Proton NMR spectra of serine proteases in 1H2O solutions typically show a single resonance at very low magnetic field--i.e., 14-18 ppm from dimethylsilylapentanesulfonate. This resonance has been assigned to the proton hydrogen bonded between aspartic acid-102 and histidine-57 (chymotrypsin numbering system) of the "charge-relay system" or catalytic triad of serine proteases [Robillard, G. & Sh...

There is no doubt that the contribution of microbially mediated bioprocesses toward maintenance of life on earth is vital. However, understanding these microbes in situ is currently a bottleneck, as most methods require culturing these microorganisms to suitable biomass levels so that their phenotype can be measured. The development of new culture-independent strategies such as stable isotope p...

The proline utilization pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is regulated by the Put3p transcriptional activator in response to the presence of the inducer proline and the quality of the nitrogen source in the growth medium. Put3p is constitutively bound to the promoters of its target genes, PUT1 and PUT2, under all conditions studied but activates transcription to the maximum extent only in the...

To investigate nitrogen assimilation and translocation in Zea mays L. colonized by the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus Glomus fasciculatum (Thax. sensu Gerd.), we measured key enzyme activities, 15N incorporation into free amino acids, and 15N translocation from roots to shoots. Glutamine synthetase and nitrate reductase activities were increased in both roots and shoots compared ...

Gas-phase dissociations were investigated for several peptide ions containing the Gly-Leu* N-terminal motif where Leu* was a modified norleucine residue containing the photolabile diazirine ring. Collisional activation of gas-phase peptide cations resulted in facile N₂ elimination that competed with backbone dissociations. A free lysine ammonium group can act as a Brønsted acid to facilitate N₂...

Urea has long been recognized as the principal end product of nitrogenous metabolism in mammals. In recent years, the possibility that monogastric animals might be able to decompose this substance, when administered preformed, has stimulated considerable interest. The presence of radioactive carbon dioxide in the expired air after the injection of urea labeled with Cl4 indicates that decomposit...

Deuterated organic molecules provide the basis for many applications in life sciences and material research. Thus, methodologies to access labeled compounds with defined selectivity continue be important. Using KOtBu as base DMSO-d6 deuterium source, we present a general applicable method selective deuteration of set nitrogen-containing heterocycles (pyridines, azines bioactive molecules). Expe...