathione reductase; (4) cephalin in addition to 5-HT amplified these modifications, except for GSH increase (despite an important cephalin-induced activation of NADH-dependent glutathione reductase) and produced a marked fall of NADP⁺ and NADPH. These findings suggest that: (a) platelet nicotinamide adenine nucleotides and GSH exhibit a high sensitivity to these different substances (a phosphatide and an amine) with implications for platelet function and aggregation; (b) cephalin and 5-HT, despite their different chemical nature, act somewhat similarly on these compounds.     

Uptake of NADPH by islet secretion granule membranes.

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which stimulated the release of insulin from toadfish islet cells and from isolated secretion granules, was taken up by the membranes prepare from these secretion granules. Oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, which did not release insulin from the granules, was taken up to a much lesser extent. The uptake of NADPH by the granule membranes was time dependent, reaching equilibrium in about 30 min. The maximum amount of NADPH taken up was 0.6 nmol/mg membrane protein and the concentration of NADPH needed to obtain maximum uptake was 6.5 x 10(-4)m, which was approximately the same concentration of NADPH needed to produce maximum release of insulin from the secretion granules.     

Ultrafast real-time visualization of active site flexibility of flavoenzyme thymidylate synthase ThyX

In many bacteria the flavoenzyme thymidylate synthase ThyX produces the DNA nucleotide deoxythymidine monophosphate from dUMP, using methylenetetrahydrofolate as carbon donor and NADPH as hydride donor. Because all three substrates bind in close proximity to the catalytic flavin adenine dinucleotide group, substantial flexibility of the ThyX active site has been hypothesized. Using femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, we have studied the conformational heterogeneity and the conformational interconversion dynamics in real time in ThyX from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima. The dynamics of electron transfer to excited flavin adenine dinucleotide from a neighboring tyrosine residue are used as a sensitive probe of the functional dynamics of the active site. The fluorescence decay spanned a full three orders of magnitude, demonstrating a very wide range of conformations. In particular, at physiological temperatures, multiple angstrom cofactor-residue displacements occur on the picoseconds timescale. These experimental findings are supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Binding of the dUMP substrate abolishes this flexibility and stabilizes the active site in a configuration where dUMP closely interacts with the flavin cofactor and very efficiently quenches fluorescence itself. Our results indicate a dynamic selected-fit mechanism where binding of the first substrate dUMP at high temperature stabilizes the enzyme in a configuration favorable for interaction with the second substrate NADPH, and more generally have important implications for the role of active site flexibility in enzymes interacting with multiple poly-atom substrates and products. Moreover, our data provide the basis for exploring the effect of inhibitor molecules on the active site dynamics of ThyX and other multisubstrate flavoenzymes.     

Formation of Assimilatory Nitrate Reductase by in vitro Inter-Cistronic Complementation in Neurospora crassa

In vitro complementation of the soluble assimilatory nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH)-nitrate reductase was attained by mixing cell-free preparations of certain Neurospora nitrate reductase mutants: induced nit-1 (uniquely possessing inducible NADPH-cytochrome c reductase) with (a) uninduced or induced nit-2 or nit-3, or (b) uninduced wild type. The complementing activity of induced nit-1 is soluble while that of nit-2, nit-3, and wild type is particulate but not of mitochondrial origin. All fractions are inactivated by heat or trypsin. The NADPH-nitrate reductase enzymes formed in the above three complementing mixtures are similar to the wild-type enzyme in sucrose density gradient profiles, molecular weight, substrate affinity, sensitivity to inhibitors and temperature, but show different ratios of associated enzyme activities. The data suggest that nitrate reductase consists of at least two protein subunits: a nitrate-inductible subunit as reflected by inductible NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, and a constitutive protein which is activated (as indicated by the appearance of flavine adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (FADH(2))- and reduced methyl viologen-nitrate reductase activities) when it combines with the inductible subunit.     

Decreased erythrocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide redox potential and abnormal pyridine nucleotide content in sickle cell disease

RBCs from individuals with sickle cell disease are more susceptible to oxidant damage. Because key antioxidant defense reactions are linked to the pyridine nucleotides nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), we tested the hypothesis that the RBC redox potential as manifested by the NADH/[NAD+ + NADH] and NADPH/[NADP+ + NADPH] ratios is decreased in sickle erythrocytes. Our data demonstrate that sickle RBCs have a significant decrease in the NADH/[NAD+ + NADH] ratio compared with normal RBCs (P less than .00005). Interestingly, sickle RBCs also had a significant increase in total NAD content compared with normal RBCs (P less than .00005). In contrast, although sickle RBCs had a significant increase in the total NADP content compared with normal RBCs (P less than .00005), sickle RBCs had no significant alteration in the NADPH/[NADP+ + NADPH] ratio. High reticulocyte controls demonstrated that these changes were not related to cell age. Thus, sickle RBCs have a decrease in NAD redox potential that may be a reflection of their increased oxidant sensitivity. The changes in these pyridine nucleotides may have further metabolic consequences for the sickle erythrocyte.     

Chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency due to an abnormal function of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase; NADPH oxidase is a key enzyme for the cellular “respiratory burst”, the cellular process that converts molecular oxygen to the oxygen free-radical superoxide. As a consequence of NADPH oxidase defect, CGD patients suffer from recurrent life-threatening infections and from exceeding inflammatory responses leading to granulomas. This article analyzes clinical aspects of CGD. Furthermore, using the CGD model, we focused on the future perspective to reduce atherosclerosis and its complications.     

Dynamic determination of the functional state in photolyase and the implication for cryptochrome

The flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor has an unusual bent configuration in photolyase and cryptochrome, and such a folded structure may have a functional role in initial photochemistry. Using femtosecond spectroscopy, we report here our systematic characterization of cyclic intramolecular electron transfer (ET) dynamics between the flavin and adenine moieties of flavin adenine dinucleotide in four redox forms of the oxidized, neutral, and anionic semiquinone, and anionic hydroquinone states. By comparing wild-type and mutant enzymes, we have determined that the excited neutral oxidized and semiquinone states absorb an electron from the adenine moiety in 19 and 135 ps, whereas the excited anionic semiquinone and hydroquinone states donate an electron to the adenine moiety in 12 ps and 2 ns, respectively. All back ET dynamics occur ultrafast within 100 ps. These four ET dynamics dictate that only the anionic hydroquinone flavin can be the functional state in photolyase due to the slower ET dynamics (2 ns) with the adenine moiety and a faster ET dynamics (250 ps) with the substrate, whereas the intervening adenine moiety mediates electron tunneling for repair of damaged DNA. Assuming ET as the universal mechanism for photolyase and cryptochrome, these results imply anionic flavin as the more attractive form of the cofactor in the active state in cryptochrome to induce charge relocation to cause an electrostatic variation in the active site and then lead to a local conformation change to initiate signaling.     

Chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency due to an abnormal function of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase; NADPH oxidase is a key enzyme for the cellular "respiratory burst", the cellular process that converts molecular oxygen to the oxygen free-radical superoxide. As a consequence of NADPH oxidase defect, CGD patients suffer from recurrent life-threatening infections and from exceeding inflammatory responses leading to granulomas. This article analyzes clinical aspects of CGD. Furthermore, using the CGD model, we focused on the future perspective to reduce atherosclerosis and its complications.     

Four novel mutations in the gene encoding gp91-phox of human NADPH oxidase: consequences for oxidase assembly

The superoxide-forming nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced (NADPH) oxidase of human phagocytes comprises membrane-bound and cytosolic proteins, which, upon cell activation, assemble on the plasma membrane to form the active enzyme. Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) are defective in one of the phagocyte oxidase (phox) components, p47-phox or p67-phox, which reside in the cytosol of resting phagocytes, or gp91-phox or p22-phox, which constitute the membrane-bound cytochrome b(558). In four X-linked CGD patients we have identified novel missense mutations in CYBB, the gene encoding gp91-phox. These mutations were associated with normal amounts of nonfunctional cytochrome b(558) in the patients' neutrophils. In phorbol-myristate-stimulated neutrophils and in a cell-free translocation assay with neutrophil membranes and cytosol, the association of p47-phox and p67-phox with the membrane fraction of the cells with Cys369-->Arg, Gly408-->Glu, and Glu568--> Lys substitutions was strongly disturbed. Only a Thr341-->Lys substitution, residing in a region of gp91-phox involved in flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) binding, supported a normal translocation. Thus, the introduction or reversal of charge at residues 369, 408, and 568 in gp91-phox destroys the correct binding of p47-phox and p67-phox to cytochrome b(558). Based on mutagenesis studies of structurally related flavin-dependent oxidoreductases, we propose that the Thr341-->Lys substitution results in impaired hydride transfer from NADPH to FAD. Because we found no electron transfer in solubilized neutrophil plasma membranes from any of the four patients, we conclude that all four amino acid replacements are critical for electron transfer. Apparently, an intimate relation exists between domains of gp91-phox involved in electron transfer and in p47/p67-phox binding. (Blood. 2000;95:666-673)     

Identification of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine-binding proteins in rat liver cytosol by photoaffinity labeling

In this study, we obtained evidence for the presence of cytosolic-binding proteins for 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (3,5-T(2)). UV irradiation of rat liver cytosol with [(125)I]3,5-T(2) resulted in specific covalent attachment of (125)I to three polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 86, 66, and 38 kDa. The photoaffinity labeling of all three proteins was strongly inhibited (by about 90%) when the reaction was carried out in the presence of a 10-fold excess of unlabeled 3,5-T(2) or T(3). However, whereas inhibition by 3,5-T(2) was nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced (NADPH) independent, T(3) inhibited only in the presence of NADPH. The 38-kDa protein, which showed the greatest affinity for 3,5-T(2), was partially purified by preparative fast-performance liquid chromatography. Its binding activity was optimal at pH 7.4, stable between 0 and 37 C, and already maximal after 5-10 min of incubation. The finding that a 38-kDa cytosolic-binding protein binds 3,5-T(2) in the absence of NADPH, but T(3) only in a NADPH-dependent manner, suggests that it may serve to regulate intracellular T(3)/3,5-T(2) translocation in a way that depends on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate/NADPH ratio.     

Variable correction of host defense following gene transfer and bone marrow transplantation in murine X-linked chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited immunodeficiency in which the absence of the phagocyte superoxide-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase results in recurrent bacterial and fungal infections. A murine model of X-linked CGD (X-CGD) was used to explore variables influencing reconstitution of host defense following bone marrow transplantation and retroviral-mediated gene transfer. The outcomes of experimental infection with Aspergillus fumigatus, Staphylococcus aureus, or Burkholderia cepacia were compared in wild-type, X-CGD mice, and transplanted X-CGD mice that were chimeric for either wild-type neutrophils or neutrophils with partial correction of NADPH oxidase activity after retroviral-mediated gene transfer. Host defense to these pathogens was improved in X-CGD mice even with correction of a limited number of neutrophils. However, intact protection against bacterial pathogens required relatively greater numbers of oxidant-generating phagocytes compared to protection against A fumigatus. The host response also appeared to be influenced by the relative level of cellular NADPH oxidase activity, particularly for A fumigatus. These results may have implications for developing effective approaches for gene therapy of CGD. (Blood. 2001;97:3738-3745)     

Crystal structures of bovine milk xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase: structure-based mechanism of conversion

Mammalian xanthine oxidoreductases, which catalyze the last two steps in the formation of urate, are synthesized as the dehydrogenase form xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) but can be readily converted to the oxidase form xanthine oxidase (XO) by oxidation of sulfhydryl residues or by proteolysis. Here, we present the crystal structure of the dimeric (M(r), 290,000) bovine milk XDH at 2.1-A resolution and XO at 2.5-A resolution and describe the major changes that occur on the proteolytic transformation of XDH to the XO form. Each molecule is composed of an N-terminal 20-kDa domain containing two iron sulfur centers, a central 40-kDa flavin adenine dinucleotide domain, and a C-terminal 85-kDa molybdopterin-binding domain with the four redox centers aligned in an almost linear fashion. Cleavage of surface-exposed loops of XDH causes major structural rearrangement of another loop close to the flavin ring (Gln 423Lys 433). This movement partially blocks access of the NAD substrate to the flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor and changes the electrostatic environment of the active site, reflecting the switch of substrate specificity observed for the two forms of this enzyme.     

Abnormalities of glucose homeostasis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in mice lacking hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.47) catalyzes the conversion of glucose 6-phosphate to 6-phosphogluconolactone within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby generating reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate is a necessary cofactor for the reductase activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (EC 1.1.1.146), which converts hormonally inactive cortisone to active cortisol (in rodents, 11-dehydrocorticosterone to corticosterone). Mice with targeted inactivation of hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase lack 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 reductase activity, whereas dehydrogenase activity (corticosterone to 11-dehydrocorticosterone) is increased. We now report that both glucose output and glucose use are abnormal in these mice. Mutant mice have fasting hypoglycemia. In mutant primary hepatocytes, glucose output does not increase normally in response to glucagon. Mutant animals have lower hepatic glycogen content when fed and cannot mobilize it normally when fasting. As assessed by RT-PCR, responses of hepatic enzymes to fasting are blunted; enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, tyrosine aminotransferase) are not appropriately up-regulated, and expression of glucokinase, an enzyme required for glycolysis, is not suppressed. Corticosterone has attenuated effects on expression of these enzymes in cultured mutant primary hepatocytes. Mutant mice have increased sensitivity to insulin, as assessed by homeostatic model assessment values and by increased glucose uptake by the muscle. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is also abnormal. Circulating ACTH, deoxycorticosterone, and corticosterone levels are increased in mutant animals, suggesting decreased negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Comparison with other animal models of adrenal insufficiency suggests that many of the observed abnormalities can be explained by blunted intracellular corticosterone actions, despite elevated circulating levels of this hormone.     

Composition and functions of vascular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases are important sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are expressed in at least three different homologues in the vasculature. The enzymes consist of a membrane complex of one of the large catalytically active Nox proteins and p22phox and different cytosolic subunits. Reactive oxygen species formation by the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases Nox1 and Nox2 in arteries is a consequence of an activation of the enzymes by different stimuli such as growth factors, cytokines, and cardiovascular risk factors (cigarette smoke, high blood pressure, oxidized lipids). Nox4, in contrast, is constitutively active, and therefore, ROS formation by this enzyme is controlled on the expression level of the protein. The negative vascular effects of ROS, such as endothelial dysfunction, vascular hypertrophy, aneurysm formation, and inflammatory activation, appear to be the consequence of an activation of Nox1 and Nox2. Nox4, in contrast, potentially elicits positive effects because it promotes differentiation and reduces proliferation of cells. Consequently, selective pharmacologic inhibition of Nox proteins has a potential to interfere with cardiovascular disease initiation and progression.     

Current molecular models for NADPH oxidase regulation by Rac GTPase

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been increasingly recognized as important components of cell signaling in addition to their well-established roles in host defense. The formation of ROS in phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells involves membrane-localized and Rac guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase)-regulated reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase(s). We discuss here the current molecular models for Rac GTPase action in the control of the phagocytic leukocyte NADPH oxidase. As a mechanistically detailed example of Rac GTPase signaling, the NADPH oxidase provides a potential paradigm for signaling by Rho family GTPases in general.     

Dual granule localization of the dormant NADPH oxidase and cytochrome b559 in human neutrophils

The subcellular localization of the microbicidal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and associated b-cytochrome was investigated in human neutrophils. In unperturbed neutrophils 85% of b-cytochrome and the major part of membrane-bound components of the NADPH oxidase co-sedimented with markers for specific granules and gelatinase. Using cytochrome b559 as a marker for membrane-bound components of the NADPH oxidase in quantitative studies we observed that, of the remaining 15%, the vast majority co-sedimented with latent alkaline phosphatase, a marker for a newly identified mobilizable intracellular compartment. Only a small fraction co-localized with the plasma membranes. Azurophil granules contained a protease activity which rapidly inactivated the NADPH oxidase components present in other membranes. Stimulation of the neutrophils with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenyl-alanine and leukotriene B4 which caused minimal degranulation of specific granules, resulted in translocation of b-cytochrome to the plasma membrane, concomitant with incorporation of alkaline phosphatase into the plasma membrane.     

Capacity of bioregulators of stem and progenitor cells to strongly affect liver redox-dependent processes

Abstract Effects of stem and progenitor cells or their compounds on recipient cells are investigated intensively today. In spite of this, their ability to interact with native cells and the final targets affected by them, particularly biochemical parameters that characterize cell redox-dependent processes, remain little studied. We have studied how bioregulators of stem and progenitor cells affect these processes in freshly isolated liver after animal pretreatment in vivo. Cytosol of human fetal mesenchymal-mesodermal tissues (8-10 weeks gestation) was administered intravenously; the control group was treated with Hanks' solution. After 4?hr, rats were sacrificed and their livers were isolated. To evaluate liver redox-dependent state, mitochondrial respiratory activity and nitroxyl radical and Alamar Blue? reduction rates, mitochondrial and cytosolic glycerol kinase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent malate dehydrogenase activities were studied. The results obtained demonstrate that bioregulators strongly affect liver redox-dependent processes, increasing mitochondrial respiration in state III and spin probe reduction rate and enhancing Alamar Blue? reduction by glycolytic and nonglycolytic postmitochondrial enzymes. In addition, mitochondrial glycerol kinase and both isoforms of NADH-dependent malate dehydrogenase were inhibited. These data bring us closer to understanding stem and progenitor cell effects via directed regulation of metabolic redox-dependent processes.