13.01.2013 Views

Calcium-Binding Protein Protocols Calcium-Binding Protein Protocols

Calcium-Binding Protein Protocols Calcium-Binding Protein Protocols

Calcium-Binding Protein Protocols Calcium-Binding Protein Protocols

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

352 Walsh et al.<br />

Fig. 6. CaM-dependent activation of CaM kinase II. CaM kinase II activity was<br />

measured at the indicated concentrations of bovine brain CaM. Values represent the<br />

mean ± SEM (n = 4, each done in triplicate). Maximal activity corresponds to 0.7 nmol<br />

P i incorporated/min.mg caldesmon substrate.<br />

For CaM inhibition assays, we first add CaM, then inhibitor and finally start<br />

the reaction by addition of the enzyme. In the continuous assays, CaM inhibitors<br />

can be added after the reaction has been started as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. If this<br />

is done, it is important that the reaction rate is linear for a sufficient period of<br />

time to allow disruption of the active CaM-enzyme complex.<br />

3. If these assays are being used to study the CaM-dependent activation of enzymes,<br />

it is essential that the purified target enzymes contain minimal amounts of CaM.<br />

If this is not the case, the basal activity will be high before addition of CaM and<br />

this basal rate can be inhibited by the addition of CaM inhibitors or Ca 2+ chelators<br />

such as EGTA. Removal of CaM is not currently possible for inducible NOS.<br />

4.2. NOS Assays<br />

4. NOS activities are optimal at pH 7.5 and 37°C and are very pH and temperature<br />

sensitive. These parameters must be held constant during a reaction.<br />

5. The amount of NOS used depends on its purity. Typically, CaM produces maximal<br />

activation at a 1:1 molar ratio. By using lower [NOS] the reaction will remain<br />

linear for a longer time. Because all the NOS assays described here require soluble<br />

enzyme, if eNOS is used it must first be solubilized.<br />

6. SOD and catalase are included in the oxyhemoglobin assay to prevent superoxide<br />

(formed by uncoupled NADPH oxidation) from reacting with NO, and to prevent<br />

H 2O 2 (formed by SOD) from converting HbO 2 to metHb and other higher oxidation<br />

states, respectively.<br />

7. It is possible to conduct the NADPH oxidation assay in the presence of an exogenous<br />

electron acceptor such as cyt c. In the presence of cyt c, NADPH oxidation<br />

is no longer dependent on a functional oxygenase domain in NOS. NADPH oxi-

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!