Effects of dipeptides containing the amino acid, proline on the chemotaxis of Tetrahymena pyriformis. Evolutionary conclusions on the formation of hormone receptors and hormones.
Our investigations demonstrate that proline-containing dipeptides can provoke a chemosensory response from the unicellular Tetrahymena pyriformis. The chemotactic effects of the dipeptides have a close relationship with the side chain and the lipophilicity of the amino-terminal amino acid. Comparison of 'mirror' variants of proline-containing dipeptides points to the fact that dipeptides with small side chain and non-polar character amino acids (Gly-Pro, Ala-Pro) are preferred on the amino-terminal end. In the case of amino acids with very variable side chains, small (Pro-Gly) and the large side chain and non-polar character amino acids (Pro-Leu, Pro-Phe) on the carboxyl-terminal end can induce significant chemotactic responses. With valine on any terminus the proline-containing dipeptide induced a weak repellent effect.
Köhidai
L
L
Department of Biology, Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest, H-1445, Hungary.
Soós
P
P
Csaba
G
G
D000818:Animals; D002633:Chemotaxis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004151:Dipeptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D011392:Proline / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology*; D013769:Tetrahymena pyriformis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects
D004151:Dipeptides; D006728:Hormones; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011392:Proline