MB-7

We have screened a chemical library and identified several novel structures of Na/K-ATPase inhibitors. One group of these inhibitors belongs to polyphenolic xanthone derivatives. Functional characterization reveals the following properties of this group of inhibitors. First, like ouabain, they are potent inhibitors of the purified Na/K-ATPase. Second, their effects on the Na/K-ATPase depend on the number and position of phenolic groups. Methylation of these phenolic groups reduces the inhibitory effect. Third, further characterization of the most potent xanthone derivative, MB7 (3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone), reveals that it does not change either Na(+) or ATP affinity of the enzyme. Finally, unlike that of ouabain, the inhibitory effect of MB7 on Na/K-ATPase is not antagonized by K(+). Moreover, MB7 does not activate the receptor Na/K-ATPase/Src complex and fails to stimulate protein kinase cascades in cultured cells. Thus, we have identified a group of novel Na/K-ATPase ligands that can inhibit the pumping function without stimulating the signaling function of Na/K-ATPase.

Complete nucleotide sequence of genomic RNA of hepatitis A virus (HAV) rapidly replicating strain MB-7 was determined. Comparison of nucleotide and deduced amino-acid sequences demonstrated the highest level of identity of MB-7 with strain HAS-15 (above 99%) and high homology with other HAV strains (HM 175/7, CR326, and GBM/HFS) used in production of anti-hepatitis A vaccines. MB-7 was classified as subgenotype IA. Phylogenetic analysis showed that MB-7 is most closely related to the strain HAS-15 and the HAV variants circulating in Russia. Comparative analysis of genomic differences between MB-7 and HAS-15 with other HAV strains revealed among changes characteristic of MB-7 those typical of the described earlier rapidly replicating HAV strains (nt. 149-162 in 5'-untranslated region and changes in the VP3 and 2C genes). These results suggest the functional importance of changes in above-mentioned regions of HAV genome for the increased replication level of MB-7 in vitro.