bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a conditional MyoD transcription factor in studies of MyoD trans-activation and muscle determination.
Authors: Hollenberg S M , Cheng P F , Weintraub H
Published: May 2006

DNA sequences encoding the hormone-binding domains of several steroid hormone receptors were fused in frame to the MyoD gene. When the gene for this chimeric protein was expressed in NIH 3T3 or 10T1/2 fibroblasts, these cells displayed hormone-dependent induction of myogenesis. Our experiments focused on cell lines expressing estrogen receptor-MyoD chimeras. Induction of these lines in the presence of estradiol and an inhibitor of protein synthesis, cycloheximide, resulted in the activation of the endogenous myogenin gene but did not activate the muscle-specific creatine kinase or cardiac alpha-actin gene. This result suggests that MyoD is not a "direct" activator of these downstream myogenic genes but must first activate myogenin as an intermediary. Once muscle is induced by estrogen receptor-MyoD the muscle phenotype is very stable and does not need the continued presence of estradiol for its maintenance.
A correlational model for the development of disparity selectivity in visual cortex that depends on prenatal and postnatal phases.
Authors: Berns G S , Dayan P , Sejnowski T J
Published: May 2006

Neurons in the visual cortex require correlated binocular activity during a critical period early in life to develop normal response properties. We present a model for how the disparity selectivity of cortical neurons might arise during development. The model is based on Hebbian mechanisms for plasticity at synapses between geniculocortical neurons and cortical cells. The model is driven by correlated activity in retinal ganglion cells within each eye before birth and additionally between eyes after birth. With no correlations present between the eyes, the cortical model developed only monocular cells. Adding a small amount of correlation between eyes at the beginning of development produced cortical neurons that were entirely binocular and tuned to zero disparity. However, if an initial phase of purely same-eye correlations was followed by a second phase of development that included correlations between eyes, the cortical model became populated with both monocular and binocular cells. Moreover, in the two-phase model, binocular cells tended to be selective for zero disparity, whereas the more monocular cells tended to have nonzero disparity. This relationship between ocular dominance and disparity has been observed in the visual cortex of the cat by other workers. Differences in the relative timing of the two developmental phases could account for the higher proportion of monocular cells found in the visual cortices of other animals.
Production of high-titer helper-free retroviruses by transient transfection.
Authors: Pear W S , Nolan G P , Scott M L , Baltimore D
Published: May 2006

The generation of high-titer, helper-free retroviruses by transient transfection has been achieved by using the highly transfectable 293T cell line into which are stably introduced constructs that express retroviral packaging functions. The resulting ecotropic virus packaging cell line BOSC 23 produces infectious retrovirus at > 10(6) infectious units/ml of supernatant within 72 hr after CaPO4-mediated transfection. A stringent assay for replication-competent virus showed that no helper virus was present. The system can produce high titers of retroviral vectors expressing genes that are extremely difficult to propagate at high titer in stable producer lines. This method should facilitate and extend the use of helper-free retroviral gene transfer, as well as be useful for gene therapy.
Expression of 300-kilodalton intermediate filament-associated protein distinguishes human glioma cells from normal astrocytes.
Authors: Yang H Y , Lieska N , Glick R , Shao D , Pappas G D
Published: May 2006

The availability of biochemical markers to distinguish glioma cells from normal astrocytes would have enormous diagnostic value. Such markers also may be of value in studying the basic biology of human astrocytomas. The vimentin-binding, 300-kDa intermediate filament (IF)-associated protein (IFAP-300kDa) has recently been shown to be developmentally expressed in radial glia of the central nervous system of the rat. It is not detected in the normal or reactive astrocytes of the adult rat nor in neonatal rat brain astrocytes in primary culture. In the present study, double-label immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies to IFAP-300kDa and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, an astrocyte-specific IF structural protein) identifies this IFAP in GFAP-containing tumor cells from examples of all three major types of human astrocytomas (i.e., well-differentiated, anaplastic, and glioblastoma multiforme). Astrocytoma cells in primary cultures prepared from all three astrocytomas also express this protein. It is not detectable in normal adult brain tissue. Immunoblot analyses using the IFAP-300kDa antibody confirm the presence of a 300-kDa polypeptide in fresh astrocytoma preparations enriched for IF proteins. These results suggest the utility of IFAP-300kDa as a marker for identification of human glioma cells both in vitro and in situ.
Molecular cloning, characterization, and localization of a high-affinity serotonin receptor (5-HT7) activating cAMP formation.
Authors: Ruat M , Traiffort E , Leurs R , Tardivel-Lacombe J , Diaz J , Arrang J M , Schwartz J C
Published: May 2006

By using a strategy based on nucleotide sequence homology, we have cloned a cDNA encoding a functional serotonin (5-HT) receptor. The deduced amino acid sequence of the 5-HT7 receptor displays limited homology with that of other 5-HT receptors. In addition to the seven stretches of hydrophobic amino acids that characterize the superfamily of receptors interacting with guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, the 448-aa sequence of the 5-HT7 receptor contains a hydrophobic domain located at its N-terminal end. Genomic analysis indicated the presence of introns interrupting the coding sequence. The 5-HT7 receptor, stably expressed in transfected CHO cells, bound [3H]5-HT with high affinity (Kd = 1 nM), like receptors of the 5-HT1 subfamily from which, however, it was clearly distinguished by its pharmacology. 5-HT in nanomolar concentrations stimulated cAMP accumulation in these CHO cells by approximately 10-fold, whereas lysergic acid diethylamide displayed low intrinsic agonist activity. These various properties differentiate the 5-HT7 receptor from the four other subfamilies of mammalian 5-HT receptors (i.e., the 5-HT1-, 5-HT2-, 5-HT3-, and 5-HT4-like subfamilies) and, therefore, appear to define another receptor subfamily. Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses showed the 5-HT7 transcripts to be expressed in discrete areas of the limbic brain (e.g., pyramidal hippocampus cells, tenia tecta, amygdaloid, or mammillary nuclei), suggesting that the receptor mediates serotoninergic controls in functions like mood, learning, or neuroendocrine and vegetative behaviors.
Stromal factor plays an essential role in protein integration into thylakoids that cannot be replaced by unfolding or by heat shock protein Hsp70.
Authors: Yuan J , Henry R , Cline K
Published: May 2006

The light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein (LHCP) is an integral thylakoid membrane protein. It is made in the cytosol as a precursor (pLHCP), imported into chloroplasts, and subsequently integrated into thylakoids. Integration of pLHCP into thylakoids requires a stromal protein factor that functions in part to maintain the solubility and integration competence of pLHCP. Recently, it was reported that unfolded pLHCP was sufficient for integration and that the stromal factor, identified as the plastid Hsp70, was required only to prevent pLHCP refolding [Yalovsky, S., Paulsen, H., Michaeli, D., Chitnis, P. R. & Nechushtai, R. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89, 5616-5619]. Our studies, using more rigorous criteria for integration, show that unfolded pLHCP is not sufficient; stromal factor is an absolute requirement for integration. Furthermore, experiments with purified Hsp70 as well as Hsp70-depleted stromal extract demonstrate that Hsp70 is not the stromal factor. These results plus the finding that pLHCP diluted out of urea is relatively stable as a substrate for integration point to an additional role for the stromal factor in targeting and/or membrane translocation.
Transfected human liver cytochrome P-450 hydroxylates vitamin D analogs at different side-chain positions.
Authors: Guo Y D , Strugnell S , Back D W , Jones G
Published: May 2006

A full-length cDNA for the human liver mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 CYP27 was cloned from a human hepatoma HepG2 cDNA library and then subcloned into the mammalian expression vector pSG5. When CYP27 cDNA was transfected into COS-1 transformed monkey kidney cells along with adrenodoxin cDNA, transfected cells revealed a 10- to 20-fold higher vitamin D3-25-hydroxylase activity than nontransfected cells. Transfected cells were capable of 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D3, 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1 alpha-hydroxydihydrotachysterol3. In each case they also showed the ability to 26(27)-hydroxylate the cholesterol-like (D3) side chain. The relative rates of 25- and 26(27)-hydroxylation of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 approximately mimicked the ratio of products observed in HepG2 cells. Vitamin D2 and 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D2, both with the ergosterol-like side chain, were 24- and 26(27)-hydroxylated by CYP27. The rate of side-chain 24-, 25-, or 26(27)-hydroxylation was greater for 1 alpha-hydroxylated vitamin D analogs than for their nonhydroxylated counterparts. We conclude that CYP27 is capable of 24-, 25-, and 26(27)-hydroxylation of vitamin D analogs and that the nature of products is partially dictated by the side chain of the substrate. This work has revealed that the cytochrome P-450 CYP27 may be important in the metabolism of vitamin D analogs used as drugs.
Identification of a yeast artificial chromosome clone encoding an accessory factor for the human interferon gamma receptor: evidence for multiple accessory factors.
Authors: Soh J , Donnelly R J , Mariano T M , Cook J R , Schwartz B , Pestka S
Published: May 2006

Human chromosomes 6 and 21 are both necessary to confer sensitivity to human interferon gamma (Hu-IFN-gamma), as measured by the induction of human HLA class I antigen. Human chromosome 6 encodes the receptor for Hu-IFN-gamma, and human chromosome 21 encodes accessory factors for generating biological activity through the Hu-IFN-gamma receptor. A small region of human chromosome 21 that is responsible for encoding such factors was localized with hamster-human somatic cell hybrids carrying an irradiation-reduced fragment of human chromosome 21. The cell line with the minimum chromosome 21-specific DNA is Chinese hamster ovary 3x1S. To localize the genes further, 10 different yeast artificial chromosome clones from six different loci in the vicinity of the 3x1S region were fused to a human-hamster hybrid cell line (designated 16-9) that contains human chromosome 6q (supplying the Hu-IFN-gamma receptor) and the human HLA-B7 gene. These transformed 16-9 cells were assayed for induction of class I HLA antigens upon treatment with Hu-IFN-gamma. Here we report that a 540-kb yeast artificial chromosome encodes the necessary species-specific factor(s) and can substitute for human chromosome 21 to reconstitute the Hu-IFN-gamma-receptor-mediated induction of class I HLA antigens. However, the factor encoded on the yeast artificial chromosome does not confer antiviral protection against encephalomyocarditis virus, demonstrating that an additional factor encoded on human chromosome 21 is required for the antiviral activity.
The disaggregation theory of signal transduction revisited: further evidence that G proteins are multimeric and disaggregate to monomers when activated.
Authors: Jahangeer S , Rodbell M
Published: May 2006

We have compared the sedimentation rates on sucrose gradients of the heterotrimeric GTP-binding regulatory (G) proteins Gs, G(o), Gi, and Gq extracted from rat brain synaptoneurosomes with Lubrol and digitonin. The individual alpha and beta subunits were monitored with specific antisera. In all cases, both subunits cosedimented, indicating that the subunits are likely complexed as heterotrimers. When extracted with Lubrol all of the G proteins sedimented with rates of about 4.5 S (consistent with heterotrimers) whereas digitonin extracted 60% of the G proteins with peaks at 11 S; 40% pelleted as larger structures. Digitonin-extracted Gi was cross-linked by p-phenylenedimaleimide, yielding structures too large to enter polyacrylamide gels. No cross-linking of Lubrol-extracted Gi occurred. Treatment of the membranes with guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate and Mg2+ yielded digitonin-extracted structures with peak sedimentation values of 8.5 S--i.e., comparable to that of purified G(o) in digitonin and considerably larger than the Lubrol-extracted 2S structures representing the separated alpha and beta gamma subunits formed by the actions of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate. It is concluded that the multimeric structures of G proteins in brain membranes are at least partially preserved in digitonin and that activation of these structures in membranes yields monomers of G proteins rather than the disaggregated products (alpha and beta gamma complexes) observed in Lubrol. It is proposed that hormones and GTP affect the dynamic interplay between multimeric G proteins and receptors in a fashion analogous to the actions of ATP on the dynamic interactions between myosin and actin filaments. Signal transduction is mediated by activated monomers released from the multimers during the activation process.
Identification of an essential gene, l(3)73Ai, with a dominant temperature-sensitive lethal allele, encoding a Drosophila proteasome subunit.
Authors: Saville K J , Belote J M
Published: May 2006

Proteasomes are multicatalytic proteinase complexes that function as a major nonlysosomal proteolytic system in all eukaryotes. These particles are made up of 13-15 nonidentical subunits, and they exhibit multiple endopeptidase activities that promote the intracellular turnover of abnormal polypeptides and short-lived regulatory proteins. Although the biochemical characterization of proteasomes has been quite extensive, and although a number of the genes encoding proteasome subunits have been cloned from various organisms, there is still much to be learned about their function in vivo and what role(s) they might play during development. Here, we report the identification of the l(3)73Ai1 allele of Drosophila melanogaster as a dominant temperature-sensitive lethal mutation in a gene encoding a component of the proteasome, thus opening the way for future genetic and developmental studies on this important proteolytic system in a higher eukaryote.
Low levels of deoxynucleotides in peripheral blood lymphocytes: a strategy to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication.
Authors: Gao W Y , Cara A , Gallo R C , Lori F
Published: May 2006

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral DNA synthesis in quiescent and activated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) was studied. Incomplete viral DNA (previously demonstrated to be associated with HIV-1 virions) is carried by HIV-1 virions into quiescent and activated PBLs, contributing to the formation of an early viral DNA pool in these cells. The viral DNA is subsequently completed but only extremely slowly and inefficiently in quiescent PBLs compared to that in stimulated PBLs. We find that this correlates with significantly lower levels of dNTP substrates in quiescent compared to activated PBLs. At these low dNTP concentrations, HIV-1 reverse transcriptase acts in a partially distributive manner. Increasing dNTP concentrations from the levels of quiescent PBLs to the levels of activated PBLs increases the processive action of reverse transcriptase, which in turn stimulates rapid and efficient formation of full-length DNA. Furthermore, hydroxyurea treatment of stimulated PBLs decreases the dNTP levels and the DNA synthesis rate to levels comparable to quiescent PBLs. Our data therefore indicate that low levels of dNTP may explain why HIV-1 DNA is synthesized slowly and inefficiently in quiescent PBLs and suggest that pharmacologic induction of low dNTP levels represents a therapeutic approach for inhibition of HIV-1 replication.
Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 is essential for B-lymphocyte growth transformation.
Authors: Kaye K M , Izumi K M , Kieff E
Published: May 2006

The gene encoding latent-infection membrane protein 1 (LMP1) was specifically mutated in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) recombinants by inserting a nonsense linker after codon 9 or codon 84 or into an intron 186 bp 3' to the latter insertion site. EBV recombinants with the LMP1 intron mutation were wild type for LMP1 expression and for growth transformation of primary B lymphocytes. In contrast, EBV recombinants with the mutations in the LMP1 open reading frame expressed N-terminally truncated crossreactive proteins and could initiate or maintain primary B-lymphocyte transformation only when wild-type LMP1 was provided in trans by a coinfecting, transformation-defective EBV, P3HR-1. These data indicate that LMP1 is essential for EBV-mediated transformation of primary B lymphocytes, that the first 43 amino acids are critical for LMP1's function, and that codon 44-initiated LMP1 does not have a dominant negative effect on transformation.
Salivary gland extracts from the deerfly contain a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation.
Authors: Grevelink S A , Youssef D E , Loscalzo J , Lerner E A
Published: May 2006

Salivary gland extracts of the deerfly contain a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, which assists the insect in obtaining a blood meal. The extract prevents platelet aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin, and collagen and inhibits fibrinogen binding to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor on platelets. The active component in deerfly salivary gland extract appears to be a protein that is comparatively more potent than the disintegrins present in viper venoms. Isolation and characterization of this protein may provide different directions in therapeutics and studies of normal platelet physiology.
Non-Gaussian autoregressive moving average processes.
Authors: Lii K S , Rosenblatt M
Published: May 2006

Non-Gaussian stationary autoregressive moving average sequences are considered. Under conditions concerning smoothness and positivity of the density function of the independent random variables generating the sequence, asymptotically efficient methods for the estimation of unknown coefficients of the model are described. The main interest is in nonminimum-phase models.
Specificity determinants of the P1 and P7 plasmid centromere analogs.
Authors: Hayes F , Austin S J
Published: May 2006

The cis-acting parS sites of P1 and P7 are similar in sequence and promote active partition of their respective plasmid prophages to daughter cells when the cognate Par proteins are supplied. Forty of the 94 relevant bases differ between the P1 and P7 parS sites, and the protein-site interactions show complete species specificity. A method was developed to predict which subset of the differing parS bases is responsible. When the four P1 bases thus identified were substituted into the P7 parS site, a complete switch to P1 specificity was observed. The P1-specific bases constitute two CG dinucleotide elements situated 66 bp apart. They lie within repeats of the TCGCCA sequence implicated in secondary contacts with the P1 ParB protein. The equivalent TC dinucleotides in the P7 site were found to be involved in P7 specificity. However, three other P7 bases can also contribute, including two in the heptamer repeats primarily responsible for ParB binding, and the P7-specific information shows some redundancy. The motifs containing the specificity dinucleotides and the primary ParB binding (heptamer) sites bear no obvious relationship of spacing or orientation to each other. For the ParB protein to contact both types of motif at the same time, the topology of the interaction must be complex.
Interaction between a coating-borne peptide of the Brassica pollen grain and stigmatic S (self-incompatibility)-locus-specific glycoproteins.
Authors: Doughty J , Hedderson F , McCubbin A , Dickinson H
Published: May 2006

Methods are described for the removal of the sporophytic pollen grain coating of Brassica oleracea and for the isolation of coat polypeptides. The coat contains a small number of proteins ranging from 6 to 45 kDa. Many of the larger proteins are glycosylated, while all carry high positive charges resulting in pI values from 8.5 to 11. Polypeptides with pI values of 9.5, 9.0, and 8.5 possess strong esterase activity. No major differences could be detected in either pI values or molecular masses of pollen-coating polypeptides from grains carrying different sporophytically expressed S (self-incompatibility) alleles. Mixing pollen coat proteins with stigmatic extracts results in a conspicuous binding interaction involving female S-locus-specific and perhaps S-locus-related glycoproteins. This interaction, which is reversed by heating in the presence of SDS, results in an apparent charge shift of the female glycoprotein(s) of up to 2 pI units. The male participant in this interaction has been isolated by using a combination of fast protein liquid chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC and was shown to be a 7-kDa nonglycosylated peptide. Experiments with whole pollen cultured in vitro show challenge with stigmatic extracts to stimulate the release of gametophytic and sporophytic polypeptides and to result in the formation of a conspicuous interaction product, demonstrating the 7-kDa peptide to be freely available within the coating of pollen in vivo.
Carboxyethyllysine in a protein: native carbonyl reductase/NADP(+)-dependent prostaglandin dehydrogenase.
Authors: Krook M , Ghosh D , Strömberg R , Carlquist M , Jörnvall H
Published: May 2006

Two different forms of the monomeric NADP(+)-linked prostaglandin dehydrogenase/carbonyl reductase were purified from human placenta and shown to differ by the modification of a lysine residue. The modified and the unmodified proteins were reproducibly recovered in a ratio of approximately 1:3, and both were chemically stable. The modified form was more acidic (pI approximately 7.4 versus pI approximately 7.7) but indistinguishable from the unmodified form in specificity and activity. Amino acid analysis, sequence analysis, mass spectrometry, and chemical synthesis identified the modified residue as N6-(1-carboxyethyl)lysine with C-2 of propionic acid attached to the side-chain N of Lys-238. This compound can be formed from the lysine residue and pyruvate via a Schiff base and subsequent reduction. The enzyme and its NAD(+)-dependent counterpart are distantly related (23% residue identity) and have the same family assignment to short-chain dehydrogenases. Alignments and model-building into the tertiary structure of 3 alpha/20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase show that carbonyl reductase has an extra loop (positions 149-189) that forms a separate extension and replaces a backbone C-terminal beta-strand. This change affects the substrate pocket, explaining the different substrate specificities but conserves residues of known functional importance. Carboxyethyllysine at position 238 corresponds to a proteolysis-sensitive position in several short-chain dehydrogenases, less well-defined in the model but close to a surface, and is compatible with the accessibility and enzyme properties observed.
Alzheimer disease amyloid beta protein forms calcium channels in bilayer membranes: blockade by tromethamine and aluminum.
Authors: Arispe N , Rojas E , Pollard H B
Published: May 2006

Amyloid beta protein (A beta P) is the 40- to 42-residue polypeptide implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. We have incorporated this peptide into phosphatidylserine liposomes and then fused the liposomes with a planar bilayer. When incorporated into bilayers the A beta P forms channels, which generate linear current-voltage relationships in symmetrical solutions. A permeability ratio, PK/PCl, of 11 for the open A beta P channel was estimated from the reversal potential of the channel current in asymmetrical KCl solutions. The permeability sequence for different cations, estimated from the reversal potential of the A beta P-channel current for each system of asymmetrical solutions, is Pcs > PLi > PCa > or = PK > PNa. A beta P-channel current (either CS+ or Ca2+ as charge carriers) is blocked reversibly by tromethamine (millimolar range) and irreversibly by Al3+ (micromolar range). The inhibition of the A beta P-channel current by these two substances depends on transmembrane potential, suggesting that the mechanism of blockade involves direct interaction between tromethamine (or Al3+) and sites within the A beta P channel. Hitherto, A beta P has been presumed to be neurotoxic. On the basis of the present data we suggest that the channel activity of the polypeptide may be responsible for some or all of its neurotoxic effects. We further propose that a useful strategy for drug discovery for treatment of Alzheimer disease may include screening compounds for their ability to block or otherwise modify A beta P channels.
Species selection on variability.
Authors: Lloyd E A , Gould S J
Published: May 2006

Most analyses of species selection require emergent, as opposed to aggregate, characters at the species level. This "emergent character" approach tends to focus on the search for adaptations at the species level. Such an approach seems to banish the most potent evolutionary property of populations--variability itself--from arguments about species selection (for variation is an aggregate character). We wish, instead, to extend the legitimate domain of species selection to aggregate characters. This extension of selection theory to the species level will concentrate, instead, on the relation between fitness and the species character, whether aggregate or emergent. Examination of the role of genetic variability in the long-term evolution of clades illustrates the cogency of broadening the definition of species selection to include aggregate characters. We reinterpret, in this light, a classic case presented in support of species selection. As originally presented, the species selection explanation of volutid neogastropod evolution was vulnerable to a counterinterpretation at the organism level. Once this case is recast within a definition of species selection that reflects the essential structure and broad applicability of hierarchical selection models, the organism-level reinterpretation of variability loses its force. We conclude that species selection on variability is a major force of macroevolution.
Specific activation and targeting of cytotoxic lymphocytes through chimeric single chains consisting of antibody-binding domains and the gamma or zeta subunits of the immunoglobulin and T-cell receptors.
Authors: Eshhar Z , Waks T , Gross G , Schindler D G
Published: May 2006

The generation of tumor-specific lymphocytes and their use in adoptive immunotherapy is limited to a few malignancies because most spontaneous tumors are very weak or not at all immunogenic. On the other hand, many anti-tumor antibodies have been described which bind tumor-associated antigens shared among tumors of the same histology. Combining the variable regions (Fv) of an antibody with the constant regions of the T-cell receptor (TCR) chains results in chimeric genes endowing T lymphocytes with antibody-type specificity, potentially allowing cellular adoptive immunotherapy against types of tumors not previously possible. To generalize and extend this approach to additional lymphocyte-activating molecules, we designed and constructed chimeric genes composed of a single-chain Fv domain (scFv) of an antibody linked with gamma or zeta chains, the common signal-transducing subunits of the immunoglobulin receptor and the TCR. Such chimeric genes containing the Fv region of an anti-trinitophenyl antibody could be expressed as functional surface receptors in a cytolytic T-cell hybridoma. They triggered interleukin 2 secretion upon encountering antigen and mediated non-major-histocompatibility-complex-restricted hapten-specific target cell lysis. Such chimeric receptors can be exploited to provide T cells and other effector lymphocytes, such as natural killer cells, with antibody-type recognition directly coupled to cellular activation.
Acidic C terminus of vaccinia virus DNA-binding protein interacts with ribonucleotide reductase.
Authors: Davis R E , Mathews C K
Published: May 2006

Evidence from prokaryotic systems suggests that enzymes of dNTP synthesis are organized near the DNA replication apparatus, allowing direct utilization of dNTPs at their sites of synthesis. To investigate whether similar interactions exist within a eukaryotic environment, we have prepared anti-idiotypic antibodies to the small subunit of vaccinia virus ribonucleotide reductase, and we used these antibodies to search for proteins that interact with this enzyme. This approach identified a 34-kDa viral phosphoprotein, which, like ribonucleotide reductase itself, is localized within infected cells at DNA replication sites. After expression of its structural gene in Escherichia coli, the recombinant protein was purified and found (i) to bind tightly to single-stranded DNA and (ii) to stimulate enzymatic activity of vaccinia ribonucleotide reductase. These observations suggest a physical association between dNTP synthesis and DNA replication in this viral system.
Residual free calcium is not responsible for facilitation of neurotransmitter release.
Authors: Blundon J A , Wright S N , Brodwick M S , Bittner G D
Published: May 2006

An increase in internal free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in the presynaptic terminal is often assumed to directly produce facilitation of neurotransmitter release. Using a Ca(2+)-activated potassium conductance as a bioassay for free [Ca2+]i in the presynaptic terminal of the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) opener neuromuscular junction, we now demonstrate that free [Ca2+]i has a decay time constant (tau) of 1-4 msec, whereas facilitation of neurotransmitter release has a decay tau of 7-43 msec. In addition, facilitation of neurotransmitter release can be markedly different at times when free [Ca2+]i values and presynaptic membrane voltages are equal. We conclude that free [Ca2+]i in the presynaptic terminal is not directly responsible for facilitation of neurotransmitter release. Our data suggest that facilitation results from bound Ca2+ or some long-lived consequence of bound Ca2+.
Identification in the HLA class I region of a gene expressed late in keratinocyte differentiation.
Authors: Zhou Y , Chaplin D D
Published: May 2006

A gene designated S has been identified in the class I region of the human major histocompatibility complex. The S gene is located 160 kb telomeric of HLA-C. It is expressed at high levels as 2.2-kb and 2.6-kb mRNAs in human skin. No homologous transcripts were detected in other tissues including placenta, liver, spleen, thymus, and brain. In situ hybridization showed that S gene expression was restricted to the differentiating keratinocytes in the granular layer of the epidermis. The predicted amino acid sequence of the S protein was remarkable for its high content of serine, glycine, and proline. There were significant similarities with the amino acid sequences of loricrin, keratin 1, and keratin 10, all major components of the granular-cell layer. The selective expression of the S gene in the granular-cell layer in the epidermis suggests a role in the developmental program of differentiating keratinocytes. Furthermore, in light of the recognized association of psoriasis vulgaris, a disorder of keratinocyte proliferation, with alleles of HLA-C, this gene may contribute primarily to the pathogenesis of this common disorder.
Oligonucleotide clamps arrest DNA synthesis on a single-stranded DNA target.
Authors: Giovannangeli C , Thuong N T , Hélène C
Published: May 2006

Triple helices can be formed on single-stranded oligopurine target sequences by composite oligonucleotides consisting of two oligonucleotides covalently linked by either a hexaethylene glycol linker or an oligonucleotide sequence. The first oligomer forms Watson-Crick base pairs with the target, while the second oligomer engages in Hoogsteen base pairing, thereby acting as a molecular clamp. The triple-helical complex formed by such an oligonucleotide clamp, or "oligonucleotide-loop-oligonucleotide" (OLO), is more stable than either the corresponding trimolecular triple helix or the double helix formed upon binding of the oligopyrimidine complement to the same oligopurine target. Attaching a psoralen derivative to the 5' end of the OLO allowed us to photoinduce a covalent linkage to the target sequence. The psoralen moiety became covalently linked to all three portions of the triplex, thereby making the oligonucleotide clamp irreversible. These crosslinking reactions introduced strong stop signals during DNA replication, as shown on a plasmid containing a portion of the HIV proviral sequence of human immunodeficiency virus. A 16-mer oligopurine sequence corresponding to the "polypurine tract" of human immunodeficiency virus was chosen as a target for a psoralen-OLO conjugate. Three different stop signals for DNA polymerase were observed, corresponding to different sites of polymerase arrest on its template. Even in the absence of photoinduced crosslinking, the psoralen-OLO conjugate was able to arrest DNA replication. The formation of triple-helical structures on single-stranded targets may provide an alternative to the antisense strategy for the control of gene expression.
Amino acid sequence of a putative sodium channel expressed in the giant axon of the squid Loligo opalescens.
Authors: Rosenthal J J , Gilly W F
Published: May 2006

A full-length cDNA encoding a putative Na+ channel (GFLN1) has been cloned from a library prepared from the stellate ganglion of Loligo opalescens. The cDNA encodes a predicted protein of 1784 amino acids. Regions of the GFLN1 protein with defined functional importance (membrane span S4, the SS1 and SS2 segments, and interdomain III-IV) are highly conserved among all vertebrate Na+ channel alpha-subunit structures. Northern blot hybridization and RNase protection assays verify that mRNA corresponding to GFLN1 is expressed in neurons of the giant fiber lobe that form the giant axon. We propose that GFLN1 encodes the Na+ channel that has been extensively studied in the squid axon.
Sequencing using pulsed field and image reconstruction.
Authors: Noolandi J , Forsyth R , Shi A C
Published: May 2006

The use of pulsed fields in a standard manual sequencing set-up results in the separation of > 2 kb on a single gel, as compared to 300-400 bases with a dc field. However, visual reading of the sequence from a film exposed to a pulsed-field gel is not possible for more than 800-900 bases under the best conditions. The use of image reconstruction and enhancement techniques allows the reading of the M13mp18 sequence to > 1 kb, and individual bands can be identified at > 2 kb.
Role of nitric oxide in the control of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone release in vivo and in vitro.
Authors: Rettori V , Belova N , Dees W L , Nyberg C L , Gimeno M , McCann S M
Published: May 2006

Nitric oxide (NO) synthase, the enzyme which converts arginine into citrulline plus NO, a highly active free radical, has been found in many neurons in the brain, including neurons in the hypothalamus. Our previous experiments showed that norepinephrine-induced prostaglandin E2 release from hypothalamic explants incubated in vitro is mediated by NO. Since the release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) is also driven by norepinephrine and prostaglandin E2, we hypothesized that NO might also control pulsatile release of LHRH in vivo, resulting in turn in pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone (LH). To ascertain the role of NO in control of pulsatile LH release in vivo, an inhibitor of NO synthase, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), was microinjected into the third cerebral ventricle (1 mg/5 microliters) of conscious castrate male rats at time 0 and 60 min later; blood samples were taken every 10 min during this period. NMMA blocked pulsatile LH release within 20 min, and plasma LH concentration declined further without pulses after the injection at 60 min. Pulsatile release of LH was not altered in diluent-injected controls. NMMA did not alter pulsatile release of follicle-stimulating hormone, which suggests that its release does not require NO. Incubation of medial basal hypothalami with norepinephrine (10 microM) induced an increase in LHRH release that was inhibited by NMMA (300 microM). NMMA alone did not alter basal LHRH release, whereas it was augmented by sodium nitroprusside (100 microM), which releases NO spontaneously. This augmentation was prevented by hemoglobin (2 micrograms/ml), which binds the NO released by nitroprusside. Our previous experiments showed that norepinephrine-induced release of prostaglandin E2 is mediated by NO. Nitric oxidergic neurons were visualized in the median eminence adjacent to the LHRH terminals. The combined in vivo and in vitro results indicate that the pulsatile release of LHRH induced by norepinephrine is brought about by alpha 1-adrenergic activation of NO synthase. NO then induces prostaglandin E2 release that activates exocytosis of LHRH secretory granules into the portal vessels to induce pulsatile LH release.
Control of folding and membrane translocation by binding of the chaperone DnaJ to nascent polypeptides.
Authors: Hendrick J P , Langer T , Davis T A , Hartl F U , Wiedmann M
Published: May 2006

Recent evidence supports the view that cellular protein folding may be mediated by molecular chaperones. A fundamental question concerns the stage in its biogenesis at which the folding protein makes first contact with these components. We show here by crosslinking that the chaperone DnaJ binds nascent ribosome-bound polypeptide chains as short as 55 residues. Cotranslational binding of DnaJ to firefly luciferase and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase resulted in an arrest of folding as long as the functional partners of DnaJ in Escherichia coli, DnaK and GrpE, were missing. Protein uptake into microsomes and mitochondria was also interrupted by DnaJ. Both folding and post-translational translocation recommenced upon addition of DnaK and GrpE. We propose that DnaJ protects nascent polypeptide chains against aggregation and, in cooperation with Hsp70, controls their productive folding once a complete polypeptide or a polypeptide domain has been synthesized.
Differential expression of four members of the POU family of proteins in activated and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-treated Jurkat T cells.
Authors: Bhargava A K , Li Z , Weissman S M
Published: May 2006

The POU family of proteins binds specifically to octamer DNA motifs present in the promoters of several genes and regulates their expression. We identified the presence of four members of the POU family of proteins, Oct-1, Oct-2, Oct-T1, and Oct-T2, in the human T-cell line Jurkat. To obtain insight into the physiological role played by these proteins in T cells, we studied the time course of expression of these genes in resting, activated, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-treated cells. The expression of the gene encoding Oct-1 (now assigned the name OTF1 for octamer-binding transcription factor 1) remained unchanged and the levels of Oct-T2 mRNA decreased with increasing time of incubation to undetectable amounts in all three states of T-cell growth. The levels of Oct-2 mRNA and protein were increased in activated cells, were increased to a lesser extent in the PMA-treated cells, and were undetectable in resting cells. The levels of the Oct-T1 transcripts increased dramatically in PMA-treated cells but not in resting or activated cells. Sequence analysis of the Oct-T1 cDNA showed an open reading frame coding for a POU domain-containing protein of 42.7 kDa. Transient transfection of the gene encoding Oct-T1 decreased the activity of the interleukin 2 gene promoter in activated Jurkat cells. Further, there is evidence for an additional octamer-binding protein, Oct-T3, in Jurkat T cells.
An ets-related gene, ERG, is rearranged in human myeloid leukemia with t(16;21) chromosomal translocation.
Authors: Shimizu K , Ichikawa H , Tojo A , Kaneko Y , Maseki N , Hayashi Y , Ohira M , Asano S , Ohki M
Published: May 2006

The t(16;21)(p11;q22) translocation is a nonrandom chromosomal abnormality found in several types of myeloid leukemia, which show variable cytomorphological features. We constructed rodent-human somatic cell hybrids containing the der(16) chromosome from leukemic cells of a patient with t(16;21). Using these hybrids, we mapped the translocation breakpoint on the Not I restriction map of chromosome 21 which we had previously constructed. The result showed the proximity of the breakpoint to the ERG gene, a member of the ets oncogene superfamily. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analyses of genomic DNA from the hybrids and from peripheral blood cells and bone marrow cells of patients with t(16;21) showed that the breakpoints were clustered within a single intron in the coding region of the ERG gene. This finding and the results obtained by Northern blot analysis suggested the formation of a chimeric product(s) by fusion of the ERG gene and an unknown counterpart gene on chromosome 16.
Identification of a specific region of low molecular weight phospholipases A2 (residues 21-40) as a potential target for structure-based design of inhibitors of these enzymes.
Authors: Cordella-Miele E , Miele L , Mukherjee A B
Published: May 2006

We have identified a specific region of porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2 (residues 21-40) which interacts with a neutralizing antibody causing a dramatic inhibition of its enzymatic activity (Ki in the order of 10(-8) M). The binding equilibrium of the antibody-phospholipase A2 complex is reached in < 3 min at 37 degrees C. Fab fragments are equally effective phospholipase A2 inhibitors, as are intact IgG molecules. The inhibition is virtually complete and noncompetitive with respect to phosphatidylcholine substrate. The formation of precipitating immunocomplexes is not involved in the inhibition. The region of phospholipase A2 (residues 21-40) recognized by this antibody includes a highly conserved sequence which contains several functionally important residues of both group I and group II phospholipases A2. These data suggest that amino acid residues in this region of porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2 are accessible for interaction with inhibitors such as neutralizing antibodies and that agents specifically interacting with this region may have potent phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity. Thus, this conserved region of low molecular weight, extracellular phospholipases A2 is a potential target for structure-based design of specific noncompetitive inhibitors of these enzymes. Since these extracellular phospholipases A2 are suggested to play a pathogenic role in several important human diseases, the development of such pharmacologic inhibitors is of potential clinical importance.
The maize transposable element system Ac/Ds as a mutagen in Arabidopsis: identification of an albino mutation induced by Ds insertion.
Authors: Long D , Martin M , Sundberg E , Swinburne J , Puangsomlee P , Coupland G
Published: May 2006

A two-component transposon system based on the Ac element of maize was used as a mutagen in Arabidopsis thaliana. Transposition of a Ds element marked with a hygromycin-resistance gene was activated from four different locations in the Arabidopsis genome. The progeny of 201 plants carrying independent transposition events were screened for mutants with severe, visible phenotypes. Seven mutants were identified and four of them were analyzed genetically. Three mutations were shown to be very closely linked to a transposed copy of the element. Moreover, a mutation (alb3) causing an albino phenotype was conclusively shown to be caused by insertion of the Ds element: somatic and germinal reversion of the mutation occurred in the presence of the transposase gene but not in its absence, and in three revertants the Ds had excised from its position in the mutant line. The DNA adjacent to Ds in the mutant was isolated and it was demonstrated that revertants retained part of the 8-bp duplication caused by insertion of Ds. These experiments indicate that the Ac/Ds system can be used as an insertional mutagen in the heterologous host Arabidopsis, which will permit the isolation of genes from this species by transposon tagging.
Salmonella typhimurium induces membrane ruffling by a growth factor-receptor-independent mechanism.
Authors: Jones B D , Paterson H F , Hall A , Falkow S
Published: May 2006

Invasive Salmonella typhimurium induces dramatic actin rearrangements on the membrane surface of mammalian cells as part of its entry mechanism. These changes, which are best characterized as membranous ruffles, closely resemble the membrane changes that occur when a growth factor binds to its receptor. Recently, inhibition of the function of the small GTPases rac and rho in quiescent serum-starved fibroblasts was demonstrated to abolish growth factor-mediated ruffling and stress-fiber formation, respectively. In addition, actin changes induced by the oncogene ras were also shown to be regulated by rac and rho. Because Salmonella-induced actin rearrangements resemble those caused by growth factors, we investigated whether ras, rho, or rac regulates the membrane ruffling elicited by S. typhimurium. Surprisingly, inhibition of the functions of these GTPases had no effect on the ability of invasive S. typhimurium to induce membrane ruffles on a variety of tissue culture cells including Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, and Hep-2 cells. These results led us to examine the interactions of S. typhimurium with Henle-407 intestinal cells, which lack epidermal growth factor receptor on their membrane surface. We found no difference in the ability of invasive S. typhimurium to induce membrane ruffling and to enter Henle-407 cells with or without the epidermal growth factor receptor on the membrane surface. We, therefore, conclude that invasive S. typhimurium induces membrane ruffling and its own internalization by a rac-independent, growth factor-receptor-independent signaling pathway.
Pattern recognition at the Fermilab collider and Superconducting Supercollider.
Authors: Frisch H J
Published: May 2006

In a colliding beam accelerator such as Fermilab or the Superconducting Supercollider (SSC) protons, or antiprotons, collide at a rate between 10(5) (Fermilab) and 10(8) (SSC) collisions per second. In real time experimentalists have to select those events which are candidates for exploring the limit of known phenomena at a much lower rate, 1-100 per second, for recording on permanent media. The rate of events from new physics sources is expected to be much lower, as low as a few per year. This is a severe problem in pattern recognition: with an input data stream of up to 10(15) potential bits per second in its images, we have to pick out those images that are potentially interesting in real time at a discrimination level of 1 part in 10(6), with a known efficiency. I will describe the overall filtering strategies and the custom hardware to do this event selection (a.k.a. pattern recognition).