bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation and drug resistance mechanisms of mammalian ribonucleotide reductase, and the significance to DNA synthesis
Authors: Wright Jim A. , Chan Arthur K. , Choy Bob K. , Hurta Robert A. R. , McClarty Grant A. , Tagger Aaron Y.
Published: December 2009

Mammalian ribonucleotide reductase, which occupies a key position in the synthesis of DNA, is a highly controlled enzyme activity, because it is solely responsible-for the de novo reduction of ribonucleoside diphosphates to their corresponding deoxyribonucleoside diphosphate forms, required for DNA synthesis. Ribonucleotide reductase consists of two dissimilar protein components often called M1 and M2, which are independently regulated during cell proliferation. The M1 component contains multiple effector binding sites and is responsible for the complex allosteric regulation of the enzyme, whereas the M2 protein contains nonheme iron and a unique tyrosyl-free radical required for ribonucleotide reduction. Since the reaction is rate limiting for DNA synthesis, ribonucleotide reductase plays an important role in regulating cell division, and hence, cell proliferation. There are many inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase and perhaps the most valuable one from a cell biology, biochemistry, and clinical point of view is the hydroxamic acid, hydroxyurea. This drug has also been very useful as a selective agent for isolating a variety of mammalian mutant cell lines altered in ribonucleotide reductase gene expression. Regulatory, structural, and biological characteristics of ribonucleotide reductase are reviewed, including evidence that ribonucleotide reductase, particularly the M2 protein, has an important early role to play in tumor promotion. In addition, modifications in the expressions of genes altered in hydroxyurea-resistant mutants and cultured in the absence or presence of hydroxyurea are discussed, with emphasis on changes in M2 protein, M1 protein, and the iron-storage protein ferritin. Several regulatory models are presented, including a model showing the relationships between M2 protein levels, deoxyribonucleotide pools, and DNA synthesis, and a model demonstrating a linkage between M2 and ferritin proteins in regulating DNA synthesis in normal and hydroxyurea-resistant mammalian cells.Key words: DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, ribonucleotide reductase, drug resistance.
Hexose transport properties of myoblasts isolated from a patient with suspected muscle carnitine deficiency
Authors: Mesmer O. T. , Lo T. C. Y.
Published: December 2009

The human primary carnitine deficiency syndromes are potentially fatal disorders affecting children and adults. The molecular etiologies of these syndromes have not been fully determined. Muscle carnitine deficiency syndrome is characterized by mild to severe muscle weakness, lipid accumulation in muscle, and reduced muscle carnitine concentration. In the present investigation, the hexose transport properties of muscle cells isolated from a patient with suspected muscle carnitine deficiency (MCD) were examined. We have previously shown that myoblasts from normal human subjects possessed at least two hexose transport systems, the low (LAHT) and the high (HAHT) affinity hexose transport systems. Their preferred substrates were 3-O-methyl-D-glucose and 2-deoxyglucose (dGlc), respectively; HAHT, but not LAHT, was sensitive to inhibition by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). Here we show that the kinetic properties of HAHT in the MCD myoblasts differ significantly from those of normal myoblasts and that the rates of dGlc transport by MCD myoblasts are restored to normal by growth in 40 μM L-carnitine. We also demonstrate that the kinetic properties of LAHT are quite similar in both normal and MCD myoblasts. It can be inferred from these findings that HAHT and LAHT may be coded or regulated by different genes. Based on the finding that the dGlc transport system in L-carnitine grown cells is no longer sensitive to inhibition by CCCP, it is thought that L-carnitine may play a regulatory role in HAHT, viz., by maintaining the HAHT transporter in a functional state, even in energy-uncoupled cells. While MCD myoblasts exhibit normal rates of L-carnitine influx, their L-carnitine efflux rates are significantly faster than those of normal myoblasts, thus resulting in significantly reduced intracellular level of L-carnitine in the MCD myoblasts. This reduced intracellular L-carnitine level would then explain the relatively reduced HAHT activity and its subsequent restoration to normal activity following growth in L-carnitine.Key words: hexose transport, human myoblasts, muscle carnitine deficiency, myopathy, human genetic variants, myoblasts, transport regulation, β-oxidation, L-carnitine.
Enhanced accumulation of mRNA for 78-kilodalton glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) in tissues of nonobese diabetic mice
Authors: Parfett Craig L. J. , Brudzynski Katarzyna , Stiller Calvin
Published: December 2009

Using 78-kilodalton glucose-regulated protein cDNA as a probe of Northern blots, we have examined the distribution and inducibility of mRNA encoding the 78-kilodalton glucose-regulated protein in three tissues of nonobese diabetic mice. The gene was constitutively expressed in normal, unstressed cells of liver, brain, and spleen. Developing diabetes correlated with elevated expression in only liver and brain of diabetic mice. This induction of gene expression was associated with the transition from the prediabetic stage to the onset of hyperglycemia and coincided with falling levels of plasma insulin and rising hyperglycemia. The activation of 78-kilodalton glucose-regulated protein gene expression appeared to be transient. We suggest that the temporally differential, tissue-specific expression of this gene in adult nonobese diabetic mice offers an opportunity to study a physiologically relevant regulation of this stress-induced gene.Key words: stress protein, gene expression, diabetes, liver, brain.
Effect of low temperature stress on the expression of sucrose synthetase in spring and winter wheat plants. Development of a monoclonal antibody against wheat germ sucrose synthetase
Authors: Newsted W. Jay , Chibbar Ravindra N. , Georges Fawzy
Published: December 2009

A monoclonal antibody against wheat germ sucrose synthetase is developed and characterized. Its use in studying the effect of cold acclimation on the expression of sucrose synthetase in winter and spring wheat plants is described. The antibody shows cross-reactivity with sucrose synthetase from maize and pea plants, as well as carrot cells. A gradual accumulation of the enzyme as a function of time spent at 2 °C is observed in both wheat varieties. In contrast, an initial sharp rise in the mRNA level is observed, which agrees with the previously reported response of maize plants subjected to anaerobic stress.Key words: cold tolerance, antibodies, protein expression, sucrose synthetase.
Newly synthesized glycoconjugates from two cell lines derived from rat osteogenic sarcoma: effects of Matrigenin activity from bone
Authors: Chopra Ravi K. , Anastassiades Tassos , Stephens Christian , Lohnes David , Jones Glenville
Published: December 2009

An activity isolated from bovine bone was previously shown to stimulate proteoglycan synthesis by several connective tissue cell lines from normal tissues (Matrigenin activity). The effect of this activity on glycoconjugate synthesis by two osteoblastic cell lines, ROS 17/2 and UMR-106, derived from rat osteogenic sarcoma, was examined after labelling of the cells with [3H]glucosamine and [35S]sulfate. The glycoconjugates from the cell layers and the media were separated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography and the anionic glycoconjugates of the media were further analyzed by chromatography on Sepharose CL-2B and enzymatic digestion of the papain-released glycosaminoglycans. The ROS 17/2 cells secreted at least two distinct species of proteoglycan (one heparan sulfate rich and the other chondroitin sulfate rich), whereas the UMR-106 secreted primarily an anionic glycoprotein. The addition of Matrigenin activity to the ROS 17/2 cells resulted in stimulation of incorporation of radioactivity into the proteoglycan and hyaluronic acid, but in UMR-106 cultures it resulted in decreased incorporation into the anionic glycoprotein. The decrease in incorporation into the anionic glycoprotein from the medium was shown, by alkaline β-elimination, to have occurred mainly in the oligosaccharide fraction, relative to control cultures.Key words: osteogenic sarcoma cells, Matrigenin activity, glycoconjugate synthesis.
Effects of transforming growth factor-β on normal clonal bone cell populations
Authors: Ber Rebecca , Kubota Takao , Sodek Jaro , Aubin Jane E.
Published: December 2009

Although transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been implicated in the local regulation of bone growth and remodelling, its specific effects on different subpopulations of bone cells have not been elucidated. Cells derived from bone are known to be heterogeneous and include both cells of different lineages and osteoblastic populations with different levels of expression of osteoblast-associated properties. Consequently, we have isolated clonal populations of bone cells to examine more precisely the effects of TGF-β on individual subpopulations. Several clonal populations were isolated by limiting dilution from cells derived from 21-day-old fetal rat calvaria. Two of these clones, RCA 11 and RCB 2, were used here. While the two clones responded similarly to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and isoproterenol (ISP) with increases in intracellular cAMP, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) elicited a 10-fold higher response in RCB 2 cells compared with RCA 11. RCB 2 cells expressed a 10-fold higher alkaline phosphatase activity compared with RCA 11. Both clones synthesized a variety of bone matrix associated proteins, but only RCA 11 synthesized SPP-1 (osteopontin) constitutively. TGF-β stimulated growth of RCB 2 cells after 24 and 48 h of treatment, but had no effect on growth of RCA 11. TGF-β supported anchorage-independent growth of RCB 2 cells, but not that of RCA 11. A 24-h exposure to TGF-β decreased cAMP responsiveness to PTH and ISP slightly in both clones, but had no effect on PGE2 responses. Significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase activity were seen in both clones after 24- and 48-h treatments with TGF-β. Total protein synthesis as measured by [35S]methionine incorporation was stimulated significantly in both clones, but TGF-β selectively stimulated type I collagen compared with type III collagen. SPARC (osteonectin) and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP-1; osteopontin) were stimulated by TGF-β in both RCA 11 and RCB 2 cells. These results indicate that individual clonal populations of cells within bone may be modulated differentially by TGF-β.Key words: transforming growth factor-β, osteoblasts, clonal cell lines, matrix synthesis.
Characterization of protein-tyrosine kinase activity in the canine prostate
Authors: Bourassa Claude , Nguyen Linh T. , Roberts Kenneth D. , Chevalier Simone
Published: December 2009

Following the measurement of the phosphorylation of the substrate poly(Glu80Na,Tyr20) and the analysis of the alkali-resistant phosphorylation of endogenous proteins, the protein-tyrosine kinase of the canine prostate was partially characterized with regard to its subcellular localization, as well as certain kinetic and molecular properties. This kinase was mainly found in the cytosolic fraction (75%); however, its specific activity was similar to that of the residual enzyme present in the particulate fraction. Conditions for optimal activity of both fractions were determined. Under these conditions, several endogenous phosphoproteins (44–63 kilodaltons upon electrophoresis) were alkali resistant and phosphotyrosine was present in all of the major ones (pp63, pp57, pp52, and pp44). The particulate protein-tyrosine kinase activity was partially solubilized (58%) with 0.5% Triton X-100; this percentage was increased to 85% in the presence of 0.25 M KCl. Upon gel filtration, both cytosolic and particulate kinases showed an apparent molecular mass of 44 kilodaltons; these enzymes also phosphorylated similar major alkali-resistant phosphoproteins. The soluble protein-tyrosine kinase, with a sedimentation coefficient of 4.0S and an isoelectric point of 5.5, could be separated from arginine esterase and prostatic acid phosphatase.Key words: protein-tyrosine kinase, phosphotyrosine, prostate, arginine esterase, acid phosphatase.
Simultaneous phosphorylation of three human calpactins by kinase C
Authors: Barnes Junor A. , Michiel Dennis , Hollenberg Morley D.
Published: December 2009

We evaluated the concurrent phosphorylation of reconstituted mixtures of three purified human placental calpactins (or lipocortins) by purified bovine brain protein kinase C (PKC). Calpactin-I (p36 or lipocortin-II), calpactin-II (p38 or lipocortin-I), and a 70-kilodalton calpactin-related protein, calpactin-p70, when present together as substrates for PKC, all demonstrated comparable kinetic parameters (Vmax values = 0.3–0.5 nmol phosphate incorporated/min), with calpactin-II and calpactin-p70 exhibiting lower apparent Km values (40 and 30 nM, respectively) than did calpactin-I (Km, 200 nM). Because of the higher Vmax/Km ratios for calpactin-II and calpactin-70 (12.5 and 10.0, respectively) compared with the ratio for calpactin-I (2.0), our data suggest that, intracellularly, where all three calpactins might be co-localized, the higher molecular mass calpactins could be preferred substrates for PKC. Nonetheless, the requirement for relatively high calcium concentrations (≥ 0.5 mM) suggests that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of the calpactins may take place only in restricted intracellular compartments, wherein calcium concentrations might transiently reach levels much higher than those that are normally found intracellularly (≤ 0.25 mM).Key words: calpactins, kinase C, lipocortins, phosphorylation.
Chemical studies of high-Km aldehyde dehydrogenase from rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Tsai C. Stan , Senior David J.
Published: December 2009

Studies of pH-dependent kinetics implicate two ionizable groups in the dehydrogenase and esterase reactions catalysed by high-Km aldehyde dehydrogenase from rat liver mitochondria. Sensitized photooxidation completely arrests the bifunctional activities of the dehydrogenase. Carboxamidomethylation abolishes the dehydrogenase activity, whereas acetimidination eliminates the esterase activity. These results suggest that histidine (pKa near 6) and cysteine (pKa near 10) are likely the catalytic residues for the dehydrogenase activity, while the esterase activity is functionally related to histidine (pKa near 7) and a residue with the pKa value of 10–11. The two residues, a carboxyl group and an arginine, that discriminate between NAD+ and NADP+ are present at the coenzyme binding site of the mitochondrial high-Km aldehyde dehydrogenase from rat liver.Key words: aldehyde dehydrogenase, rat liver, mitochondria, esterase.
Sequence of an acidic ribosomal protein from the jellyfish Polyorchis penicillatus
Authors: Gallin Warren
Published: December 2009

We have isolated a cDNA clone from the jellyfish Polyorchis penicillatus that encodes the homologue of the A1 acidic ribosomal protein previously characterized in human, brine shrimp, fruit fly, and yeast. The sequence of this protein is strongly conserved among the five eukaryotic species for which it has been determined. Conservation is greatest in the amino-terminal 51 amino acids and the carboxyl-terminal 25 amino acids. This suggests that these regions are necessary for interactions with other components of the protein synthetic machinery, while the central part of the protein has a less specific role to play. Comparison of the sequences obtained from the different species indicate that the metazoan lineages all appear to have arisen at approximately the same time and significantly later than the time of divergence of yeast from the common ancestor of the Metazoa.Key words: ribosome, protein synthesis, molecular evolution, nucleic acid sequence.
A mutant of Escherichia coli citrate synthase that affects the allosteric equilibrium
Authors: Anderson Deborah H. , Donald Lynda J. , Jacob Mary V. , Duckworth Harry W.
Published: December 2009

We describe a mutant of Escherichia coli citrate synthase, CS R319L, in which the arginine residue at position 319 of the sequence has been replaced by leucine. In this mutant, saturation by the substrate acetyl-CoA is changed from sigmoid (Hill parameter = 1.75 ± 0.2) to hyperbolic (Hill parameter = 1.0 ± 0.1) and dependence on the activator KCl is greatly reduced. Further mutations at this site and at position 343 (which model building predicts is close enough to allow a side-chain interaction with position 319) are also described. In the wild-type enzyme, the model suggests the possibility of a salt-bridge interaction between Arg-319 (located on the P helix in the small domain) and Glu-343 (in the Q helix in the same domain), but mutation of Glu-343 to Ala (CS E343A) produced a much smaller difference in the kinetic properties than the Arg-319 to Leu mutation did. Small changes in kinetic properties were also obtained with an Arg-319 → Glu (CS R319E) mutation. In CS R319L, oxaloacetate, the first substrate to bind, induces an ultraviolet difference spectrum which is obtained with wild-type enzyme only in the presence of KCl. To account for these observations we postulate that wild-type E. coli citrate synthase exists in two conformational states, T and R, which are equilibrium; T state binds NADH, the allosteric inhibitor, while R state binds substrates and can be converted to another substrate-binding state, R′, by KCl. In the CS R319L mutant, it is proposed that the T ↔ R equilibrium is shifted significantly towards R state, permitting an easier interaction with substrates in the absence of KCl. To account for the behaviour of enzymes mutated at amino acids 319 and 343, we propose that the allosteric transition between T and R states involves a subtle adjustment of the relative positions of the P and Q helices, which is affected by some of the mutations tested.Key words: citrate synthase, allostery, site-directed mutagenesis.
Expression of SPARC/osteonectin in tissues of bony and cartilaginous vertebrates
Authors: Ringuette Maurice , Damjanovski Sashko , Wheeler Donna
Published: December 2009

To explore the biological functions of SPARC (secreted protein, acidic, rich in cysteine), a Ca2+-binding extracellular glycoprotein, we have examined its expression in an evolutionary diverse group of organisms. Similar patterns of SPARC mRNA expression were observed in adult mouse and rat tissues. SPARC transcripts represented 0.0002–0.0025% of the total RNA found in calvarium, lung, brain, and heart, whereas relatively low levels of SPARC RNA were detected in liver and kidney. Within nonmuscular tissues, a statistically significant correlation was observed between the tissue distribution of SPARC and cytoskeletal actin transcripts. Southern blot analysis revealed SPARC as a low or single-copy gene in an evolutionary diverse group of vertebrates. No hybridization signal was observed with the invertebrates examined. The tissue distribution of SPARC transcripts in the vertebrates examined was similar, except for sea lamprey and sea skate, two vertebrates that do not form mineralized bone. These data suggest that SPARC has multiple functions in mineralized and nonmineralized tissues of vertebrates.Key words: SPARC, osteonectin, vertebrate expression.
Characterization of the pigment from homogentisic acid and urine and tissue from an alkaptonuria patient
Authors: Menon I. Aravind , Persad Suruj D. , Haberman Herbert F. , Basu Prasanta K. , Norfray Joseph F. , Felix Christopher C. , Kalyanaraman B.
Published: December 2009

When urine samples from alkaptonuria patients are allowed to stand, they turn black, presumably owing to the oxidation of homogentisic acid to a melanin-like substance. We report the characterization of the pigments formed by polymerization of (a) the components in the urine from a patient with alkaptonuria and (b) homogentisic acid. The absorption spectra and electron spin resonance signals of these pigments are similar to those of eumelanins. Irradiation of the pigments with nitroblue tetrazolium caused reduction of the tetrazolium; this was partially inhibited by superoxide dismutase. Irradiation of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells with the pigments from homogentisic acid or urine caused cell lysis. Since this lysis was inhibited by catalase, we have concluded that it was mediated by H2O2. A similar pigment was also extracted from the tissue from an alkaptonuria patient. It is suggested that the degeneration of tissue in vivo may be due to the deposition of melanin-like pigments in the tissues, probably in combination with metal ions.Key words: alkaptonuria, homogentisic acid, pigmentation, melanin, photosensitization.
Nature of lysozyme–water interactions by proton NMR
Authors: Prosser S. , Peemoeller H.
Published: December 2009

Proton spin-lattice relaxation measurements were performed in 10 mM lysozyme solution as a function of temperature and degree of substitution of solvent H2O with D2O. The results show that in the temperature range from 274 to 323 K, the intermolecular lysozyme proton water proton coupling contributes appreciably to the observed water proton relaxation rate. In this system exchange between water protons and labile protein protons does not dominate the behaviour with temperature of the water–lysozyme intermolecular contribution to the spin-lattice relaxation.Key words: NMR, lysozyme, relaxation-contributions.
Ectopic expression of a genomic fragment containing a homeobox causes neural defects in the axolotl
Authors: Whiteley Mary , Armstrong John B.
Published: December 2009

An axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) genomic fragment containing the Ahoxl homeobox was placed under the control of the mouse hsp68 promoter, which seems to function constitutively in the axolotl. The resulting construct was injected into fertilized axolotl eggs to see if it would perturb development. Of the injected embryos, 20% showed severe reduction of the anterior neural plate. Later in development, these embryos had small heads, no eyes, and appeared to lack the normal regionalization of the brain. An additional 35% of the embryos were less severely affected, but had reduced or missing eyes. Control embryos, including ones injected with a construct missing the DNA recognition helix of the homeobox, developed normally.Key words: axolotl, homeobox, neural defects, pattern formation.
Isolation and some properties of 11- and 9-Gla prothrombins from normal plasma
Authors: Malhotra Om P.
Published: December 2009

The relationship of prothrombin structure to function with respect to γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues can be effectively evaluated by characterizing the behavior of prothrombin isomers differing in Gla content. In addition to the isolation of a whole spectrum of Gla-deficient, 0- to 9-Gla isomers from dicoumarol-treated plasma, prothrombin isomers containing 11 (10.90) and 9 (8.85) Gla residues have now been isolated from normal bovine plasma. The isomers were isolated by barium citrate adsorption, elution, and finally by heparin-agarose, DEAE-cellulose, and immuno-affinity chromatographies. Each of the purified isomers showed a single component by agar gel and sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. By agar gel electrophoresis, the 11-Gla prothrombin isomer moved the fastest, followed by the 10-, and lastly the 9-Gla isomer, independent of Ca2+. The corresponding 9-, 10-, and 11-Gla prothrombin fragments 1 exhibited similar migration tendencies. By gel electrofocusing, 11- and 9-Gla fragments 1, respectively, focused anodal and cathodal to 10-Gla fragment 1. The Ca2+-induced decrease in the intrinsic fluorescence in 11-, 10-, and 9-Gla fragments 1 was 48, 40, and 45%, respectively. This metal-induced structural change did not correlate with the functional, thrombin-generating property of the isomers, as the 9-Gla variant exhibited 75%, and the 11-Gla 110–115%, of normal coagulant activity.Key words: prothrombin, blood clotting, dicoumarol, Warfarin, γ-carboxyglutamic acid, vitamin K deficiency.
Peroxisomal disorders
Authors: Moser Hugo W. , Bergin Ann , Cornblath David
Published: December 2009

The concept that there are human disease states that are associated with abnormal peroxisomal function is of recent origin. This is due in part to the relatively recent discovery of the organelle itself by de Duve in 1983, and to the earlier belief that it was a vestigial structure in mammals. The recognition that the organelle is significant in mammals was ushered in by Paul Lazarow's observation that rat peroxisomes catalyze the β-oxidation of fatty acids. By 1981, more than 40 enzymes had been localized to the peroxisome, and the number continues to grow. Respect for the physiological role of the peroxisome in man has been heightened by our recent recognition that peroxisome malfunction causes profound disturbances. The Zellweger cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome represents the most serious peroxisomal disease. It is associated with malfunction of virtually every organ, and children with the disease usually do not survive beyond the 4th month. Application of newly developed diagnostic techniques has shown that the clinical spectrum and frequency of peroxisomal disorders are greater than had been realized. Eleven separate peroxisomal disorders have now been identified. Our laboratory alone has identified more than 2000 patients. Disturbances of very long chain fatty acid and ether phospholipid metabolism are present in 9 of the 11 peroxisomal disorders. In this presentation, we will provide an overview of the peroxisomal disorders, with emphasis on disturbances of fatty acid and ether lipid metabolism.Key words: peroxisomes, very long chain fatty acids, Zellweger syndrome, erucic acid, Refsum disease.
Essential fatty acids and serine as plasmalogen precursors in relation to competing metabolic pathways
Authors: Cook Harold W. , Thomas Susan E. , Xu Zhaolin
Published: December 2009

Interest in altered ether-lipid metabolism, associated with peroxisomal disorders including adrenoleukodystrophy and Zellweger's syndrome, has highlighted present limitations in our understanding of the biosynthesis and turnover of plasmalogens. These 1-alkenyl ethanolamine phosphoglycerides are major phospholipids in brain, vascular tissue, neutrophils, and most tumors, and they constitute 15–20% of total phospholipids in cultured glioma cells. In glioma, turnover of polyunsaturated acyl chains in the sn-2 position of plasmalogens was examined in relation to selectivity for the (n–3) and (n–6) families. Remodeling of acyl chains was more dependent on chain length than on selectivity between families, consistent with plasmalogens enriched in polyunsaturated, but not specifically (n–3), fatty acids. Extracellular serine was a precursor of serine and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides and was associated with plasmalogens due to decarboxylation and headgroup exchange. Incorporation of extracellular serine ceased within 8 h, even though more than 50% of the label remained in the medium. Analyses of medium and cellular water-soluble components indicated rapid conversion of serine to glycine and other metabolites not used in phospholipid biosynthesis. Thus, nutrient molecules as precursors of plasmalogens are involved in complex competitive interactions. As functions of plasmalogens are clarified, regulation of plasmalogen turnover becomes an increasingly important issue and elucidation of these processes is essential.Key words: plasmalogen, serine, fatty acids, glioma.
Characterization of the integral membrane polypeptides of rat liver peroxisomes isolated from untreated and clofibrate-treated rats
Authors: Bodnar Andrea G. , Rachubinski Richard A.
Published: December 2009

We have characterized the integral membrane polypeptides of liver peroxisomes from untreated rats and rats treated with clofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator. Membranes, prepared by treatment of purified peroxisomes with sodium carbonate, were used to raise an antiserum in rabbits. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated the reaction of this antiserum with six peroxisomal integral membrane polypeptides (molecular masses, 140, 69, 50, 36, 22, and 15 kDa). Treatment of rats with the hypolipidemic drug clofibrate caused a 4- to 10-fold induction in the 69-kDa integral membrane polypeptide, while the other integral membrane polypeptides remained unchanged or varied to a lesser extent. The anti-peroxisomal membrane serum reacted with two integral membrane polypeptides of the endoplasmic reticulum which co-migrated with the 50- and 36-kDa integral membrane polypeptides of the peroxisome. Biochemical and immunoblot analyses indicated that these integral membrane polypeptides were co-localized to peroxisomes and endoplasmic reticulum. Immunoprecipitation of in vitro translation products of RNA isolated from free and membrane-bound polysomes indicated that the 22-, 36-, and 69-kDa integral membrane polypeptides were synthesized on free polysomes, while the 50-kDa integral membrane polypeptide was predominantly synthesized on membrane-bound polysomes. The predominant synthesis of the 50-kDa integral membrane polypeptide on membrane-bound polysomes raises interesting possibilities concerning its biosynthesis.Key words: peroxisomes, integral membrane polypeptides, clofibrate, free polysomes, membrane-bound polysomes.
The disappearance rate of human versus rat intermediate density lipoproteins from rat liver perfusion
Authors: Dupras Robert , Brissette Louise , Roach Paul D. , Begin Sylvain , Tremblay André , Noël Simon-Pierre
Published: December 2009

The aim of this work was to compare the disappearance rate of human and rat intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL) using the rat liver perfusion system. Human and rat IDL were produced in vitro by incubating human or rat very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) with either rat post-heparin plasma (method I) or a resolubilized isopropanol precipitate of rat post-heparin plasma (method II). With both methods, the degree of triacylglycerol lipolysis was approximately 55%. The different preparations of IDL were labelled with 125I and added to perfusates of rat livers. The disappearance rates of 125I-labelled IDL were monitored by measuring the radioactivity associated with apolipoprotein (apo) B in the perfusate during a 15-min period. Both human and rat IDL prepared with method I had an increased apoE to apoC ratio as compared with their native counterparts. Furthermore, human IDL had a significantly higher apoE to apoC ratio than rat IDL. However, when IDL were produced in the absence of exchangeable apolipoproteins (method II), no change in the apoE to apoC ratios was observed for the transformation of VLDL to IDL and the ratios were similar for human and rat IDL. Despite these differences, human IDL were always removed at a lower rate than rat IDL. The only striking difference between the two types of IDL made by method II was that the apoB100 to apoB48 ratio was considerably higher in human than in rat IDL. These results suggest that the apoB100 to apoB48 ratio is likely to be responsible for the observed differences in liver uptake between rat and human IDL.Key words: very low density lipoproteins, intermediate density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins, hepatic lipoprotein receptors, intermediate density lipoprotein uptake, in vitro lipolysis, very low density lipoprotein remnants, apolipoproteins.
Analysis of the activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase by various types of DNA
Authors: Hengartner C. , Lagueux J. , Poirier G. G.
Published: December 2009

In this work, we examined the activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase by various types of DNA. We have found that the best activator for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is an octanucleotide. However, the use of a defined activated DNA is also suitable.Key words: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, standardization, DNA, octanucleotide, DNA strand break.
Potential morphogens involved in pattern formation during Dictyostelium differentiation
Authors: Weeks Gerald , Gross Julian D.
Published: December 2009

Upon starvation, Dictyostelium amoebae aggregate together and then differentiate into either the stalk or spore cells that, respectively, form the stalk and sorus of the fruiting body. During differentiation, the prestalk and prespore cells become spatially segregated in a clearly defined developmental pattern. Several low molecular weight molecules that influence cell type determination during in vitro differentiation have been identified. The possible role of these molecules as morphogens, responsible for the formation of the developmental pattern, is discussed.Key words: development, pattern formation, morphogen, Dictyostelium differentiation.
Phospholipid modifications influence acyl-CoA:1-acyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine O-acyltransferase in rat liver plasma membranes
Authors: Momchilova Albena B. , Markovska Tania T. , Koshlukova Svetlana E. , Koumanov Kamen S. , Pankov Roumen G.
Published: December 2009

The influence of the membrane lipid composition and physical state on the activity of acyl-CoA: 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine O-acyltransferase in rat liver plasma membranes has been investigated. The membrane's lipid composition has been modified either by lipid transfer proteins or by partial delipidation with exogenous phospholipases. The results indicate that membrane fluidity is of particular importance for membrane-bound palmitoyl-CoA: and oleoyl-CoA: 1-acyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine acyltransferase. The incorporation of phospholipids that induce membrane fluidization such as dioleoylphosphatidylcholine, egg yolk phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylethanolamine was accompanied by an elevation of acyltransferase activity. On the contrary, the phospholipids causing augmentation of membrane rigidity induced a decrease of this activity. A suggestion is made concerning the possible role of the membrane physical state for the deacylation–reacylation cycle in rat liver plasma membranes.Key words: acyltransferase, plasma membranes, membrane fluidity, phospholipids.
Molecular species of phospholipid in rats in primary and transplanted fibrosarcomas induced by soybean oil containing tocopherol acetate
Authors: Ishinaga Masataka , Tanimoto Masanori , Sugiyama Sumi , Kumamoto Rika , Yokoro Kenjirou
Published: December 2009

When soybean oil containing tocopherol acetate was given to rats once a week subcutaneously for 10–12 months, it caused the development of fibrosarcomas at the injection site in 11 of 15 rats. A tumor produced in this manner proved eminently transplantable into other rats. The molecular species of phospholipid subclasses were determined in primary and transplanted tumors. The molecular species composition of the phospholipid subclasses in both types of tumors were similar. The percentages of diacyl and alkylacyl glycerophosphocholine (GPC) were 90–93 and 6–8% of total phosphatidylcholine, respectively. The percentages of diacyl and alkenylacyl glycerophosphoethanolamine (GPE) were 51 and 45%, respectively, of total phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Diacyl and alkylacyl GPC species containing arachidonic acid (20:4) composed about 15–16 and 37–40% of each subclass, respectively. Diacyl and alkenylacyl GPE species containing 20:4 composed about 38–40 and 56–60% of each subclass, respectively. Disaturated species of diacyl and alkylacyl GPC composed about 22–24 and 13% of each subclass, respectively, whereas these species of PE composed less than 2%. The fatty acid composition of the other tumor phospholipids was analyzed.Key words: phospholipids, molecular species, fibrosarcomas, tocopherol, soybean oil.
Interaction of troponin I and troponin C: 19F NMR studies of the binding of the inhibitory troponin I peptide to turkey skeletal troponin C
Authors: Campbell A. Patricia , Cachia Paul J. , Sykes Brian D.
Published: December 2009

We have used 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study the interaction of the inhibitory region of troponin (TnI) with apo- and calcium(II)-saturated turkey skeletal troponin C (TnC), using the synthetic TnI analogue Nα-acetyl[19FPhe106]TnI(104–115)amide. Dissociation constants of Kd = (3.7 ± 3.1) × 10−5 M for the apo interaction and Kd = (4.8 ± 1.8) × 10−5 M for the calcium(II)-saturated interaction were obtained using a 1:1 binding model of peptide to protein. The 19F NMR chemical shifts for the F-phenylalanine of the bound peptide are different from the apo- and calcium-saturated protein, indicating a different environment for the bound peptide. The possibility of 2:1 binding of the peptide to Ca(II)-saturated TnC was tested by calculating the fit of the experimental titration data to a series of theoretical binding curves in which the dissociation constants for the two hypothetical binding sites were varied. We obtained the best fit for 0.056 mM ≤ Kd1 ≤ 0.071 mM and 0.5 mM ≤ Kd2 ≤ 2.0 mM. These results allow the possibility of a second peptide binding site on calcium(II)-saturated TnC with an affinity 10- to 20-fold weaker than that of the first site.Key words: tropinin C, tropinin I, calcium binding, NMR studies, muscle proteins.
The interfacial calcium ion concentration as modulator of the latency phase in the hydrolysis of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes by phospholipase A2
Authors: Fernández Marta S. , Mejía Ricardo , Zavala Eunice
Published: December 2009

Analysis of the time course of hydrolysis of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes catalyzed by porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2 at 18 °C shows that, in the presence of 10 mM NaCl, the length of the latency period in the presteady-state phase increases from 3 to 10.5 min when the CaCl2 concentration is reduced from 15 to 1 mM. This inverse dependence of the lag period on calcium ion concentration is seen more readily at 1 M NaCl, where the induction time changes from 13.5 to 42 min by decreasing the concentration of CaCl2 from 15 to 1 mM. To interpret these results, we took into account the small amount of fatty acid that is produced during the latency phases. The fatty acid generates a negative surface electrostatic potential and makes the interfacial concentration of calcium ions different from the concentration in the bulk solvent. Variations in the analytical concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2 affect both the interfacial calcium ion concentration and electrostatic potential, as estimated theoretically from Grahame and Boltzmann equations. According to these estimates, the length of the latency period diminishes with the increase of the interfacial calcium concentration, but does not show any logical dependence on the change in surface electrostatic potential.Key words: phospholipase A2, latency phase, interfacial calcium ion concentration, liposomes.
Isolation and characterization of ferritin from the liver of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri R.)
Authors: Miguel J. L. , Pablos M. I. , Agapito M. T. , Recio J. M.
Published: December 2009

A method for the purification of ferritin from rainbow trout liver by heat extraction and gel filtration is described. The number of iron atoms varied from 500 to 2000 in purified ferritin. The neutral sugar composition detected was 86 mol of glucose, 24 mol of fucose, 12 mol of galactose, and 8 mol of mannose per mol of ferritin and apoferritin. Release of iron was achieved using low molecular weight chelating agents. The order of effectiveness of chelators was nitrilotriacetate > EDTA > citrate. Removal of the iron does not imply reduction of Fe3+. The rate of release of iron increased with decreasing pH. The slowest release was at pH 7.5. The endogenous chelator is not only sulphydrylic but seems to include carbohydrates that participate in the binding of Fe2+. Trout ferritin exhibits heterogeneity upon isoelectric focusing; four isoferritins with pI values of 4.5 to 4.85 were detected. This heterogeneity represents polymorphic, not polymer, forms. The amino acid composition differs from that of ferritins from other species. High concentrations of glutamic and aspartic acids, alanine, leucine, glycine, and lysine were detected along with low concentrations of methionine and cysteine.Key words: ferritin, isoferritin, rainbow trout.
Ion and water distribution in pig lenses incubated at 0 °C to disable ion transport pumps
Authors: Cameron Ivan L. , Hardman W. Elaine , Fullerton Gary D. , Kellermayer Miklos , Ludany Andrea , Miseta Attila
Published: December 2009

This study was designed to test how extended exposure of lenses to sera with different ionic strengths influences the distribution of ions and water in the lens. Pig lenses were incubated in cold sera (0 °C), which were adjusted to variable concentrations of NaCl, and their K+, Na+, Cl−, and water contents were measured. Incubation at 0 °C inhibits active transport processes and thereby allows equilibration of the mobile ions and water. The hypothesis was that lens water content (volume) would follow the ion-induced protein changes predicted by a model derived from previous osmotic studies on proteins. As expected, exposure of the lens to cold caused a gain of sodium and a partial loss of potassium. However, the potassium concentration in the lens remained several fold higher than that in the bathing solution (about 41 vs. 1.8–4.6 mM/kg H2O), indicating that a portion of the potassium within the cold-exposed lens was not free to diffuse. That the water content of the lens showed a negative rather than a positive relationship with the concentration of NaCl within the lens was explained by the idea that an increase in NaCl within the lens (up to at least 250 mM/kg H2O) causes a decrease in the osmotically unresponsive water volume associated with lens proteins.Key words: pig lens, cell water, Na+, K+, Cl−, osmotic pressure, ion distribution, cell volume regulation, inhibition of active transport.
Myotube phospholipid synthesis and sarcolemmal ATPase activity in dystrophic (mdx) mouse muscle
Authors: Anderson Judy E.
Published: December 2009

Phospholipid incorporation of 32P by primary myotube cultures and the tissue activity of sarcolemmal Na+/K+-transporting ATPase were studied to determine whether the absence of dystrophin from dystrophic (mdx) muscle would affect membrane lipid synthesis and membrane function. The incorporation of 32P by phospholipid as a ratio with total protein was greater in cultured dystrophic cells compared with control cells. The mdx cells also incorporated more 32P than control cells into phosphatidylethanolamine, which is thought to increase prior to myoblast fusion, and less into phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and lysophosphatidylchoiine. There was no difference in total protein content or [3H]leucine or 32P incorporation into the aqueous fraction of dystrophic and control cells, although dystrophic cells incorporated less [35S]methionine into protein than controls. Isolated sarcolemma from mdx skeletal muscle tissue demonstrated a consistently greater specific activity of ouabain-sensitive Na+/K+-transporting ATPase than sarcolemmal preparations from control skeletal muscle. These observations suggest that cytoskeletal changes such as dystrophin deficiency may alter the differentiation of membrane composition and function.Key words: muscular dystrophy, mdx, myogenesis, sarcolemma, ouabain-sensitive ATPase, phospholipid.
Regulation of phenobarbital-induced ferrochelatase mRNA activity by dibutyryl cAMP and glucose in normal and diabetic rat hepatocytes
Authors: Cánepa Eduardo T. , Pereda Marcelo Páez , Llambías Elena B. C. , Grinstein Moïses
Published: December 2009

The induction of ferrochelatase activity by phenobarbital and its potentiation by dibutyryl cAMP assayed in normal rat hepatocytes are associated with increased activity of ferrochelatase mRNA. Glucose inhibits this stimulatory effect. This inhibition can be reversed with increasing concentrations of dibutyryl cAMP. The inducing effect exerted by phenobarbital on the activity of ferrochelatase mRNA in diabetic hepatocytes is greater than that observed in normal cells. This enhanced response in diabetic rat hepatocytes is neither potentiated by adding dibutyryl cAMP nor repressed by glucose. The absence of a glucose effect persists even when the endogenous cAMP content is lowered to normal levels. The results obtained in this study are consistent with those reported in other published studies of ferrochelatase activity. This adds more experimental evidence to support the concept that ferrochelatase is inducible. The results obtained suggest that ferrochelatase is more susceptible to induction with phenobarbital in diabetic rat hepatocytes than in normal rat hepatocytes.Key words: ferrochelatase mRNA activity, phenobarbital, cAMP, glucose, diabetic rat hepatocytes.
Influence of dermal equivalent maturation on the development of a cultured skin equivalent
Authors: Bouvard Véronique , Germain Lucie , Rompré Pierre , Roy Brigitte , Auger François A.
Published: December 2009

Histologic and immunofluorescence methods were used to analyse the presence of fibronectin, chondroitin-4-sulphate and chondroitin-6-sulphate, type III and IV collagens, laminin, and keratins to assess the maturation level of cultured dermal and skin equivalents. In a first phase, fibroblasts in monolayer culture were compared with dermal equivalents in which fibroblasts are embedded in a type I collagen gel. Different fluorescent patterns were observed depending on the culture system used. A sequential appearance of macromolecules was noticed in dermal equivalents. Fibronectin was first detected after 4 days of culture, whereas chondroitin-4-sulphate and chondroitin-6-sulphate and type III collagen were present after 7 days. In contrast, all three macromolecules were detected at 24 h of culture in fibroblastic monolayer cultures. In a second phase, the quality of our skin equivalents was evaluated according to the seeding time of epidermal cells upon dermal equivalents (1, 4, or 7 days). A satisfactory stratification was obtained when keratinocytes were seeded after 4 and 7 days of dermal equivalent culture. Laminin and fibronectin were detected at the dermo-epidermal junction, but type IV collagen was absent. Various keratins, as detected by the AE1, AE2, and AE3 antibodies, were present in the epidermal layer. Following keratinocyte confluence, a change in the organization pattern of type III collagen in the dermal fraction of the skin equivalent was also noticed. Our comparative results show that seeding of epidermal cells on a more mature dermal equivalent leads to improved differentiation status of the epidermal layer.Key words: collagen lattice, fibroblast, skin equivalent, dermal equivalent, maturation.
Purification and characterization of an extracellular thiol-containing serine proteinase from Thermomyces lanuginosus
Authors: Hasnain Sadiq , Adeli Khosrow , Storer Andrew C.
Published: December 2009

An extracellular protease produced by the filamentous fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus has been purified and characterized. The results indicate that the enzyme, which we have called humicolin, is a thiol-containing serine protease with a molecular mass of 38 000 kilodaltons. Secretion of humicolin, which is glycosylated, is tightly regulated by protein substrates. Kinetic characterization has revealed that humicolin activity is highly dependent upon the deprotonation of a group with a pKa of 6.6 and that the enzyme has a specificity for phenylalanine in the P1 position of the substrate.Key words: thiol-containing serine proteinase, characterization, kinetics, inhibitor, specificity.