bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative roles of gap junction channels and cytoplasm in cell-to-cell diffusion of fluorescent tracers.
Authors: Safranyos R G , Caveney S , Miller J G , Petersen N O
Published: May 2006

Intercellular (tissue) diffusion of molecules requires cytoplasmic diffusion and diffusion through gap junctional (or cell-to-cell) channels. The rates of tissue and cytoplasmic diffusion of fluorescent tracers, expressed as an effective diffusion coefficient, De, and a cytoplasmic diffusion coefficient, Dcyt, have been measured among the developing epidermal cells of a larval beetle, Tenebrio molitor L., to determine the contribution of the junctional channels to intercellular diffusion. Tracer diffusion was measured by injecting fluorescent tracers into cells and quantitating the rate of subsequent spread into adjacent cells. Cytoplasmic diffusion was determined by fluorescence photobleaching. These experiments show that gap junctional channels constitute approximately 70-80% of the total cell-to-cell resistance to the diffusion of organic tracers at high concentrations in this tissue. At low concentrations, however, the binding of tracer to cytoplasm slows down the cytoplasmic diffusion, which may limit intercellular diffusion.
Protein kinase C activation enhances cAMP accumulation in Swiss 3T3 cells: inhibition by pertussis toxin.
Authors: Rozengurt E , Murray M , Zachary I , Collins M
Published: May 2006

Addition of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PBt2) in the presence of forskolin or cholera toxin caused marked (6- to 8-fold) and rapid accumulation of cAMP in Swiss 3T3 cells. The effect of PBt2 is mediated by protein kinase C because the synthetic diacylglycerol 1-oleoyl-2 acetylglycerol substitutes for PBt2 in enhancing cAMP accumulation and because the enhancing effect of either PBt2 or 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol was prevented by down-regulation of protein kinase C. Vasopressin, which activates protein kinase C but does not directly affect adenylate cyclase in 3T3 cells, also enhanced cAMP accumulation in cells treated with cholera toxin or forskolin. This effect was abolished by down-regulation of protein kinase C. Treatment with pertussis toxin blocked the enhancing effect of PBt2 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Pertussis toxin neither prevented protein kinase C activation by PBt2 nor other biologic responses elicited by PBt2. The results presented here suggest an unusual function for a pertussis toxin substrate--namely, coupling protein kinase C activation to cAMP production.
Association of p60src with Triton X-100-resistant cellular structure correlates with morphological transformation.
Authors: Hamaguchi M , Hanafusa H
Published: May 2006

More than 70% of wild-type Rous sarcoma virus p60v-src was found to be associated with a cellular structure resistant to nonionic detergent extraction that consists primarily of cytoskeletal proteins. On the other hand, nontransforming src proteins, including cellular p60c-src, nonmyristoylated forms, and those inactive in protein kinase, were found in the fraction solubilized by the detergent extraction. p60c-src was detergent-soluble even in transformed cells, suggesting that the association of p60v-src is not a result of cell transformation. Analyses with a variety of Rous sarcoma virus mutants showed a good correlation between the degree of association with the detergent-resistant structure and the extent of cell transformation caused by mutant src proteins, suggesting that this association may be significant for the process of cell transformation by Rous sarcoma virus.
Radiocarbon dates on bones of extinct birds from Hawaii.
Authors: James H F , Stafford T W , Steadman D W , Olson S L , Martin P S , Jull A J , McCoy P C
Published: May 2006

Bones from a stratified sedimentary deposit in the Puu Naio Cave site on Maui, Hawaiian Islands, reveal the late Holocene extinction of 19 species of birds. The age of the sediment and associated fauna was determined by direct radiocarbon dating (tandem particle accelerator-mass spectrometer; TAMS) of amino acids extracted from bones weighing as little as 450 mg. The 14C dates indicate that sediment has been accumulating in the lava tube for at least the last 7750 years, a suitable time frame for testing the hypothesis that Holocene extinction on islands began after human colonization. Despite growing evidence that a worldwide wave of extinctions coincided with human colonization of oceanic islands, little radiometric data have been available to date the extinction of most small fossil vertebrates on islands. The TAMS technique of dating purified collagen from the bones of small vertebrates could lead to vastly improved chronologies of extinction for oceanic islands where catastrophic mid- to late-Holocene extinction is expected or known to have occurred. Chronologies derived from nonarcheological sites that show continuous sedimentation, such as the Puu Naio Cave deposit, may also yield key evidence on the timing of earliest human settlement of Oceania.
Handicapped retroviral vectors efficiently transduce foreign genes into hematopoietic stem cells.
Authors: Hawley R G , Covarrubias L , Hawley T , Mintz B
Published: May 2006

Retroviral vectors, designated handicapped, are described. These are genetically defective viruses that allow transfer of nonselectable genes under the transcriptional control of internal promoters. The basic handicapped vector (pHHAM) is derived from Harvey, Abelson, and Moloney murine retroviruses. It contains a 327-base-pair deletion in the 3' long terminal repeat that spans enhancer and promoter sequences. The deletion is successfully transferred to the 5' long terminal repeat after reverse transcription of viral RNA, yielding a provirus incapable of synthesizing viral transcripts. HHAM viruses containing the mouse c-myc gene under the control of immunoglobulin kappa chain gene regulatory elements, along with a selectable gene (neo) driven by a weak promoter (tk), were stably transmitted to cultured mouse B cells. The donor c-myc gene was transcribed from the kappa promoter in these cells. Helper-free virus-producing cell lines were generated at titers favorable for the efficient introduction of HHAM viruses, even without selection, into hematopoietic stem cells from mouse bone marrow. When returned to unirradiated congenic recipient mice, the cells were capable of long-term reconstitution of the myeloid and lymphoid lineages of W/Wv mutants and the lymphoid system of scid mutants.
Cell-surface antigens of melanoma recognized by human monoclonal antibodies.
Authors: Yamaguchi H , Furukawa K , Fortunato S R , Livingston P O , Lloyd K O , Oettgen H F , Old L J
Published: May 2006

Human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were derived from lymph node lymphocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients with melanoma. Four methods for generating human mAbs were compared: fusion with human [LICR-LON-HMy-2 (LICR-2)] or mouse (NS-1) cells; transformation by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); and EBV transformation followed by NS-1 fusion. NS-1 fusion with lymph node lymphocytes resulted in a higher number of growing hybrids than LICR-2 fusion. Virtually no hybrids were obtained from NS-1 or LICR-2 fusions with PBL. EBV transformed lymphocytes from lymph node and peripheral blood with equal efficiency, and the yield of proliferating cultures for antibody screening was more than 10- to 30-fold greater than that obtained by fusion techniques. However, once antibody-producing cultures had been identified, stability and clonability of EBV-transformed cells were poorer than that of NS-1 hybrid cells. To combine the strengths of both methods, cultures of EBV-transformed cells were fused with NS-1; and hybrid clones were isolated that showed vigorous growth, clonability, and stable antibody secretion. Detailed specificity analysis of the mAbs produced by six of these clones indicated detection of a class 1 (unique) melanoma antigen, a class 3 melanoma antigen, and four ganglioside antigens (GD3, GM3, and two other, as yet uncharacterized, heterophile antigens).
A conserved region at the COOH terminus of human immunodeficiency virus gp120 envelope protein contains an immunodominant epitope.
Authors: Palker T J , Matthews T J , Clark M E , Cianciolo G J , Randall R R , Langlois A J , White G C , Safai B , Snyderman R , Bolognesi D P
Published: May 2006

A highly immunogenic epitope from a conserved COOH-terminal region of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp120 envelope protein has been identified with antisera from HIV-seropositive subjects and a synthetic peptide (SP-22) containing 15 amino acids from this region (Ala-Pro-Thr-Lys-Ala-Lys-Arg-Arg-Val-Val-Gln-Arg-Glu-Lys-Arg). Peptide SP-22 absorbed up to 100% of anti-gp120 antibody reactivity from select HIV+ patient sera in immunoblot assays and up to 79% of serum anti-gp120 antibody reactivity in competition RIA. In RIA, 45% of HIV-seropositive subjects had antibodies that bound to peptide SP-22. Human anti-SP-22 antibodies that bound to and were eluted from an SP-22 affinity column reacted with gp120 in RIA and immunoblot assays but did not neutralize HIV or inhibit HIV-induced syncytium formation in vitro, even though these antibodies comprised 70% of all anti-gp120 antibodies in the test serum. In contrast, the remaining 30% of SP-22 nonreactive anti-gp120 antibodies did not react with gp120 in immunoblot assays but did not react in RIA and neutralized HIV in vitro. Thus, approximately 50% of HIV-seropositive patients make high titers of nonneutralizing antibodies to an immunodominant antigen on gp120 defined by SP-22. Moreover, the COOH terminus of gp120 contains the major antigen or antigens identified by human anti-gp120 antibodies in immunoblot assays.
Evoked release of methionine enkephalin from tolerant/dependent enteric ganglia: paradoxical dependence on morphine.
Authors: Gintzler A R , Chan W C , Glass J
Published: May 2006

Experiments were performed in order to determine whether the state of tolerance to and dependence upon opiates is associated with changes in one or more of the characteristics of the electrically induced release of methionine enkephalin from enteric ganglia. Acute morphine pretreatment substantially reduces the magnitude of the evoked release of this peptide from opiate-naive ilea. However, the rate of the evoked release of enkephalin from morphine-pretreated, tolerant/dependent preparations is indistinguishable from that observed for untreated, naive ilea. Paradoxically, 15 min after acute in vitro withdrawal of morphine form such preparations, the presence of morphine appears to be prerequisite for the manifestation of electrically evoked release of methionine enkephalin. The evoked release of this peptide from ilea 60 min after withdrawal is no longer dependent upon morphine. Moreover, the magnitude of the increase in the rate of enkephalin release from these preparations is almost double that observed for opiate-naive ilea. These data indicate that the manifestation of opiate tolerance/dependence for the release of methionine enkephalin from enteric ganglia comprises several adaptive processes, the consequences of which can be observed at different stages of withdrawal.
Neurite outgrowth on muscle cell surfaces involves extracellular matrix receptors as well as Ca2+-dependent and -independent cell adhesion molecules.
Authors: Bixby J L , Pratt R S , Lilien J , Reichardt L F
Published: May 2006

To identify the molecules on the neuronal surface that mediate axonal growth on myotubes, we have examined neurite formation by ciliary neurons grown on myotubes in the absence or presence of specific antibodies. Dramatic inhibition of neurite outgrowth was seen only when antibodies blocked simultaneously the functions of two cell adhesion molecules--neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) and neural Ca2+-dependent CAM (N-Cal-CAM)--and the neuronal receptors for several extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Although the antibody used to block ECM receptors (JG22) has been shown to eliminate almost all neurite growth on ECMs, it had only small effects on neurite growth on myotubes, reducing somewhat the length of neurites. Similarly, antibodies to the two CAMs, when used alone, had no detectable effects on neurite length and, when used together, had only small inhibitory effects on neurite growth. Combination of anti-ECM receptor (JG22) with antibodies to either CAM, however, greatly shortened the length of neurites. These results imply that ECM receptors and the CAMs N-CAM and N-Cal-CAM are major macromolecules used by neuronal growth cones for interactions with myotubes. Each provides a distinct mechanism for regulating growth cone motility.
Coordinate regulation of stromelysin and collagenase genes determined with cDNA probes.
Authors: Frisch S M , Clark E J , Werb Z
Published: May 2006

Secreted proteinases are required for tumor metastasis, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling during wound healing and embryonic growth. Thus, the regulation of the genes of secreted proteinases may serve as an interesting model for growth-controlled genes in general. We studied the genes of the secreted proteinases stromelysin and collagenase by using molecularly cloned cDNAs from each proteinase. Stromelysin cDNA was cloned by differential screening of a total cDNA library from rabbit synovial cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which yielded a clone of 1.2 kilobase pairs; collagenase cDNA was obtained by cloning reverse transcripts of anti-collagenase-immunoadsorbed polysomal mRNA, which yielded a clone of 0.8 kilobase pairs. Stromelysin and collagenase mRNA species of 2.2 and 2.4 kilobases, respectively, were detected on hybridization blots of RNA from phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-treated but not untreated rabbit synovial cells. Expression of stromelysin mRNA was also induced in rabbit alveolar macrophages and rabbit brain capillary endothelial cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Stromelysin and collagenase mRNA were both induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and cytochalasin B at a constant ratio of the two gene products; this suggests coordinate regulation. The fact that induction was blocked after inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide implicates an indirect signal transduction pathway that requires new protein synthesis.
Human pituitary and placental hormones control human insulin-like growth factor II secretion in human granulosa cells.
Authors: Ramasharma K , Li C H
Published: May 2006

Human granulosa cells cultured with calf serum actively proliferated for 18-20 generation and secreted progesterone into the medium; progesterone levels appeared to decline with increase in generation number. Cells cultured under serum-free conditions secreted significant amounts of progesterone and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II). The progesterone secretion was enhanced by the addition of human follitropin, lutropin, and chorionic gonadotropin but not by growth hormone. These cells, when challenged to varying concentrations of human growth hormone, human chorionic somatomammotropin, human prolactin, chorionic gonadotropin, follitropin, and lutropin, secreted IGF-II into the medium as measured by specific IGF-II RIA. Among these human hormones, chorionic gonadotropin, follitropin, and lutropin were most effective in inducing IGF-II secretion from these cells. When synthetic lutropin-releasing hormone and alpha-inhibin-92 were tested, only lutropin-releasing hormone was effective in releasing IGF-II. The results described suggest that cultured human granulosa cells can proliferate and actively secrete progesterone and IGF-II into the medium. IGF-II production in human granulosa cells was influenced by a multi-hormonal complex including human growth hormone, human chorionic somatomammotropin, and prolactin.
Kinesin is associated with a nonmicrotubule component of sea urchin mitotic spindles.
Authors: Leslie R J , Hird R B , Wilson L , McIntosh J R , Scholey J M
Published: May 2006

Sea urchin embryos in second division have been lysed into microtubule-stabilizing buffers to yield mitotic cytoskeletons (MCSs) that consist of two mitotic spindles surrounded by a cortical array of filaments. Microtubules have been completely extracted from MCSs by incubation at 0 degrees C with Ca2+-containing buffer. An antibody to the microtubule translocator kinesin stains the spindles in MCSs and in MCSs treated with 5 mM ATP and also stains spindle-remnants of the MCSs after the microtubules have been extracted. We conclude that kinesin binds to a nonmicrotubule component in the mitotic spindle. Based on these results, we present several models of kinesin function in the spindle.
Tissue-specific expression of the human type II collagen gene in mice.
Authors: Lovell-Badge R H , Bygrave A , Bradley A , Robertson E , Tilly R , Cheah K S
Published: May 2006

Type II collagen is crucial to the development of form in vertebrates as it is the major protein of cartilage. To study the factors regulating its expression we introduced a cosmid containing the human type II collagen gene, including 4.5 kilobases of 5' and 2.2 kilobases of 3' flanking DNA, into embryonic stem cells in vitro. The transformed cells contribute to all tissues in chimeric mice allowing the expression of the exogenous gene to be studied in vivo. Human type II collagen mRNA is restricted to tissues showing transcription from the endogenous gene and human type II collagen is found in extracellular matrix surrounding chondrocytes in cartilage. The results indicate that the cis-acting requirements for correct temporal and spatial regulation of the gene are contained within the introduced DNA.
Use of phoA gene fusions to identify a pilus colonization factor coordinately regulated with cholera toxin.
Authors: Taylor R K , Miller V L , Furlong D B , Mekalanos J J
Published: May 2006

The transposon TnphoA was used to generate fusions between phoA, the gene for alkaline phosphatase (PhoA), and genes encoding proteins that are secreted by Vibrio cholerae. One of the PhoA+ mutants isolated showed a dramatic reduction in its ability to colonize the intestines of suckling mice. This mutant no longer produced a 20.5-kDa protein (TcpA) that we show is the major subunit of a V. cholerae pilus. Amino-terminal sequence analysis of the TcpA pilus subunit showed that it shares amino acid homology with the pilins produced by several other pathogenic bacteria. The TcpA pilus was coordinately expressed with cholera toxin under various culture conditions, and this effect appeared to be dependent on the transcriptional activator encoded by the toxR gene. We conclude that the toxR gene plays a central role in the transcriptional regulation of multiple virulence genes of V. cholerae.
Interferon-inducible gene maps to a chromosomal band associated with a (4;11) translocation in acute leukemia cells.
Authors: Luster A D , Jhanwar S C , Chaganti R S , Kersey J H , Ravetch J V
Published: May 2006

An interferon-inducible cytokine, IP-10, containing homology to a family of proteins having chemotactic (platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin) and mitogenic (connective tissue-activating peptide III) activities has been mapped to chromosome 4 at band q21, a locus associated with an acute monocytic/B-lymphocyte lineage leukemia that exhibits the nonrandom translocation t(4;11)(q21;q23). In situ hybridization of t(4;11)(q21;q23)-carrying leukemic cells revealed that the IP-10 gene is proximal to the breakpoint of this translocation. No DNA rearrangement was evident when the IP-10 gene was hybridized to genomic DNA isolated from two patients' leukemic cells that contain t(4;11)(q21;q23). However, restriction fragment length polymorphism in the 5' region of the IP-10 gene was detected. The ETS1 protooncogene is located at 11q23 and is known to translocate to chromosome 4 in t(4;11) (q21;q23) and into the interferon gene cluster in (9;11) (p22;q23). Both translocations are associated with acute monocytic leukemia. These results suggest a model in which juxtaposition of genetic loci regulated by antiproliferative signals, such as interferon, next to an oncogene, like ETS1, could effectively short circuit homeostatic control circuits and contribute to the neoplastic state.
Vaccines containing purified GM2 ganglioside elicit GM2 antibodies in melanoma patients.
Authors: Livingston P O , Natoli E J , Calves M J , Stockert E , Oettgen H F , Old L J
Published: May 2006

GM2, GD2, and GD3 gangliosides are expressed on the surface of human melanoma cells and represent potential targets for immunological control of melanoma growth by monoclonal antibodies and active immunization. The immunogenicity of GM2 was investigated by analyzing the humoral immune response of melanoma patients to vaccination with cell lines selected for high GM2 expression and with vaccines containing purified GM2. The whole-cell vaccine and vaccines containing purified GM2 and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) elicited GM2 antibody in a high proportion of patients, particularly in GM2/BCG-vaccinated patients pretreated with cyclophosphamide and given a GM2/BCG booster immunization. Vaccines containing purified GM2 and Salmonella minnesota R595 as the adjuvant were also effective, but only in patients pretreated with cyclophosphamide. GM2 antibodies in vaccinated patients were of the IgM class and were cytotoxic for GM2-positive targets in the presence of human complement.
Allele-specific control of Ia molecule surface expression and conformation: implications for a general model of Ia structure-function relationships.
Authors: Braunstein N S , Germain R N
Published: May 2006

Sequence polymorphism of class II major histocompatibility complex-encoded molecules (Ia) not only accounts for the allelic variability in Ia structure relevant to T-lymphocyte responses but also seems to result in differential quantitative expression of particular Ia heterodimers. The contributions of different allelically variable regions of Ia molecules to both of these processes were analyzed by transfection of L cells with various A beta and A alpha gene pairs. The results show that, with regard to quantitative and qualitative aspects of Ia expression, the polymorphisms in the A beta chain segregate into two groups. Those in the NH2-terminal half of A beta 1 have a consistent role in controlling beta-alpha chain interactions, efficiency of dimer expression, and Ia conformation and probably are in the interior of the Ia molecule at the site of beta-alpha domain interaction. Polymorphisms in the COOH-terminal half of A beta 1 contribute to those structures that directly interact with antibodies, antigen, and/or T-cell receptors, consistent with their presence on the surface of the Ia heterodimer. This analysis provides a model for understanding both overall class II molecular structure and the relationship between this structure and immune recognition. It also suggests an explanation for the evolution of certain features of class II genes.
Monoclonal antibodies with exclusive reactivity against parathyroid cells and tubule cells of the kidney.
Authors: Juhlin C , Holmdahl R , Johansson H , Rastad J , Akerström G , Klareskog L
Published: May 2006

Four monoclonal anti-parathyroid antibodies were generated after immunization of mice with intact cells from human parathyroid tissue. All four monoclonal antibodies reacted in immunohistochemistry with structures present on parathyroid epithelial cells and proximal-tubule cells of the kidney but were unreactive with all other human tissues investigated. Immunofluorescence microscopy on suspended human parathyroid cells showed that the antibodies reacted with structures present on the cell surface. Two of these antibodies efficiently blocked the increase in cytoplasmic calcium concentration of parathyroid cells that is normally associated with increased concentrations of extracellular calcium. The results indicate that these two antibodies interfere with a calcium-sensing mechanism of parathyroid cells--i.e., a potential calcium receptor by which extracellular calcium regulates cytoplasmic calcium and hormone release in these cells.
Beta-tubulin mutants of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
Authors: Bolduc C , Lee V D , Huang B
Published: May 2006

Two beta-tubulin mutants of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii have been isolated on the basis of altered sensitivity to the growth-inhibitory effect of colchicine. The two mutations of colR4 and colR15 have been found to be tightly linked, mapping to a previously unmarked site in linkage group XII. The drug-resistance phenotypes of both mutations segregated in genetic crosses with the presence of distinct, acidic variant beta-tubulin isoforms found assembled into the microtubules of the flagella. Analysis of the in vitro translation products of total poly(A)+ RNA from the mutants provided evidence that the variant proteins are altered primary beta-tubulin gene products. Compared to wild type, strains carrying the mutations expressed an increased resistance to the inhibitory effects of colchicine in clonal growth, flagellar assembly, and germination of meiotic products, suggesting that the beta-tubulin altered in the mutants participates in multiple microtubule functions.
HT-29 cells are an in vitro model for the generation of cell polarity in epithelia during embryonic differentiation.
Authors: Le Bivic A , Hirn M , Reggio H
Published: May 2006

A monoclonal antibody that recognizes a membrane glycoprotein specific for the apical membrane of human colonic epithelial cells has been used to follow the differentiation and polarization of a cell line, HT-29, derived from a human colon adenocarcinoma. When these cells formed a polarized epithelium, the antigen was concentrated at the apical plasma membrane. It was also found intracellularly in vesicles and vacuoles. When HT-29 cells were undifferentiated and unpolarized, the antigen was not expressed significantly at the plasma membrane but was found concentrated in the membranes of intracellular vacuoles. Cells not yet organized into an epithelium may thus synthesize a membrane protein specific for their future apical membranes and store it intracellularly until the polarization process takes place. Intermediary stages of differentiation were occasionally recognized. They are characterized by a small number of cells surrounding an intercellular lumen. These lumina displayed apical membrane features (the presence of the apical antigen, of some microvilli, and of junctional complexes), although the cells were not fully differentiated. The differentiation process in HT-29 cells is apparently similar to that observed during embryonic development of the intestine. Therefore, HT-29 cells represent a useful model system to study epithelial differentiation in vitro.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae BAR1 gene encodes an exported protein with homology to pepsin.
Authors: MacKay V L , Welch S K , Insley M Y , Manney T R , Holly J , Saari G C , Parker M L
Published: May 2006

Saccharomyces cerevisiae a cells secrete an extracellular protein, called "barrier" activity, that acts as an antagonist of alpha factor, the peptide mating pheromone produced by mating-type alpha cells. We report here the DNA sequence of BAR1, the structural gene for barrier activity. The deduced primary translation product of 587 amino acids has a putative signal peptide, nine potential asparagine-linked glycosylation sites, and marked sequence similarity of the first two-thirds of the protein with pepsin-like proteases. Barrier activity was abolished by in vitro mutation of an aspartic acid predicted from this sequence homology to be in the active site. Therefore, barrier protein is probably a protease that cleaves alpha factor. The sequence similarity suggests that the first two-thirds of the barrier protein is organized into two distinct structural domains like those of the pepsin-like proteases. However, the BAR1 gene product has a third carboxyl-terminal domain of unknown function; deletion of at least 166 of the 191 amino acids of this region has no significant effect on barrier activity.
Mutation of aspartic acid-351, lysine-352, and lysine-515 alters the Ca2+ transport activity of the Ca2+-ATPase expressed in COS-1 cells.
Authors: Maruyama K , MacLennan D H
Published: May 2006

Full-length cDNAs encoding neonatal and adult isoforms of the Ca2+-ATPase of rabbit fast-twitch skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum were expressed transiently in COS-1 cells. The microsomal fraction isolated from transfected COS-1 cells contained immunoreactive Ca2+-ATPase and catalyzed Ca2+ transport at rates at least 15-fold above controls. No differences were observed in either the rates or Ca2+ dependency of Ca2+ transport catalyzed by the two isoforms. Aspartic acid-351, the site of formation of the catalytic acyl phosphate in the enzyme, was mutated to asparagine, glutamic acid, serine, threonine, histidine, or alanine. In every case, Ca2+ transport activity and Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation were eliminated. Ca2+ transport was also eliminated by mutation of lysine-352 to arginine, glutamine, or glutamic acid or by mutation of Asp351-Lys352 to Lys351-Asp352. Mutation of lysine-515, the site of fluorescein isothiocyanate modification in the enzyme, resulted in diminished Ca2+ transport activity as follows: arginine, 60%; glutamine, 25%; glutamic acid, 5%. These results demonstrate the absolute requirement of acylphosphate formation for the Ca2+ transport function and define a residue important for ATP binding. They also demonstrate the feasibility of a thorough analysis of active sites in the Ca2+-ATPase by expression and site-specific mutagenesis.
Chromosomal mapping of the structural gene coding for the mouse cell adhesion molecule uvomorulin.
Authors: Eistetter H R , Adolph S , Ringwald M , Simon-Chazottes D , Schuh R , Guénet J L , Kemler R
Published: May 2006

The gene coding for the mouse cell adhesion molecule uvomorulin has been mapped to chromosome 8. Uvomorulin cDNA clone F5H3 identified restriction fragment length polymorphisms in Southern blots of genomic DNA from mouse species Mus musculus domesticus and Mus spretus. By analyzing the segregation pattern of the gene in 75 offspring from an interspecific backcross a single genetic locus, Um, was defined on chromosome 8. Recombination frequency between Um and the co-segregating loci serum esterase 1 (Es-1) and tyrosine aminotransferase (Tat) places Um about 14 centimorgan (cM) distal to Es-1, and 5 cM proximal to Tat. In situ hybridization of uvomorulin [3H]cDNA to mouse metaphase chromosomes located the Um locus close to the distal end of chromosome 8 (bands C3-E1). Since uvomorulin is evolutionarily highly conserved, its chromosomal assignment adds an important marker to the mouse genetic map.
Analysis of genetic variability and mapping of point mutations in influenza virus by the RNase A mismatch cleavage method.
Authors: Lopez-Galindez C , Lopez J A , Melero J A , de la Fuente L , Martinez C , Ortin J , Perucho M
Published: May 2006

We have applied the RNase A mismatch cleavage method to analyze genetic variability in RNA viruses by using influenza virus as a model system. Uniformly labeled RNA probes synthesized from a cloned hemagglutinin gene of a given viral strain were hybridized to RNA isolated from other strains of characterized or uncharacterized genetic composition. The RNA.RNA heteroduplexes containing a variable number of base mismatches were digested with RNase A, and the resistant products were analyzed by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We show that many of these single base mismatches are cleaved by RNase A, generating unique and characteristic patterns of resistant RNA fragments specific for each of the different viral strains. Comparative analysis of the cleavage patterns allows a qualitative estimation of the genetic relatedness and evolution of field strains. We also show that cleavage by RNase A at single base mismatches can readily detect and localize point mutations present in monoclonal antibody-resistant variants. This method should have wide applications in the study of RNA viruses, not only for epidemiological analysis but also in some diagnostic problems, such as characterization of phenotypic mutants.
Growth-associated protein GAP-43 is expressed selectively in associative regions of the adult human brain.
Authors: Neve R L , Finch E A , Bird E D , Benowitz L I
Published: May 2006

GAP-43 is a neuron-specific phosphoprotein that has been linked with the development and functional modulation of synaptic relationships. cDNAs for the human GAP-43 gene were used to reveal high overall levels of GAP-43 mRNA in a number of integrative areas of the neocortex, but low levels in cortical areas involved in the initial processing of sensory information, in several brainstem structures, and in caudate-putamen. Neurons expressing highest levels of GAP-43 mRNA were found by in situ hybridization to be concentrated in layer 2 of association cortex and in hippocampal pyramidal cells. Control studies showed that several other RNAs had regional distributions that were different from GAP-43, although the mRNA encoding the precursor of the Alzheimer amyloid beta protein followed a similar pattern of expression. These results suggest that a restricted subset of cortical and hippocampal neurons may be specialized for synaptic remodeling and might play a role in information storage in the human brain.
Distinct P-glycoprotein precursors are overproduced in independently isolated drug-resistant cell lines.
Authors: Greenberger L M , Lothstein L , Williams S S , Horwitz S B
Published: May 2006

A family of P-glycoproteins are overproduced in multidrug-resistant cells derived from the murine macrophage-like line J774.2. To determine whether individual family members are overproduced in response to different drugs, the P-glycoprotein precursors in several independently isolated cell lines, which were selected for resistance to vinblastine or taxol, were compared. Individual cell lines selected with vinblastine overproduced P-glycoprotein precursors of either 120 or 125 kDa. Taxol-selected cell lines overproduced either the 125-kDa precursor or both precursors simultaneously. Two similar but distinct peptide maps for the mature P-glycoproteins were observed. These maps corresponded to each precursor regardless of the drug used for selection. One vinblastine-resistant cell line switched from the 125- to the 120-kDa precursor when grown in increasing concentrations of drug. This change coincided with the overexpression of a distinct subset of mRNA species that code for P-glycoprotein. It is concluded that precursor expression is not drug-specific. These data suggest that individual overproduced P-glycoprotein family members are translated as distinct polypeptides. The results may help to explain the diversity in the multidrug-resistant phenotype.
Coupling of vectorial proton flow to a biochemical reaction by local electric interactions.
Authors: Kamp F , Astumian R D , Westerhoff H V
Published: May 2006

For a transmembrane redox enzyme and a (passive) protonophore, the complete set of rate equations is given. Turnover causes cyclic variation of their electric polarization. This is responsible not only for effects of the electric field on the rate constants but also for the generation of an electric field felt by neighboring molecules. It is calculated that, when the systems are close together at a fixed distance, cycling of the two systems becomes coupled enabling the protonophore to pump protons against their electrochemical gradient. If the electrochemical gradient for protons approaches the input force of the redox reaction, slip (incomplete coupling between the chemical and proton-transport reactions) results. By using different sets of parameters, both kinetically reversible and kinetically irreversible proton pumps can be simulated.
Determination of the aggregate size in detergent solution of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-protein complex from chloroplast membranes
Authors: Butler P. J. G. , Kühlbrandt W.
Published: May 2006

The molecular mass of an oligomeric integral membrane protein, the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-protein complex from the photosynthetic membranes of chloroplasts, has been determined in detergent solution by analytical ultracentrifugation and measurement of the density increment at constant chemical potential of all diffusible solutes. The technique used eliminates any problems resulting from detergent binding to the protein, is independent of the particular detergent used (in this case the nonionic
n
-octyl β-D-glucopyranoside), and gives the apparent weight-average molecular mass at different protein concentrations, allowing extrapolation to zero concentration. It means that the solutions of the complex must be brought to dialysis equilibrium with the solvent detergent solution and also requires a reliable method for measuring the protein concentration, for which amino acid analysis was used. The detergent-solubilized complex was a trimer that dissociated into monomers and dimers at low protein concentration. The accurate concentration determinations also allowed the molar chlorophyll-to-protein ratio to be measured as 15, corresponding to 8 chlorophyll a and 7 chlorophyll b molecules.
Differences in receptor-evoked membrane electrical responses in native and mRNA-injected Xenopus oocytes.
Authors: Oron Y , Gillo B , Gershengorn M C
Published: May 2006

Xenopus laevis oocytes are giant cells suitable for studies of plasma membrane receptors and signal transduction pathways because of their capacity to express receptors after injection of heterologous mRNA. We studied depolarizing chloride currents evoked by acetylcholine (AcCho) in native oocytes ("intrinsic AcCho response"), by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in oocytes injected with pituitary (GH3) cell RNA ("acquired TRH response"), and by AcCho in oocytes injected with rat brain RNA ("acquired AcCho response"). We found differences in the latencies and patterns of these responses and in the responsiveness to these agonists when applied to the animal or vegetal hemisphere, even though all of the responses are mediated by the same signal transduction pathway. The common intrinsic response to AcCho is characterized by minimal latency (0.86 +/- 0.05 sec), a rapid, transient depolarization followed by a distinct prolonged depolarization, and larger responses obtained after AcCho application at the vegetal rather than the animal hemisphere. By contrast, the acquired responses to TRH and AcCho are characterized by much longer latencies, 9.3 +/- 1.0 and 5.5 +/- 0.8 sec, respectively, and large rapid depolarizations followed by less distinct prolonged depolarizations. The responsiveness on the two hemispheres to TRH and AcCho in mRNA-injected oocytes is opposite to that for the common intrinsic AcCho response in that there is a much greater response when agonist is applied at the animal rather than the vegetal hemisphere. We suggest that the differences in these responses are caused by differences in the intrinsic properties of these receptors. Because different receptors appear to be segregated in the same oocyte in distinct localizations, Xenopus oocytes may be an important model system in which to study receptor sorting in polarized cells.
Variable expression of extracellular polysaccharide in the marine bacterium
Pseudomonas atlantica
is controlled by genome rearrangement
Authors: Bartlett Douglas H. , Wright Miriam E. , Silverman Michael
Published: May 2006

Production of extracellular polysaccharide by the marine bacterium
Pseudomonas atlantica
is a variable trait. Strains that produce extracellular polysaccharide (EPS
+
) have a mucoid colony phenotype, but during cultivation in the laboratory nonmucoid, EPS
-
variants arise that have a crenated colony morphology. This change is reversible since crenated variants rapidly switch to the original mucoid phenotype. We have cloned the locus (
eps
) controlling variable expression of EPS production by screening a recombinant cosmid library for clones that restore EPS production in the crenated variant. By using
eps
as a probe of genomic structure in variant strains, expression of EPS production was found to be controlled by a specific DNA rearrangement. Insertion of a 1.2-kilobase-pair DNA sequence in the
eps
locus results in EPS
-
, whereas excision of the sequence restores the EPS
+
phenotype. Properties of the rearrangement suggest the involvement of a mobile genetic element. The possible significance of this DNA rearrangement to the survival of
P. atlantica
in the ocean is discussed.
Mapping antigenic domains expressed by Chlamydia trachomatis major outer membrane protein genes.
Authors: Baehr W , Zhang Y X , Joseph T , Su H , Nano F E , Everett K D , Caldwell H D
Published: May 2006

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate prokaryotic intracellular pathogen of humans that infects mucosal epithelial cells. Exposed domains of its major outer membrane protein (MOMP) are both serotyping and protective antigenic determinants. To identify these domains, we have cloned and epitope-mapped the genes of serovars A, C (C serogroup) and L2, B (B serogroup) with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Predominantly conserved regions of the genes of both serogroups are interspersed with four short variable domains (I-IV). Recombinant phage clones expressing specific MOMP antigenic determinants revealed that protective serotype-specific recognized epitopes in variable domains I and II. Protective subspecies and serogroup-specific mAbs recognized overlapping determinants in variable domain IV near the C terminus. A nonprotective species-specific mAb mapped to an invariant peptide of nine residues contained within variable domain IV. In the intact chlamydial organism of serovar B, variable domains II and IV were susceptible to proteolytic digestion, whereas both N and C termini were protected. These results suggest an arrangement of MOMP in the outer membrane in which three of the four variable domains are exposed to the outside and in which both N and C termini are presumably oriented toward the periplasmic space. This molecular analysis of MOMP antigenic determinants and their surface topology on intact chlamydiae will be useful toward the development of a recombinant subunit or synthetic chlamydial vaccine.
Use of an Epstein-Barr virus episomal replicon for anti-sense RNA-mediated gene inhibition in a human cytotoxic T-cell clone.
Authors: Hambor J E , Hauer C A , Shu H K , Groger R K , Kaplan D R , Tykocinski M L
Published: May 2006

A methodology was developed for stable gene transfer into cloned nontransformed human T lymphocytes. Stable high-level gene expression was achieved in cloned human T cells by using a self-replicating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) episomal replicon. A comparison of five eukaryotic promoters established that the Rous sarcoma virus 3' long terminal repeat (RSV 3' LTR) and the lymphopapilloma virus (LPV) 5' LTR are optimal for episome-based expression in T cells. Effective (greater than 95%), selective, and reversible anti-sense RNA-mediated gene inhibition of a model T-cell-associated molecule (CD8) was achieved in a cytotoxic human T-cell clone by using an EBV episome-based, RSV 3' LTR-driven expression system. The linking of anti-sense RNA mutagenesis and T-cell cloning technologies should contribute significantly to studies of human T-cell function.
Polymorphism in the Mr 32,000 Rh protein purified from Rh(D)-positive and -negative erythrocytes.
Authors: Saboori A M , Smith B L , Agre P
Published: May 2006

A Mr 32,000 integral membrane protein has previously been identified on erythrocytes bearing the Rh(D) antigen and is thought to contain the antigenic variations responsible for the different Rh phenotypes. To study it on a biochemical level, a simple large-scale method was developed to purify the Mr 32,000 Rh protein from multiple units of Rh(D)-positive and -negative blood. Erythrocyte membrane vesicles were solubilized in NaDodSO4, and a tracer of immunoprecipitated 125I surface-labeled Rh protein was added. The Rh protein was purified to homogeneity by hydroxylapatite chromatography followed by preparative NaDodSO4/PAGE. Approximately 25 nmol of pure Rh protein was recovered from each unit of Rh(D)-positive and -negative blood. Rh protein purified from both Rh phenotypes appeared similar by one-dimensional NaDodSO4/PAGE, and the N-terminal amino acid sequences for the first 20 residues were identical. Rh proteins purified from Rh(D)-positive and -negative blood were compared by two-dimensional iodopeptide mapping after 125I-labeling and alpha-chymotrypsin digestion. The peptide maps were very similar; however, at least two additional iodopeptides were consistently noted in the Rh proteins purified from Rh(D)-positive erythrocytes. These data indicate that a similar core Rh protein (or group of related proteins) exists in both Rh(D)-positive and -negative erythrocytes, and the Rh proteins from erythrocytes with different Rh phenotypes contain distinct structural polymorphisms.
Electrophysiological characterization of cloned m1 muscarinic receptors expressed in A9 L cells.
Authors: Jones S V , Barker J L , Bonner T I , Buckley N J , Brann M R
Published: May 2006

The electrophysiological properties of A9 L cells stably transfected with m1 muscarinic receptor cDNA were examined by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. In current-clamp recordings, acetylcholine (AcCho) elicited a hyperpolarization of all transfected cells studied but had no effect on nontransfected A9 L cells. In voltage-clamp recordings, AcCho elicited an outward current at -50 mV accompanied by an increase in conductance. The onset of the current response was consistently delayed by several seconds with respect to the onset of the application of AcCho and could not be accounted for by diffusion. The AcCho-induced currents were reversibly inhibited by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (1 microM) but were unaffected by the nicotinic receptor antagonist tubocurarine (50 microM). Ion-substitution experiments replacing K+ with N-methyl-D-glucamine and Cl- with methanesulfonate indicated that the current was carried mainly by K+, although a minor part appeared to be carried by Cl-. The AcCho-induced current could be blocked by the K+ channel blocking agents tetraethylammonium ion, 4-aminopyridine, apamin, and Ba2+ but not by Cs+. The AcCho-induced current was inhibited when 5 mM 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) was included in the patch pipette or when extracellular Cd2+ or Co2+ was applied, indicating a role for intracellular Ca2+ in the generation of the response. Thus, these results show that cloned m1 muscarinic receptors expressed in A9 L cells can activate a Ca2+-dependent K+ conductance, possibly via a second-messenger system.
Influence of substrate on the distribution of calcium channels in identified leech neurons in culture.
Authors: Ross W N , Aréchiga H , Nicholls J G
Published: May 2006

The Retzius neuron from the leech, growing in culture on the plant lectin concanavalin A as substrate, produces broad flat growth cones and thick bundles of processes. The same cell extends fine straight processes with numerous branches when grown on a laminin-like substrate extracted from leech central nervous system extracellular matrix, referred to as "leech laminin extract." Cells growing on these two different substrates also show marked differences in the pattern of Ca2+ entry following evoked impulses, as detected optically by local changes in absorbance of the Ca2+-sensitive dye arsenazo III. Ca2+ enters the soma and initial segment of Retzius cells grown on both substrates. However, detectable Ca2+ entry only occurs into the processes of cells growing on leech laminin but not of those growing on concanavalin A. Optical recordings of changes in membrane potential made with the voltage-sensitive dye RH 155 taken from cells growing on either substrate indicate that a depolarization initiated in the soma spreads to the most distant processes with little or no distortion in amplitude or time course. This implies that all voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in the cell membrane are equally activated by depolarizing stimuli. Therefore, the fact that impulses evoke Ca2+ entry into processes of Retzius cells grown on leech laminin extract but not of cells grown on concanavalin A shows that the nature of the growth substrate can affect the number and distribution of their functional Ca2+ channels.