Short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) constitute a large protein family. Presently, at least 57 characterized, highly different enzymes belong to this family and typically exhibit residue identities only at the 15-30% level, indicating early duplicatory origins and extensive divergence. In addition, another family of 22 enzymes with extended protein chains exhibits part-chain SDR relationships and represents enzymes of no less than three EC classes. Furthermore, subforms and species variants are known of both families. In the combined SDR superfamily, only one residue is strictly conserved and ascribed a crucial enzymatic function (Tyr 151 in the numbering system of human NAD(+)-linked prostaglandin dehydrogenase). Such a function for this Tyr residue in SDR enzymes in general is supported also by chemical modifications, site-directed mutagenesis, and an active site position in those tertiary structures that have been characterized. A lysine residue four residues downstream is also largely conserved. A model for catalysis is available on the basis of these two residues. Binding of the coenzyme, NAD(H) or NADP(H), is in the N-terminal part of the molecules, where a common GlyXXXGlyXGly pattern occurs. Two SDR enzymes established by X-ray crystallography show a one-domain subunit with seven to eight beta-strands. Conformational patterns are highly similar, except for variations in the C-terminal parts. Additional structures occur in the family with extended chains. Some of the SDR molecules are known under more than one name, and one of the enzymes has been shown to be susceptible to native, chemical modification, producing reduced Schiff base adducts with pyruvate and other metabolic keto derivatives. Most SDR enzymes are dimers and tetramers. In those analyzed, the area of major subunit contacts involves two long alpha-helices (alpha E, alpha F) in similar and apparently strong subunit interactions. Future possibilities include verification of the proposed reaction mechanism and tracing of additional relationships, perhaps also with other protein families. Short-chain dehydrogenases illustrate the value of comparisons and diversified research in generating unexpected discoveries.
The isolation of a novel biologically active peptide, designated galanin, is described. The peptide was discovered by the detection of its C‐terminal amide structure in porcine intestinal extract using a chemical method. It was found that galanin consists of 29 amino acids and the complete amino acid sequence is: contract smooth muscle preparations from the rat and to cause a mild and sustained hyperglycemia in dog.
GPCR135, publicly known as somatostatin-and angiotensin-like peptide receptor, is expressed in the central nervous system and its cognate ligand(s) has not been identified. We have found that both rat and porcine brain extracts stimulated 35 S-labeled guanosine 5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP␥S) incorporation in cells overexpressing GPCR135. Multiple rounds of extraction, purification, followed by N-terminal sequence analysis of the ligand from porcine brain revealed that the ligand is a product of the recently identified gene, relaxin-3 (aka insulin-7 or INSL7). Recombinant human relaxin-3 potently stimulates GTP␥S binding and inhibits cAMP accumulation in GPCR135 overexpressing cells with EC 50 values of 0.25 and 0.35 nM, respectively.125 I-Relaxin-3 binds GPCR135 at high affinity with a K d value of 0.31 nM. Relaxin-3 is the only member of the insulin/relaxin superfamily that can activate GPCR135. In situ hybridization showed that relaxin-3 mRNA is predominantly expressed in the dorsomedial ventral tegmental nucleus of the brainstem (aka nucleus incertus), as well as in discrete cells in the lateral periaqueductal gray and in the central gray nucleus. GPCR135 is expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus with discrete expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and supraoptic nucleus, as well as in the cortex, septal nucleus, and preoptical area. Relaxin-3 has previously been shown to bind and activate the LGR7 relaxin receptor. However, we believe that neuroanatomical colocalization of GPCR135 and relaxin-3, coupled with a clear high affinity interaction, suggest that GPCR135 is the receptor for relaxin-3. The identification of relaxin-3 as the ligand for GPCR135 provides the framework for the discovery of a new brainstem/hypothalamus circuitry.The recent completion of the sequencing of the human genome revealed thousands of new genes. Among them are many orphan G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), 1 which are identified from genomic DNA or mRNA sequences based on their predicted seven-transmembrane structures. Searching for ligands of the orphan GPCRs has because been an intense research area and has yielded numerous significant discoveries in the past decade (1-15). Identification of ligand/receptor pairs provides a basis for the understanding of the physiological roles of those GPCRs and their ligands, which can involve the central nervous, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory, digestive, and metabolic systems (1-15). The identification of ligands for their receptors also provides additional opportunities to discover agonists and antagonists as innovative drugs to exert pharmacological effects by interacting with these newly identified receptors.Relaxin is a member of the insulin superfamily. The hallmark of this protein family is the presence of two peptide subunits that are arranged by three disulfide bonds (16 -19). Whereas insulin is known to play a major role in glucose metabolism and signals through the insulin receptor, a single transmembrane growth factor/tyr...
Short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases form a large, evolutionarily old family of NAD(P)(H)-dependent enzymes with over 60 genes found in the human genome. Despite low levels of sequence identity (often 10 -30%), the three-dimensional structures display a highly similar ␣/ folding pattern. We have analyzed the role of several conserved residues regarding folding, stability, steady-state kinetics, and coenzyme binding using bacterial 3/17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and selected mutants. Structure determination of the wildtype enzyme at 1.2-Å resolution by x-ray crystallography and docking analysis was used to interpret the biochemical data. Enzyme kinetic data from mutagenetic replacements emphasize the critical role of residues Thr-12, Asp-60, Asn-86, Asn-87, and Ala-88 in coenzyme binding and catalysis. The data also demonstrate essential interactions of Asn-111 with active site residues. A general role of its side chain interactions for maintenance of the active site configuration to build up a proton relay system is proposed. This extends the previously recognized catalytic triad of Ser-Tyr-Lys residues to form a tetrad of Asn-Ser-Tyr-Lys in the majority of characterized short-chain dehydrogenases/reductase enzymes.
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