Aims/hypothesis Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (SGLT2i) constitute a novel class of glucose-lowering (type 2) kidney-targeted agents. We recently reported that the SGLT2i empagliflozin (EMPA) reduced cardiac cytosolic Na þ ([Na þ ] c ) and cytosolic Ca 2þ ([Ca 2þ ] c ) concentrations through inhibition of Na þ /H þ exchanger (NHE). Here, we examine (1) whether the SGLT2i dapagliflozin (DAPA) and canagliflozin (CANA) also inhibit NHE and reduce [Na þ ] c ; (2) a structural model for the interaction of SGLT2i to NHE; (3) to what extent SGLT2i affect the haemodynamic and metabolic performance of isolated hearts of healthy mice. Methods Cardiac NHE activity and [Na þ ] c in mouse cardiomyocytes were measured in the presence of clinically relevant concentrations of EMPA (1 μmol/l), DAPA (1 μmol/l), CANA (3 μmol/l) or vehicle. NHE docking simulation studies were applied to explore potential binding sites for SGTL2i. Constant-flow Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were subjected to SGLT2i for 30 min, and cardiovascular function, O 2 consumption and energetics (phosphocreatine (PCr)/ATP) were determined. Results EMPA, DAPA and CANA inhibited NHE activity (measured through low pH recovery after NH 4 þ pulse: EMPA 6.69 ± 0.09, DAPA 6.77 ± 0.12 and CANA 6.80 ± 0.18 vs vehicle 7.09 ± 0.09; p < 0.001 for all three comparisons) and reduced [Na þ ] c (in mmol/l: EMPA 10.0 ± 0.5, DAPA 10.7 ± 0.7 and CANA 11.0 ± 0.9 vs vehicle 12.7 ± 0.7; p < 0.001). Docking studies provided high binding affinity of all three SGLT2i with the extracellular Na þ -binding site of NHE. EMPA and CANA, but not DAPA, induced coronary vasodilation of the intact heart. PCr/ATP remained unaffected. Conclusions/interpretation EMPA, DAPA and CANA directly inhibit cardiac NHE flux and reduce [Na þ ] c , possibly by binding with the Na þ -binding site of NHE-1. Furthermore, EMPA and CANA affect the healthy heart by inducing vasodilation. The [Na þ ] c -lowering class effect of SGLT2i is a potential approach to combat elevated [Na þ ] c that is known to occur in heart failure and diabetes.

Deficiency of glucocerebrosidase (GBA) underlies Gaucher disease, a common lysosomal storage disorder. Carriership for Gaucher disease has recently been identified as major risk for parkinsonism. Presently, no method exists to visualize active GBA molecules in situ. We here report the design, synthesis and application of two fluorescent activity-based probes allowing highly specific labeling of active GBA molecules in vitro and in cultured cells and mice in vivo. Detection of in vitro labeled recombinant GBA on slab gels after electrophoresis is in the low attomolar range. Using cell or tissue lysates, we obtained exclusive labeling of GBA molecules. We present evidence from fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, fluorescence microscopy and pulse-chase experiments of highly efficient labeling of GBA molecules in intact cells as well as tissues of mice. In addition, we illustrate the use of the fluorescent probes to study inhibitors and tentative chaperones in living cells.

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The membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase from Allochromatium vinosum can occur in several inactive or active states. This study presents the first systematic infrared characterisation of the A. vinosum enzyme, with emphasis on the spectro-electrochemical properties of the inactive/active transition. This transition involves an energy barrier, which can be overcome at elevated temperatures. The reduced Ready enzyme can exist in two different inactive states, which are in an apparent acid-base equilibrium. It is proposed that a hydroxyl ligand in a bridging position in the Ni-Fe site is protonated and that the formed water molecule is subsequently removed. This enables the active site to bind hydrogen in a bridging position, allowing the formation of the fully active state of the enzyme. It is further shown that the active site in enzyme reduced by 1 bar H(2) can occur in three different electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-silent states with a different degree of protonation.

Previous genetic studies have revealed a multicomponent signal transduction chain, consisting of an H 2 sensor, a histidine protein kinase, and a response regulator, which controls hydrogenase gene transcription in the proteobacterium Ralstonia eutropha. In this study, we isolated the H 2 sensor and demonstrated that the purified protein forms a complex with the histidine protein kinase. Biochemical and spectroscopic analysis revealed that the H 2 sensor is a cytoplasmic [NiFe]-hydrogenase with unique features. The H 2 -oxidizing activity was 2 orders of magnitude lower than that of standard hydrogenases and insensitive to oxygen, carbon monoxide, and acetylene. Interestingly, only H 2 production but no HD formation was detected in the D 2 /H ؉ exchange assay. Fourier transform infrared data showed an active site similar to that of standard [NiFe]-hydrogenases. It is suggested that the protein environment accounts for a restricted gas diffusion and for the typical kinetic parameters of the H 2 sensor. EPR analysis demonstrated that the [4Fe-4S] clusters within the small subunit were not reduced under hydrogen even in the presence of dithionite. Optical spectra revealed the presence of a novel, redox-active, n ‫؍‬ 2 chromophore that is reduced by H 2 . The possible involvement of this chromophore in signal transduction is discussed.

Infrared spectra of (15)N-enriched preparations of the soluble cytoplasmic NAD(+)-reducing [NiFe]-hydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha are presented. These spectra, together with chemical analyses, show that the Ni-Fe active site contains four cyanide groups and one carbon monoxide molecule. It is proposed that the active site is a (RS)(2)(CN)Ni(micro-RS)(2)Fe(CN)(3)(CO) centre (R=Cys) and that H(2) activation solely takes place on nickel. One of the two FMN groups (FMN-a) in the enzyme can be reversibly released upon reduction of the enzyme. It is now reported that at longer times also one of the cyanide groups, the one proposed to be bound to the nickel atom, could be removed from the enzyme. This process was irreversible and induced the inhibition of the enzyme activity by oxygen; the enzyme remained insensitive to carbon monoxide. The Ni-Fe active site was EPR undetectable under all conditions tested. It is concluded that the Ni-bound cyanide group is responsible for the oxygen insensitivity of the enzyme.

BackgroundDisrupting the costimulatory CD40-CD40L dyad reduces atherosclerosis, but can result in immune suppression. The authors recently identified small molecule inhibitors that block the interaction between CD40 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6 (TRAF-STOPs), while leaving CD40-TRAF2/3/5 interactions intact, thereby preserving CD40-mediated immunity.ObjectivesThis study evaluates the potential of TRAF-STOP treatment in atherosclerosis.MethodsThe effects of TRAF-STOPs on atherosclerosis were investigated in apolipoprotein E deficient (Apoe−/−) mice. Recombinant high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanoparticles were used to target TRAF-STOPs to macrophages.ResultsTRAF-STOP treatment of young Apoe−/− mice reduced atherosclerosis by reducing CD40 and integrin expression in classical monocytes, thereby hampering monocyte recruitment. When Apoe−/− mice with established atherosclerosis were treated with TRAF-STOPs, plaque progression was halted, and plaques contained an increase in collagen, developed small necrotic cores, and contained only a few immune cells. TRAF-STOP treatment did not impair “classical” immune pathways of CD40, including T-cell proliferation and costimulation, Ig isotype switching, or germinal center formation, but reduced CD40 and β2-integrin expression in inflammatory monocytes. In vitro testing and transcriptional profiling showed that TRAF-STOPs are effective in reducing macrophage migration and activation, which could be attributed to reduced phosphorylation of signaling intermediates of the canonical NF-κB pathway. To target TRAF-STOPs specifically to macrophages, TRAF-STOP 6877002 was incorporated into rHDL nanoparticles. Six weeks of rHDL-6877002 treatment attenuated the initiation of atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− mice.ConclusionsTRAF-STOPs can overcome the current limitations of long-term CD40 inhibition in atherosclerosis and have the potential to become a future therapeutic for atherosclerosis.

The 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-and Fe 2 þ -dependent dioxygenase AlkB couples the demethylation of modified DNA to the decarboxylation of 2OG. Extensive crystallographic analyses have shown no evidence of significant structural differences between complexes binding either 2OG or succinate. By using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we have shown that the AlkB-succinate and AlkB-2OG complexes have significantly different dynamic properties in solution. 2OG makes the necessary contacts between the metal site and the large b-sheet to maintain a fully folded conformation. Oxidative decarboxylation of 2OG to succinate leads to weakening of a main contact with the large b-sheet, resulting in an enhanced dynamic state. These conformational fluctuations allow for the replacement of succinate in the central core of the protein and probably contribute to the effective release of unmethylated DNA. We also propose that the inherent dynamics of the co-product complex and the subsequent increased molecular ordering of the co-substrate complex have a role in DNA damage recognition.