bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genetic analysis of extinction: trans-regulation of 16 liver-specific genes in hepatoma-fibroblast hybrid cells.
Authors: Chin A C , Fournier R E
Published: May 2006

Hybrid cells formed by fusing different cell types generally fail to express the tissue-specific products of either parent, a phenomenon termed extinction. We have investigated the generality of this effect by assaying hepatoma-fibroblast hybrids for expression of 16 different liver-specific mRNAs. Fourteen of the mRNAs failed to accumulate in karyotypically complete hybrid clones, and quantitative measurements indicated that steady-state mRNA levels were depressed by a factor of at least 500-1000. However, all 14 liver-specific mRNAs were reexpressed in the hybrids following fibroblast chromosome loss. These data indicate that expression of whole sets of tissue-specific genes is affected in trans in intertypic hybrids and suggest that negative regulation of heterologous functions may be common form of gene control.
Murine Ly-6 multigene family is located on chromosome 15.
Authors: LeClair K P , Rabin M , Nesbitt M N , Pravtcheva D , Ruddle F H , Palfree R G , Bothwell A
Published: May 2006

Murine Ly-6-encoded molecules play an important role in the antigen-independent activation of lymphocytes. We have described the cloning of a cDNA encoding the protein component of an Ly-6 molecule. Hybridization studies indicated that this cDNA identified multiple DNA fragments on Southern blots. The banding pattern exhibits a restriction fragment length polymorphism from mice bearing either the Ly-6a or the Ly-6b allele. We have employed three independent chromosomal mapping techniques, somatic cell hybrids, in situ hybridization, and strain distribution pattern analysis of the restriction fragment length polymorphism of DNA from recombinant inbred lines, to ascertain the chromosomal origins of these bands. We report that all members of the Ly-6 multigene family are tightly linked on chromosome 15 and have been regionalized by in situ hybridization analysis to band 15E on the distal portion of this chromosome. Linkage analysis has indicated that the Ly-6 genes are located within 1 map unit of Env-54 (a retroviral envelope restriction fragment length polymorphism probe), 3 map units from ins-1, (insulin-related gene), and 4 map units from the protooncogene c-sis. The possible involvement of the Ly-6 lymphocyte activation and differentiation antigen genes in chromosome 15-related lymphoid malignancies is discussed.
Inhibition of the production and maintenance of long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices by a monoclonal antibody.
Authors: Stanton P K , Sarvey J M , Moskal J R
Published: May 2006

Monoclonal antibodies generated to 5-day-old postnatal rat dentate gyri were tested for their effects on long-term potentiation (LTP) in rat hippocampal slices. One antibody, B6E11, was found to block the production of LTP and to suppress established LTP in both area CA1 of the hippocampus and the dentate gyrus. In CA1, B6E11 was effective only when applied to the apical dendrites synapsing with the potentiating input. The production of LTP could not be blocked if B6E11 was applied to the cell bodies or to the basal dendrites of CA1. In field CA1, B6E11 had no effect on the production of short-term potentiation. Another monoclonal antibody from the same panel as B6E11, of the same immunoglobulin class, which also binds to hippocampal neurons similarly to B6E11, had no effect on LTP production. These results supply evidence that B6E11 modulates LTP by an interaction with a specific cell-surface protein associated with the dendrites of neurons in both dentate gyrus and CA1 regions.
Expression of a fms-related oncogene in carcinogen-induced neoplastic epithelial cells.
Authors: Walker C , Nettesheim P , Barrett J C , Gilmer T M
Published: May 2006

Following carcinogen exposure in vitro, normal rat tracheal epithelial cells are transformed in a multistage process in which the cultured cells become immortal and, ultimately, neoplastic. Five cell lines derived from tumors produced by neoplastically transformed rat tracheal epithelial cells were examined for the expression of 11 cellular oncogenes previously implicated in pulmonary or epithelial carcinogenesis. RNA homologous to fms was expressed at a level 5-19 times higher than normal tracheal epithelial cells in three of five of the tumor-derived lines. All three lines expressing high levels of fms-related RNA gave rise to invasive tumors of epithelial origin when injected into nude mice. Increased expression of the fms-related mRNA was not due to gene amplification, and no gene rearrangement was detected by Southern analyses. RNA blot analysis using a 3' v-fms probe detected a 9.5-kilobase message in the three tumor-derived lines, whereas both normal rat alveolar macrophages and the human choriocarcinoma line BeWo expressed a fms transcript of approximately 4 kilobases. We conclude from these data that the gene expressed as a 9.5-kilobase transcript in these neoplastic epithelial cells is a member of a fms-related gene family but may be distinct from the gene that encodes the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) receptor.
Isolation of the tissue factor inhibitor produced by HepG2 hepatoma cells.
Authors: Broze G J , Miletich J P
Published: May 2006

Progressive inhibition of tissue factor activity occurs upon its addition to human plasma (serum). This process requires the presence of factor VII(a), facto-X(a), Ca2+, and another component in plasma that we have called the tissue factor inhibitor (TFI). A TFI secreted by HepG2 cells (human hepatoma cell line) was isolated from serum-free conditioned medium in a four-step procedure including CdCl2 precipitation, diisopropylphosphoryl-factor Xa affinity chromatography, Sephadex G-75 superfine gel filtration, and Mono Q ion-exchange chromatography. The purified TFI contained a predominant band at Mr 38,000 on NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis that comigrates with inhibitory activity. Like the activity present in plasma, this TFI requires the presence of factor VII(a), factor X(a), and Ca2+ to express inhibitory activity. Its specific activity (assuming an extinction coefficient of 10 at 280 nM, for a 1-cm path length through a 1% solution) was 9800 units/mg of protein, where 1 unit of TFI activity was defined as that present in 1 ml of normal pooled serum.
Neural computation by concentrating information in time.
Authors: Tank D W , Hopfield J J
Published: May 2006

An analog model neural network that can solve a general problem of recognizing patterns in a time-dependent signal is presented. The networks use a patterned set of delays to collectively focus stimulus sequence information to a neural state at a future time. The computational capabilities of the circuit are demonstrated on tasks somewhat similar to those necessary for the recognition of words in a continuous stream of speech. The network architecture can be understood from consideration of an energy function that is being minimized as the circuit computes. Neurobiological mechanisms are known for the generation of appropriate delays.
Oligonucleotides with rapid turnover of the phosphate groups occur endogenously in eukaryotic cells.
Authors: Plesner P , Goodchild J , Kalckar H M , Zamecnik P C
Published: May 2006

Endogenous oligonucleotides were found in trichloroacetic acid extracts of hamster lung fibroblasts and Tetrahymena cells. Peaks of radioactivity that eluted with retention times similar to oligonucleotide markers (5- to 50-mer) were found by HPLC in cells labeled briefly with 32Pi. Only minute amounts of UV-absorbing material were detected, consistent with a rapid turnover of phosphate groups. The 32P-labeled material also migrated as oligonucleotides on 20% polyacrylamide gels; it was not hydrolyzed by alkaline phosphatase but was digested by snake venom phosphodiesterase, S1 nuclease, and pancreatic RNase and was phosphorylated by T4 polynucleotide kinase. The 32P-labeled material isolated by HPLC was alkali labile and the hydrolyzate ran as nucleotides on paper chromatography. It is concluded that the oligonucleotides are mainly oligoribonucleotides, but it is possible that oligodeoxynucleotides are also present.
Tandem linkage and unusual RNA splicing of the T-cell receptor beta-chain variable-region genes.
Authors: Chou H S , Anderson S J , Louie M C , Godambe S A , Pozzi M R , Behlke M A , Huppi K , Loh D Y
Published: May 2006

The variable-region (V) genes of the murine T-cell receptor beta chain exist largely as single-element subfamilies. The V beta 5 and V beta 8 genes belong to the only two known three-member V beta subfamilies. We present studies on the linkage of these six genes and show that the genomic organization is that of alternating V beta 5 and V beta 8 genes. Our analysis suggests that these genes were tandemly duplicated, the unit of duplication being a pair of V beta 5 and V beta 8 genes. This tandem organization permits transcripts to initiate from the promoter of an unrearranged V beta located upstream of the rearranged V beta gene. These transcripts can generate functional beta-chain gene messages by novel RNA splicing of the upstream leader exon to the V beta coding exon of the downstream rearranged gene. We extend the analysis of the T-cell receptor genomic organization to include 12 V beta genes and suggest that all V beta genes are closely linked on chromosome 6. In addition, we discuss the possible implications of the close linkage of the V beta genes on the development of the T-cell receptor beta-chain gene repertoire.
Cancer genes: rare recombinants instead of activated oncogenes (a review).
Authors: Duesberg P H
Published: May 2006

The 20 known transforming (onc) genes of retroviruses are defined by sequences that are transduced from cellular genes termed protooncogenes or cellular oncogenes. Based on these sequences, viral onc genes have been postulated to be transduced cellular cancer genes, and proto-onc genes have been postulated to be latent cancer genes that can be activated from within the cell to cause virus-negative tumors. The hypothesis is popular because it promises direct access to cellular cancer genes. However, the existence of latent cancer genes presents a paradox, since such genes are clearly undesirable. The hypothesis predicts that viral onc genes and proto-onc genes are isogenic; that expression of proto-onc genes induces tumors; that activated proto-onc genes transform diploid cells upon transfection, like viral onc genes; and that diploid tumors exist. As yet, none of these predictions is confirmed. Instead: Structural comparisons between viral onc genes, essential retroviral genes, and proto-onc genes show that all viral onc genes are indeed new genes, rather than transduced cellular cancer genes. They are recombinants put together from truncated viral and truncated proto-onc genes. Proto-onc genes are frequently expressed in normal cells. To date, not one activated proto-onc gene has been isolated that transforms diploid cells. Above all, no diploid tumors with activated proto-onc genes have been found. Moreover, the probability of spontaneous transformation in vivo is at least 10(9) times lower than predicted from the mechanisms thought to activate proto-onc genes. Therefore, the hypothesis that proto-onc genes are latent cellular oncogenes appears to be an overinterpretation of sequence homology to structural and functional homology with viral onc genes. Here it is proposed that only rare truncations and illegitimate recombinations that alter the germ-line configuration of cellular genes generate viral and possibly cellular cancer genes. The clonal chromosome abnormalities that are consistently found in tumor cells are microscopic evidence for rearrangements that may generate cancer genes. The clonality indicates that the tumors are initiated with, and possibly by, these abnormalities, as predicted by Boveri in 1914.
Two promoters, one inducible and one constitutive, control transcription of the Streptomyces lividans galactose operon.
Authors: Fornwald J A , Schmidt F J , Adams C W , Rosenberg M , Brawner M E
Published: May 2006

Galactose utilization in Streptomyces lividans was shown to be controlled by an operon that is induced in the presence of galactose and repressed by glucose. Two promoters, galP1 and galP2, which direct transcription of two distinct polycistronic transcripts, have been identified. galP1 is located immediately upstream of the operon and is induced in the presence of galactose. This promoter directs transcription of the galT, galE, and galK genes. The second promoter, galP2, is located within the operon just upstream of the galE gene. This promoter is responsible for constitutive transcription of the galE and galK genes. Comparison of the S. lividans gal operon to the Escherichia coli gal operon indicates the presence of a constitutive promoter positioned upstream of galE in both operons. We suggest that coupling the operon's constitutive promoter to the galE gene fulfills a physiological requirement for constitutive UDPgalactose 4-epimerase expression in Streptomyces.
Extensive genetic divergence associated with speciation in filamentous fungi
Authors: Vilgalys R. J. , Johnson J. L.
Published: May 2006

Little is known about genetic differentiation during speciation in fungi. The
Collybia dryophila
complex (Basidiomycetes: Tricholomataceae) contains several closely related groups of fungi at various levels of evolutionary divergence. Mating compatibility studies show there are several intersterile groups within the complex, three of which are distributed over two or more continents. Genetic relationships among five intersterility groups were compared by the method of DNA·DNA hybridization. Clustering techniques were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of these fungi. Genic identity based on DNA·DNA hybridization corresponds well with mating compatibility. Reduced genic identity was observed between geographically isolated populations of a single mating group. This evidence suggests an allopatric mode of evolution for the
C. dryophila
group. These results indicate extensive genic divergence is associated with the appearance of intersterility barriers in basidiomycetous fungi. The levels of divergence observed in these and in other fungi are significantly higher than that observed in many other eukaryotes, and this suggests that the rate of molecular or morphological evolution in fungi may differ from that found in other organisms.
Human complement C3b/C4b receptor (CR1) mRNA polymorphism that correlates with the CR1 allelic molecular weight polymorphism.
Authors: Holers V M , Chaplin D D , Leykam J F , Gruner B A , Kumar V , Atkinson J P
Published: May 2006

The human C3b/C4b receptor (CR1) is a Mr approximately equal to 200,000 single-chain integral membrane glycoprotein of human erythrocytes and leukocytes. It functions both as a receptor for C3b- and C4b-coated ligands and as a regulator of complement activation. Prior structural studies have defined an unusual molecular weight allelic polymorphism in which the allelic products differ in molecular weight by as much as 90,000. On peripheral blood cells there is codominant expression of CR1 gene products of Mr 190,000 (A), 220,000 (B), 160,000 (C), and 250,000 (D). Results of prior biosynthetic and tryptic peptide mapping experiments have suggested that the most likely basis for the allelic molecular weight differences is at the polypeptide level. In order to define further the molecular basis for these molecular weight differences, human CR1 was purified to homogeneity, tryptic peptide fragments were isolated by HPLC and sequenced, oligonucleotide probes were prepared, and a CR1 cDNA was identified. A subclone of this CR1 cDNA was used as a probe of RNA blots of Epstein-Barr virus-transformed cell lines expressing the allelic variants. Each allelic variant encodes two distinct transcripts. A mRNA size polymorphism was identified that correlated with the gene product molecular weight polymorphism. This finding, in addition to a prior report of several homologous repeats in CR1, is consistent with the hypothesis that the molecular weight polymorphism is determined at the genomic level and may have been generated by unequal crossing-over.
Localization of angiotensin II receptors in ovarian follicles and the identification of angiotensin II in rat ovaries.
Authors: Husain A , Bumpus F M , De Silva P , Speth R C
Published: May 2006

Specific, high-affinity (Kd approximately equal to 0.6 nM), and saturable (3.3 fmol/mg of tissue, wet weight) binding of 125I-labeled [Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II to rat ovarian membranes was observed. Displacement of 125I-labeled [Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding to rat ovarian membranes by angiotensin II analogs and fragments resembled the potency order of these compounds on angiotensin II receptors in other tissues: [Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II greater than angiotensin II greater than des-Asp1-angiotensin II greater than angiotensin I greater than des-Asp1,Arg2-angiotensin II. Several unrelated peptides, including follicle-stimulating hormone at 10 microM, did not displace ovarian 125I-labeled [Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding. Autoradiograms of 125I-labeled [Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding to ovarian sections indicated that the angiotensin II receptor binding sites were localized exclusively to a subpopulation of follicles, occurring on the granulosa and theca interna cells. Other follicles were devoid of 125I-labeled [Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding sites. Angiotensin II immunoreactive material was also identified in the ovary. The concentration of ovarian Ang II immunoreactivity was 8- to 75-fold greater than that of plasma, was not reduced in bilaterally nephrectomized rats, and was shown by high-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis to be the native angiotensin II octapeptide. The presence of angiotensin II and its receptor binding sites in the ovary suggests a role for angiotensin II as a regulator of ovarian function.
Gamma-actin: unusual mRNA 3'-untranslated sequence conservation and amino acid substitutions that may be cancer related.
Authors: Chou C C , Davis R C , Fuller M L , Slovin J P , Wong A , Wright J , Kania S , Shaked R , Gatti R A , Salser W A
Published: May 2006

beta-Actin mutations in chemically transformed human cell lines have been associated with tumorigenicity, an association consistent with other evidence suggesting that altered cytoskeletal proteins may have an important role in cancer initiation or progression. From a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, we have isolated a gamma-actin cDNA clone with amino acid substitutions in a region highly conserved in the many actins analyzed. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a variant gamma-actin in a human neoplasm. A separate finding from the analysis of this clone is that the gamma-actin 3'-untranslated region is among the most highly conserved of all 3'-untranslated sequences so far reported, but is entirely different from the beta-actin 3'-untranslated region. The high degree of evolutionary conservation suggests that the 3'-untranslated regions of these two mRNAs have important and distinct functional roles that were already fully differentiated more than 100 million years ago. Mutations affecting four major cytoskeletal components have now been identified in human neoplastic cells. These findings suggest that mutated cytoskeletal genes may be members of a class of oncogenes, fundamentally different from both the nuclear-acting (e.g., myc and simian virus 40 large tumor antigen) and growth factor/receptor/protein kinase-related (e.g., sis, erbB, and ras) types of oncogenes.
Activities synthesizing and degrading fructose 2,6-bisphosphate in spinach leaves reside on different proteins
Authors: Macdonald Fraser D. , Cséke Csaba , Chou Qun , Buchanan Bob B.
Published: May 2006

Activities catalyzing the synthesis and degradation of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate—6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (ATP:D-fructose-6-phosphate-2-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.105) and fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (D-fructose-2,6-bisphosphate 2-phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.46)—were isolated from spinach leaves by an improved procedure and separated on the basis of both charge and molecular weight. The separated activities showed no detectable cross-contamination, indicating, in contrast to all previous data, that they are not present on a single bifunctional protein of the classical type in liver. The fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase—a newly discovered phosphatase enzyme—differed from previous mixed preparations by showing greater specificity but lower affinity for fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, greater sensitivity to inhibition by inorganic phosphate, and in being sensitive to inhibition by Mg
2+
. The 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase was found to be inhibited by low levels of inorganic pyrophosphate and, in addition, to be regulated by the metabolites described previously. Similar results were obtained with preparations from lettuce leaves. The results support the view that, through individual regulation of the activities catalyzing its synthesis and breakdown, cytosolic metabolites are key factors in controlling the fructose 2,6-bisphosphate content of leaves.
Isolation and initial characterization of multiple species of T-lymphocyte subset cDNA clones.
Authors: Kwon B S , Kim G S , Prystowsky M B , Lancki D W , Sabath D E , Pan J L , Weissman S M
Published: May 2006

A modified differential screening procedure was applied to analyze cDNA libraries of cloned helper T lymphocytes (Th) and cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). Negative and positive differential screening and RNA blot analysis were used to identify cDNA clones that were expressed preferentially in Th or CTL. Seven clones corresponded to previously described T-cell genes, and 16 additional types of cDNA clones were isolated, 9 from Th and 7 from CTL. Of these, 3 were expressed in both Th and CTL, 7 were expressed in only Th, and 6 only in CTL. These clones were analyzed for induction after stimulation by interleukin 2 or Con A or after stimulation of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR). Three different patterns of expression were seen: induction only by Con A, induction by Con A and interleukin 2, and induction by Con A and TCR stimulation. The approach is potentially useful for analyzing paths of T-cell differentiation and detecting cDNA clones encoding unrecognized cytokines.
Clonal analysis of the anti-DNA repertoire of murine B lymphocytes.
Authors: Conger J D , Pike B L , Nossal G J
Published: May 2006

The present studies characterize at the clonal level the repertoire of lipopolysaccharide-responsive murine B lymphocytes committed to the production of antibodies reactive with denatured DNA. This repertoire is vast in normal mice as 1-5% of total mitogen-induced antibody-forming cell clones secreted denatured DNA-reactive antibodies when the splenocyte donors were CBA (Ighj), BALB/c (Igha), C57BL/6 (Ighb), CBA nu/nu, and C57BL/6 nu/nu athymic mice. The autoimmune NZB (Ighe) strain did not display elevated proportions of anti-denatured DNA antibody-forming cell precursors. Cross-reactions shown by CBA anti-denatured DNA antibodies suggest that many antibodies might derive significant binding energy from interaction with the bases or similar hydrophobic moieties. Cross-reactions with other tested polynucleotides were frequent, but cross-reactions with phospholipids and phosphocholine were undetectable. Most anti-DNA antibodies bound preferentially or exclusively to single-stranded denatured DNA as compared to double-stranded native DNA. The frequency of anti-denatured DNA antibody-forming cell precursors among CBA peritoneal cells was not elevated. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter-selected Ly-1-positive NZB splenic B cells were not enriched, and Ly-1 negative B cells were not depleted of anti-DNA antibody-forming cell precursors. These results show that antibody-forming cell precursors specific for denatured DNA are not restricted to the Ly-1 positive B-cell subset.
Secretion of a chimeric T-cell receptor-immunoglobulin protein.
Authors: Gascoigne N R , Goodnow C C , Dudzik K I , Oi V T , Davis M M
Published: May 2006

To produce sufficient quantities of soluble T-cell receptor protein for detailed biochemical and biophysical analyses we have explored the use of immunoglobulin--T-cell receptor gene fusions. In this report we describe a chimeric gene construct containing a T-cell receptor alpha-chain variable (V) domain and the constant (C) region coding sequences of an immunoglobulin gamma 2a molecule. Cells transfected with the chimeric gene synthesize a stable protein product that expresses immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor antigenic determinants as well as protein A binding sites. We show that the determinant recognized by the anticlonotypic antibody A2B4.2 resides on the V alpha domain of the T-cell receptor. The chimeric protein associates with a normal lambda light chain to form an apparently normal tetrameric (H2L2, where H = heavy and L = light) immunoglobulin molecule that is secreted. Also of potential significance is the fact that a T-cell receptor V beta gene in the same construct is neither assembled nor secreted with the lambda light chain, and when expressed with a C kappa region it does not assemble with the chimeric V alpha C gamma 2a protein mentioned above. This indicates that not all T-cell receptor V regions are similar enough to immunoglobulin V regions for them to be completely interchangeable.
Intestinal mucosal mast cells in normal and nematode-infected rat intestines are in intimate contact with peptidergic nerves.
Authors: Stead R H , Tomioka M , Quinonez G , Simon G T , Felten S Y , Bienenstock J
Published: May 2006

Inflammatory or allergic conditions, as well as situations where healing and repair processes occur, are characterized by the presence of increased numbers of mast cells. Previous work on the effect of neuropeptides on mast cell mediator release showed that only substance P caused such release from intestinal mucosal mast cells [Shanahan, F., Denburg, J. A., Fox, J., Bienenstock, J. & Befus, A. D. (1985) J. Immunol. 135, 1331-1337]. Accordingly, we investigated the microanatomical relationship between mast cells and enteric nerves in normal rat intestine and parasite-infected rat intestine, in which mucosal mast cell hyperplasia occurs. Combined immunohistochemistry for neuron-specific enolase and staining with alcian blue at pH 0.5 was employed on paraffin-embedded sections of normal and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-infected rat jejunum. Sixty-seven percent of intestinal mucosal mast cells were touching subepithelial nerves, and an additional 20% were within 2 micron of nerves. Assessment of the proportion of the lamina propria occupied by mast cells (12.5%), the average mast cell area (121 +/- 28 microns 2), and the density of enteric nerves (one per 788 +/- 151 microns 2) suggested that the association was 5 times greater than would be expected by chance alone (P less than 0.0001). In consecutive sections, the nerves in contact with mast cells were also shown to contain substance P and/or calcitonin-gene-related peptide. Electron microscopy confirmed this association: 8% of the mast cells in infected rats exhibited membrane-membrane contact with unmyelinated axons containing 70- to 170-nm dense-core vesicles, and an additional 31% were situated less than 250 nm from nerves. Other mast cells appeared to embrace nerve bundles through the projection of lamellopodia. These data provide systematic quantitative evidence that a structural foundation for communication between the immune and nervous systems exists in the rat gastrointestinal tract.
Increases of plasma eosinophil major basic protein levels late in pregnancy predict onset of labor.
Authors: Wasmoen T L , Coulam C B , Leiferman K M , Gleich G J
Published: May 2006

Major basic protein (MBP), the core of the eosinophil granule, is a potent toxin for parasites and mammalian cells; it also causes histamine release from mast cells and basophils. Plasma levels of MBP are increased in all pregnant women, and MBP has been localized by immunofluorescence to placental X cells and placental-site giant cells. Analyses of plasma MBP levels during pregnancy showed a striking correlation between increases late in the third trimester and spontaneous onset of labor. In one case with premature labor, the plasma MBP level also was increased coincidentally with labor. In contrast, in cases of prolonged gestation in which labor was induced, there were no late increases in MBP levels. Also, uterine contraction during spontaneous labor or oxytocin-induced labor did not cause elevations of plasma MBP. Measurement of plasma MBP levels in pregnancy may be useful for the prediction of labor and for the development of new means of intervention for premature labor and prolonged gestation.
Automated laser-scanning-microbeam fluorescence/Raman image analysis of human lens with multichannel detection: evidence for metabolic production of a green fluorophor.
Authors: Yu N T , Cai M Z , Ho D J , Kuck J F
Published: May 2006

A laser-microprobe fluorescence/Raman spectrometer with a 700-channel detector has been constructed and applied to the collection of data on the distribution of a green fluorophor throughout the exposed area of a human lens sectioned along the visual axis. The area (approximately 6.5 X 9.5 mm) covering the lens section was scanned automatically by the microprobe programmed to measure the fluorescence intensity at 1200 data points. The spectrometer output was accumulated in a microcomputer and displayed as a three-dimensional perspective view showing the fluorescence intensity at each point on the grid. The method permits the precise and detailed mapping at high resolution of the spatial distribution of a fluorophor or Raman-emissive constituent in a plane of the frozen lens to give results not obtainable by any other feasible procedure. The green fluorophor (441.6 nm, excitation wavelength; 520 nm, peak emission wavelength) has a distribution indicating a metabolic rather than a photochemical mode of production. Moreover, the lower level of fluorophor in the anterior segment suggests the existence of mechanisms in the anterior cortex (including the epithelium) that reduce significantly the accumulation of fluorophor. Such distribution studies are invaluable in clarifying metabolic interrelationships among the different zones of the lens, including especially photochemical reactions postulated to involve the effect of daylight on the lens in human subjects.
Stimulation of pancreatic islet beta-cell replication by oncogenes.
Authors: Welsh M , Welsh N , Nilsson T , Arkhammar P , Pepinsky R B , Steiner D F , Berggren P O
Published: May 2006

Although the growth potential of the pancreatic islet beta cells is limited, glucose, cAMP, and certain polypeptide growth factors have been reported by other workers to exert modest stimulatory effects on beta-cell replication. To further assess means through which beta-cell growth can be stimulated, selected oncogene constructs linked to a rat insulin promoter were introduced by means of electroporation into free islet cells prepared from fetal rats and adult hyperglycemic obese (ob/ob) mice. The uptake and expression of the added oncogenes were sufficiently efficient to exert effects on beta-cell physiology in short-term experiments (less than or equal to 4 days). Stimulation of islet cell [3H]thymidine incorporation was observed after transfection with src alone or the combination of myc and ras. The effect observed in the fetal islet cells with src was more pronounced than any effect previously reported. Transfection with the src oncogene resulted in phosphorylation of lipocortin I and was paralleled by an increased immunofluorescence against src-like immunoreactivity in a majority of the electroporated cells. It is concluded that electroporation can induce sufficiently efficient expression of added oncogene constructs to study their effects on cells that are not readily transformable into continuously growing cell lines. Furthermore, the results suggest that beta-cell replication might be manipulated extrinsically by inserting appropriate growth-promoting genes into these cells.
HLA class II allelic variation and susceptibility to pemphigus vulgaris.
Authors: Scharf S J , Friedmann A , Brautbar C , Szafer F , Steinman L , Horn G , Gyllensten U , Erlich H A
Published: May 2006

The autoimmune dermatologic disease pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is associated with the HLA serotypes DR4 and DRw6. Susceptibility to PV could be conferred either by sequences shared between the DR4 and DRw6 haplotypes or by different sequences in these haplotypes. We have examined the distribution of DR and DQ beta-chain and DQ alpha-chain alleles in PV patients and in control subjects by hybridization with oligonucleotide probes and sequence analysis of in vitro amplified DNA. Ninety percent (34/38) of the DR4 haplotypes in patients contain a specific DR beta I sequence present in 36% (16 of 44) of DR4 controls (P = 0.001). This sequence is also found in DRw6 haplotypes. However, it is present in only 25% (6 of 24) of DRw6 patients. The results of our analysis indicate that predisposition to PV is conferred by different sequences in DR4 and DRw6 haplotypes. The DR4 susceptibility is highly associated with the Dw10 DR beta I allele, implicating the polymorphic residues in the third hypervariable region. The DRw6 susceptibility is strongly associated with a rare DQ beta allele (DQB1.3). This allele differs from a common DQ beta allele (DQB1.1) only by a valine----aspartic acid substitution at position 57.
Saturation mutagenesis of a major histocompatibility complex protein domain: identification of a single conserved amino acid important for allorecognition.
Authors: Murray R , Hutchison C A , Frelinger J A
Published: May 2006

The interactive association between T lymphocytes and their target cells is an important system of cell-cell interactions. Major histocompatibility complex class I molecules are the cell surface structures recognized by cytolytic T lymphocytes. To define the molecular structures recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, we have saturated the 270-base-pair alpha 1 exon of the H-2Dp gene with point mutations, rapidly producing a "library" of 2.5 x 10(3) independent mutants. The library contains enough recombinant clones (each clone encoding approximately one amino acid replacement mutation) to predict a mutation at each nucleotide position of the alpha 1 exon. The functional analysis of the first five transfected gene products tested has shown that mutation of a conserved tyrosine at position 27 to asparagine destroys recognition of the H-2Dp gene product by polyclonal alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Recognition of the same mutant molecule by three monoclonal antibodies and H-2-restricted lymphocytic choriomenengitis virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes is unaffected.
A conserved sequence in the T-cell receptor beta-chain promoter region.
Authors: Anderson S J , Chou H S , Loh D Y
Published: May 2006

The antigen-specific receptors of T and B lymphocytes are distinct, though structurally related, molecules. During development, lymphoid cells assemble functional variable (V) region genes for each receptor chain from separate multimember gene families by somatic DNA rearrangements of individual germ-line segments. Transcription may play a role in regulating the tissue and stage specificity of these rearrangements by controlling the accessibility of germ-line loci to the recombinational machinery. Immunoglobulin V-region genes are transcribed from tissue-specific promoters that have been well characterized. We report here the characterization of 14 T-cell receptor beta-chain V-region gene promoters. Sequence analysis indicates that these promoters do not contain the conserved octamer that is located upstream of all immunoglobulin genes. However, a unique decanucleotide sequence, not present in immunoglobulin genes, is conserved in the promoter region of murine and human V beta genes. We identify this sequence as a potential regulatory element, based on its position, conservation, and sequence homology to sites known to bind transcription-activating factors. The possibility that the distinct structures of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene promoters may contribute to the tissue-specific rearrangement and expression of receptor gene families is discussed.
The C-terminal repeat domain of RNA polymerase II largest subunit is essential in vivo but is not required for accurate transcription initiation in vitro.
Authors: Zehring W A , Lee J M , Weeks J R , Jokerst R S , Greenleaf A L
Published: May 2006

DNA sequence analysis of RpII215, the gene that encodes the Mr215,000 subunit of RNA polymerase II (EC 2.7.7.6) in Drosophila melanogaster, reveals that the 3'-terminal exon includes a region encoding a C-terminal domain composed of 42 repeats of a seven-residue amino acid consensus sequence, Tyr-Ser-Pro-Thr-Ser-Pro-Ser. A hemi- and homozygous lethal P-element insertion into the coding sequence of this domain causes premature translation termination and therefore truncation of the protein, leaving only 20 heptamer repeats. While loss of approximately 50% of the repeat structure in this mutant is a lethal event in vivo, enzyme containing the truncated subunit remains capable of accurate initiation at promoters in vitro. Moreover, treatment of purified intact RNA polymerase II with protease, to remove the entire repeat domain, does not eliminate the enzyme's ability to initiate accurately in vitro. Possible in vivo functions for this unusual protein domain are considered in light of these results.
The cross-pathway control gene of Neurospora crassa, cpc-1, encodes a protein similar to GCN4 of yeast and the DNA-binding domain of the oncogene v-jun-encoded protein.
Authors: Paluh J L , Orbach M J , Legerton T L , Yanofsky C
Published: May 2006

Expression of the gene cpc-1 is required for cross-pathway-mediated regulation of amino acid-biosynthetic genes in Neurospora crassa. We have cloned cpc-1 and present an analysis of its structure and regulation. The cpc-1-encoded transcript contains three open reading frames, two of which are located in the 720-nucleotide leader segment preceding the cpc-1 coding region. The two leader open reading frames, if translated, would produce peptides 20 and 41 residues in length. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cpc-1 polypeptide, CPC1, contains segments similar to the DNA-binding and transcriptional activation domains of GCN4, the major cross-pathway regulatory protein of yeast. The structural and functional similarities of CPC1 and GCN4 proteins suggest that cpc-1 encodes the analogous transcriptional activator of N. crassa. Messenger RNA measurements indicate that cpc-1 is transcriptionally regulated in response to amino acid starvation. The segment of CPC1 similar to the DNA-binding domain of GCN4 also is similar to the DNA-binding domains of the avian sarcoma virus oncogene-encoded v-JUN protein and human c-JUN protein.
Cloning and expression of JE, a gene inducible by platelet-derived growth factor and whose product has cytokine-like properties.
Authors: Rollins B J , Morrison E D , Stiles C D
Published: May 2006

The platelet-derived growth factor-inducible gene JE has been widely used as a molecular marker for the cellular response to growth factors, antimitogenic agents, and other biological response modifiers; however, the structure of the JE gene and the nature of its encoded protein have not been previously described. We present here structural and regulatory features of the JE gene and its product that link it to a family of cytokines, including macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon alpha, interleukin 6 (also known as interferon beta 2, B-cell-stimulatory factor 2, 26-kDa protein, and hybridoma/plasmacytoma growth factor), and interleukin 2. Just as T lymphocytes secrete interleukins as a component of their response to mitogens, it appears that fibroblasts secrete cytokines as a component of their response to platelet-derived growth factor.
Molecular cloning of cDNAs encoding lamp A, a human lysosomal membrane glycoprotein with apparent Mr approximately equal to 120,000.
Authors: Viitala J , Carlsson S R , Siebert P D , Fukuda M
Published: May 2006

Although several lysosomal membrane glycoproteins have been characterized by using specific antibodies, none of the studies so far elucidated the amino acid sequence of a lysosomal membrane glycoprotein. Here we describe cDNA clones encoding for one of the lysosome-associated membrane proteins with apparent Mr approximately equal to 120,000, lamp A. The amino acid sequence based on the fully coded cDNA shows that as many as 18 potential N-glycosylation sites can be found in the total of 385 amino acid residues. The results obtained by endoglycosidase F digestion support the conclusion that this glycoprotein contains 18 N-glycans. These N-glycosylation sites are clustered in two domains; one contains 10 and the other contains 8 N-glycosylation sites. These domains are separated by a (proline-serine)-rich region that has a distinct homology to the IgA hinge structure. The first N-glycosylated domain is elongated to a potential leader peptide toward the NH2-terminal end. The second N-glycosylated domain, on the other hand, is connected to a putative transmembrane portion consisting of hydrophobic amino acids. This segment, in turn, is elongated to a short cytoplasmic segment composed of 11 amino acid residues at the COOH-terminal end.
Vincristine-resistant erythroleukemia cell line has marked increased sensitivity to hexamethylenebisacetamide-induced differentiation.
Authors: Melloni E , Pontremoli S , Damiani G , Viotti P , Weich N , Rifkind R A , Marks P A
Published: May 2006

Hexamethylenebisacetamide (HMBA)-induced murine erythroleukemia (MEL) differentiation is a multistep process. Commitment is the capacity to express terminal cell division and characteristics of the differentiated phenotype even after the cells are removed from culture with inducer. Culture of MEL cell line 745A.DS19 (DS19) with HMBA causes commitment to terminal differentiation after a latent period of about 10-12 hr. Previous studies have shown that during this latent period, HMBA causes a number of metabolic changes, including modulation in expression of certain protooncogenes. We now report the development of a MEL cell line (designated V3.17) derived from DS19 that is resistant to vincristine and is (i) markedly more sensitive to HMBA, (ii) induced to commitment without a detectable latent period, and (iii) resistant to the effects of phorbol ester and dexamethasone, which are potent inhibitors of HMBA-mediated DS19 differentiation. We suggest that this V3.17 MEL cell line may express a factor that circumvents HMBA-mediated early events, which prepare the cells for commitment to terminal differentiation.
Cloning of the gene encoding the delta subunit of the human T-cell receptor reveals its physical organization within the alpha-subunit locus and its involvement in chromosome translocations in T-cell malignancy.
Authors: Isobe M , Russo G , Haluska F G , Croce C M
Published: May 2006

By taking advantage of "chromosomal walking" techniques, we have obtained clones that encompass the T-cell receptor (TCR) delta-chain gene. We analyzed clones spanning the entire J alpha region extending 115 kilobases 5' of the TCR alpha-chain constant region and have shown that the TCR delta-chain gene is located over 80 kilobases 5' of C alpha. TCR delta-chain gene is rearranged in the gamma/delta-expressing T-cell line Peer and is deleted in alpha/beta-expressing T-cell lines. Sequence analysis of portions of this genomic region demonstrates its identity with previously described cDNA clones corresponding to the C delta and J delta segments. Furthermore, we have analyzed a t(8;14)-(q24;q11) chromosome translocation from a T-cell leukemia and have shown that the J delta segment is rearranged in cells deriving from this tumor and probably directly involved in the translocation. Thus, the newly cloned TCR delta chain is implicated in the genesis of chromosome translocations in T-cell malignancies carrying cytogenetic abnormalities of band 14q11.
Central nervous system radiation syndrome in mice from preferential 10B(n, alpha)7Li irradiation of brain vasculature.
Authors: Slatkin D N , Stoner R D , Rosander K M , Kalef-Ezra J A , Laissue J A
Published: May 2006

Ionizing radiations were directed at the heads of anesthetized mice in doses that evoked the acute central nervous system (CNS) radiation syndrome. Irradiations were done using either a predominantly thermal neutron field at a nuclear reactor after intraperitoneal injection of 10B-enriched boric acid or 250-kilovolt-peak x-rays with and without previous intraperitoneal injection of equivalent unenriched boric acid. Since 10B concentrations were approximately equal to 3-fold higher in blood than in cerebral parenchyma during the reactor irradiations, more radiation from alpha and 7Li particles was absorbed by brain endothelial cells than by brain parenchymal cells. Comparison of the LD50 dose for CNS radiation lethality from the reactor experiments with the LD50 dose from the x-ray experiments gives results compatible with morphologic evidence that endothelial cell damage is a major determinant of acute lethality from the CNS radiation syndrome. It was also observed that boric acid is a low linear energy transfer radiation-enhancement agent in vivo.
A histone H1 protein in sea urchins is encoded by a poly(A)+ mRNA.
Authors: Lieber T , Angerer L M , Angerer R C , Childs G
Published: May 2006

Typical histone genes lack intervening sequences and encode small mRNAs (400-800 nucleotides) with short leader and trailer regions. Most histone mRNAs are not polyadenylylated but rather terminate in a highly conserved stem and loop structure. The early, late, and testis-specific histone genes of sea urchins, described to date, have this typical histone gene structure. We have identified an unusual H1 gene, H1-delta, in sea urchins that encodes a poly(A)+ mRNA. This mRNA is one of a group of polyadenylylated transcripts homologous with H1 gene probes. The sequence of H1-delta had been determined. H1-delta encodes a different H1 protein. Although the temporal expression of H1-delta mRNA is similar to that of other late H1 (beta and gamma) mRNAs, its spatial distribution at the time of maximal accumulation is distinct and confirms that H1-delta is regulated differently than other H1 genes.
Isolation of a Bacillus thuringiensis RNA polymerase capable of transcribing crystal protein genes.
Authors: Brown K L , Whiteley H R
Published: May 2006

We report the isolation of an RNA polymerase from sporulating cells of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-1-Dipel that directs transcription from the promoter region of an insecticidal crystal protein gene. The core components of this RNA polymerase are associated with a polypeptide that has an apparent mass of 35 kDa. Neither RNA polymerase holoenzyme isolated from vegetative B. thuringiensis, nor the core derived from this enzyme, is capable of transcribing from the crystal protein gene promoter region; the addition of gel-purified 35-kDa polypeptide to the core reconstitutes the specific transcribing capability. The reconstituted enzyme does not direct transcription from the promoters for the ctc or spoVG genes of Bacillus subtilis; however, this form of RNA polymerase does direct transcription from a promoter for the 27-kDa crystal protein of B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and from a promoter for a 29-kDa polypeptide present in cuboidal crystals of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-1. We propose a tentative consensus sequence based on the alignment of the three B. thuringiensis promoters. This consensus sequence is different from consensus sequences reported for promoters recognized by enzymes containing other sigma subunits, suggesting that the 35-kDa polypeptide is an unusual sigma subunit.