bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substance P and [Leu]enkephalin are hydrolyzed by an enzyme in pig caudate synaptic membranes that is identical with the endopeptidase of kidney microvilli.
Authors: Matsas R , Fulcher I S , Kenny A J , Turner A J
Published: May 2006

The hydrolysis of [Leu]enkephalin and substance P by purified pig kidney endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) and synaptic membranes prepared from pig caudate nuclei has been compared. The hydrolysis of an enkephalin analogue (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu) at the Gly-Phe bond was completely inhibited by phosphoramidon. The IC50 concentration (8 nM) was similar to that reported for [Leu]enkephalin hydrolysis by the purified endopeptidase [Fulcher, I. S., Matsas, R., Turner, A. J. & Kenny, A. J. (1982) Biochem. J. 203, 519-522]. Seven peptides were produced when substance P (Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2) was hydrolyzed by the kidney endopeptidase. These were formed by cleavage at bonds Gln-Phe (positions 6 and 7), Phe-Phe (positions 7 and 8), and Gly-Leu (positions 9 and 10). Synaptic membranes generated peptides with the same HPLC retention times and hydrolysis of substance P by either preparation was inhibited completely by 10 microM phosphoramidon. The most susceptible bond appeared to be Gly-Leu (positions 9 and 10). A specific polyclonal antibody raised in rabbits to purified pig endopeptidase inhibited the hydrolysis of [Leu]enkephalin and substance P by detergent-solubilized kidney microvilli or synaptic membranes; the titration curves were essentially identical. We conclude that the endopeptidase, which we suggest should be designated "endopeptidase-24.11," is present in caudate synaptic membranes and could play an important role in the hydrolysis of neuropeptides.
Identification of a 31,500 molecular weight islet cell protease as cathepsin B.
Authors: Docherty K , Carroll R , Steiner D F
Published: May 2006

A method for the preparation of a radioisotopically labeled active-site directed reagent for proteases (125I-Tyr-Ala-Lys-ArgCH2Cl) is described, and an example of its use as a sensitive method for identifying trypsin-like proteases is provided. This high specific activity reagent was then used in an attempt to identify proteases in rat islets of Langerhans involved in the conversion of proinsulin to insulin. Previous studies have indicated that the endoprotease involved in proinsulin conversion is a cysteine proteinase and that 125I-Tyr-Ala-Lys-ArgCH2Cl affinity labels an islet crude granule fraction protein having a molecular weight of 31,500. Here we demonstrate, using a probe of higher specific activity, that the major affinity-labeled proteins of the islet crude granule fraction, when displayed by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, have molecular weights of approximately 39,000 (5%), 31,500 (53%), and 5,000-6,000 (37%), with several other minor proteins (less than 5%) also labeled. The two predominant labeled proteins were mainly soluble rather than membrane bound, and they exhibited patterns of competition with various inhibitors that were similar to the pattern shown by the conversion of proinsulin to insulin in vitro. A rabbit antibody to rat liver cathepsin B immunoprecipitated both affinity-labeled 31,500 and 5,000-6,000 molecular weight proteins, and on the basis of this and structural considerations the 31,500 molecular weight cysteine protease is identified as cathepsin B. The 5,000-6,000 molecular weight peptide is an NH2-terminal, active site cysteine-containing, proteolytic fragment of the 31,500 molecular weight protein. Because cathepsin B is not per se a candidate for the proinsulin convertase because of its excessively broad substrate specificity, these studies suggest that a similar enzyme or a modified form of this enzyme is active within the secretory progranules, whereas the more typical cathepsin B may be largely confined to lysosomal contaminants in our granule preparations.
Correlation between the conformation of cytochrome c peptides and their stimulatory activity in a T-lymphocyte proliferation assay.
Authors: Pincus M R , Gerewitz F , Schwartz R H , Scheraga H A
Published: May 2006

It has been shown that the minimal-length peptide having full stimulatory activity for pigeon cytochrome c-primed T cells from B10.A mice is composed of residues 88-103 of the moth (or 87-104 of the pigeon) sequence. However, to date, only residues 99-103(104)have been shown to be involved in contacting the T-cell receptor or the macrophage Ia molecule. Because the x-ray structure of tuna cytochrome c, and prior calculations on many homologous cytochrome c proteins, showed that segment 88-103(104) exists in the alpha-helical conformation, we postulate that residues 88-98 are necessary for maintaining the alpha-helical conformation of the COOH-terminal pentapeptide (99-103) involved in receptor recognition. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the conformational preferences of polypeptide segments from known antigenic regions near the carboxyl terminus of cytochrome c (pigeon, moth, and fly sequences) using conformational energy calculations for peptides in a nonpolar environment. We show here that fragments consisting of residues 88-91 and 94-98 of pigeon, moth, and fly cytochrome c have a strong alpha-helical preference, despite differences in sequence at residues 88-89 (Lys-Ala in pigeon, Ala-Asn in moth, and Pro-Asn in fly). In contrast, the tripeptide 91-93 (Arg-Ala-Asp) has a strong nonhelical preference. Furthermore, the COOH-terminal peptide 99-103 exists as a statistical coil. However, addition of residues 94-98 to residues 99-103 results in a peptide that has a strong preference for alpha-helix. From these computational results, we predict (i) that fragment 94-103, existing predominantly as an alpha-helix, should exhibit stimulatory activity and (ii) that the nonhelical peptide 91-93 can be deleted from fragment 88-103 without affecting its antigenicity. Both of these predictions have been borne out by experiments in which the two peptides were synthesized and shown to stimulate a T-cell proliferative response. These results establish a strong correlation between conformation (here, alpha-helix) and biological activity and suggest that T-cell activation is sensitive to the organized backbone structure that the antigen adopts in the nonpolar environment of the macrophage membrane or in the combining site of the T-cell receptor.
Similarity principles for the biology of pelagic animals
Authors: Barenblatt G. I. , Monin A. S.
Published: May 2006

A similarity principle is formulated according to which the statistical pattern of the pelagic population is identical in all scales sufficiently large in comparison with the molecular one. From this principle, a power law is obtained analytically for the pelagic animal biomass distribution over the animal sizes. A hypothesis is presented according to which, under fixed external conditions, the oxygen exchange intensity of an animal is governed only by its mass and density and by the specific absorbing capacity of the animal's respiratory organ. From this hypothesis a power law is obtained by the method of dimensional analysis for the exchange intensity mass dependence. The known empirical values of the exponent of this power law are interpreted as an indication that the oxygen-absorbing organs of the animals can be represented as so-called fractal surfaces. In conclusion the biological principle of the decrease in specific exchange intensity with increase in animal mass is discussed.
Reaction of glycolaldehyde with proteins: latent crosslinking potential of alpha-hydroxyaldehydes.
Authors: Acharya A S , Manning J M
Published: May 2006

The Schiff base adducts of glyceraldehyde with hemoglobin undergo Amadori rearrangement to form stable ketoamine structures; this reaction is similar to the nonenzymic glucosylation of proteins. In the present studies the analogous rearrangement of the Schiff base adducts of glycolaldehyde with proteins has been demonstrated. However, the Amadori rearrangement of the Schiff base adduct produces a new aldehyde function, an aldoamine, which is generated in situ and is capable of forming Schiff base linkages with another amino group, leading to covalent crosslinking of proteins. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of the glycoaldehyde-RNase A adduct showed the presence of dimers, trimers, and tetramers of RNase A, demonstrating the crosslinking potential of this alpha-hydroxyaldehyde. The crosslinked products exhibited an absorption band with a maximum around 325 nm and fluorescence around 400 nm when excited at 325 nm. The crosslinking reaction, the formation of a 325-nm absorption band, and the development of fluorescence were prevented when the incubation was carried out in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride. This finding indicates that the Amadori rearrangement that generates a new carbonyl function is a crucial step in this covalent crosslinking. Glycolaldehyde could be a bifunctional reagent of unique utility because its crosslinking potential is latent, expressed only upon completion of the primary reaction.
Primary structure of chicken muscle pyruvate kinase mRNA.
Authors: Lonberg N , Gilbert W
Published: May 2006

We have determined the cDNA sequence corresponding to chicken muscle pyruvate kinase mRNA; the predicted coding region spans 529 amino acids and establishes the complete amino acid sequence for the vertebrate enzyme. We demonstrate that the level of mRNA for this enzyme is under developmental control and suggest a structural model for the protein kinase-mediated regulation of the mammalian liver isozyme. We report a method for the direct analysis of, and the preparation of cDNA probes from, mRNA which has been fractionated on methylmercury/agarose gels.
Growth of normal mouse vaginal epithelial cells in and on collagen gels.
Authors: Iguchi T , Uchima F D , Ostrander P L , Bern H A
Published: May 2006

Sustained growth in primary culture of vaginal epithelial cells from ovariectomized adult BALB/cCrgl mice embedded within or seeded on collagen gel matrix was achieved in a serum-free medium composed of Ham's F-12 medium/Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, 1:1 (vol/vol), supplemented with insulin, bovine serum albumin fraction V, epidermal growth factor, cholera toxin, and transferrin. Three-dimensional growth of vaginal epithelial cells occurred inside the collagen gel matrix. Cell numbers increased 4- to 8-fold in collagen gel and about 4-fold on collagen gel after 9-10 days in culture. The effect of 17 beta-estradiol (0.00018-180 nM in gel or 0.018-180 nM on gel) and diethylstilbestrol (DES; 0.0186-186 nM in gel) on the growth of vaginal epithelial cells was examined. The addition of estrogen did not enhance the growth of vaginal epithelial cells during this time period either in the complete medium or in a suboptimal medium. Cultures on floating collagen gels in the serum-free medium are composed of 1-3 cell layers with superficial cornification. Estrogen does not appear to be a direct mitogen for vaginal epithelial cells, at least in this system.
Selectivity of proteases as a basis for tissue distribution of enzymes in hereditary deficiencies.
Authors: Beutler E
Published: May 2006

In hereditary deficiencies of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and of a number of other enzymes, there are marked differences in the extent to which various tissues manifest the deficiency state. I propose that such anomalous distribution of enzyme activity can be explained by tissue-to-tissue differences in proteases. Mutations that render an enzyme susceptible to proteolytic destruction in some tissues may produce molecular changes that are not recognized in others. This interpretation is consistent with a number of known properties of proteases and of mutant enzymes, and it has implications regarding the diagnosis of various enzyme deficiency states.
Cytolysis of nucleated cells by complement: cell death displays multi-hit characteristics.
Authors: Koski C L , Ramm L E , Hammer C H , Mayer M M , Shin M L
Published: May 2006

Lysis of nucleated cells by complement was studied to determine whether the lytic process by C5b-9 conforms to a one-hit mechanism as in the case of erythrocytes. Two nucleated cell lines, Molt 4 and U937, derived from human T lymphocytes and histiocytes, respectively, were employed as targets. The antibody-sensitized cells were used to develop the titration curves, measuring cell death as a function of limiting quantities of human C6 or C5,6 complex in the presence of an excess of other complement components. The cytolysis curves generated in both experiments were sigmoidal, in sharp contrast to the monotonic curves observed in lysis of erythrocytes treated similarly. The sigmoidal curves of cytolysis indicate a cooperative action of several molecules of C6 or acid-activated C5,6 complex, C(56)a. In contrast to the multi-hit characteristics of cytolysis, dose-response measurements of the release of 86Rb indicated that only one effective molecule of C6 per cell is required for assembly of a 86Rb-releasing channel. This divergence indicates that lysis requires formation of several channels or, alternatively, assembly of large channels that are formed by several molecules of C6. Because prior studies with erythrocyte ghosts have shown that only a single effective molecule of C6 is required for assembly of a transmembrane channel, regardless of size, we prefer to interpret the multi-hit characteristics of nucleated cell lysis as an indication of a multi-channel requirement, rather than channel enlargement.
Resonance of an unshared electron pair between two atoms connected by a single bond
Authors: Pauling Linus
Published: May 2006

The reported structure of the dimer of a compound of bicovalent tin indicates that the tin-tin bond is of a new type. It can be described as involving resonance between two structures in which there is transfer of an electron pair from one tin atom to the other. The tin atoms are connected by a single covalent bond (each also forms two covalent bonds with carbon atoms), and an unshared electron pair resonates between the fourth
sp
3
orbitals of the two atoms. Similar structures probably occur in digermene and distannene.
Protein structural domains in the Caenorhabditis elegans unc-54 myosin heavy chain gene are not separated by introns.
Authors: Karn J , Brenner S , Barnett L
Published: May 2006

The 1,966-amino acid unc-54 myosin heavy chain sequence was determined from DNA sequence studies of the cloned gene. The gene is split by eight short introns, 48-561 base pairs long, and appears to lack a "TATA" box at its promoter. The physical map of the gene was aligned with the genetic map by locating two point mutations and three internal deletions: 0.01 map units correspond to approximately 5 kilobases. Comparison of the unc-54 protein sequence with the sequence of a second myosin heavy chain from nematode, indicates that the globular head sequence S-1 is more highly conserved than the alpha-helical coiled-coil rod. Major sites of proteolysis in S-1 are associated with variable sequences that have the characteristics of surface loops. In both genes there is no correlation between the positions of introns and the major protein structural domains.
Role of microtubules in the distribution of the Golgi apparatus: effect of taxol and microinjected anti-alpha-tubulin antibodies.
Authors: Wehland J , Henkart M , Klausner R , Sandoval I V
Published: May 2006

Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals that both microtubule organizing center (MTOC) and Golgi apparatus are contained in the same perinuclear area of A549 cells in interphase. The cells display long microtubules stretching radially from the MTOC to the plasma membrane. Treatment of cells with taxol results in polymerization of microtubules without relation to the MTOC and formation of microtubule bundles predominantly localized in the cell periphery. After incubation with taxol, the Golgi apparatus is fragmented and is conspicuously present in areas of the cytoplasm enriched in microtubules. Incubation of cells with Colcemid results in complete depolymerization of microtubules and fragmentation of the Golgi into elements randomly distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Cells treated with taxol before being incubated with Colcemid contain large numbers of Golgi-derived elements in close association with Colcemid-resistant microtubules. Microtubule depolymerization by vinblastine also is followed by fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus. These Golgi-derived elements show no association with the atypical polymers of tubulin induced by vinblastine. The codistribution of Golgi-derived elements with taxol-induced microtubule bundles can be reversed by microinjection of a monoclonal (YL 1/2) antibody reacting specifically with the tyrosylated form of alpha-tubulin.
Immunohistochemical localization of monoclonal antibodies to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in chick midbrain.
Authors: Swanson L W , Lindstrom J , Tzartos S , Schmued L C , O'Leary D D , Cowan W M
Published: May 2006

We used the indirect immunofluorescence method to determine the crossreactivity of a library of 57 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against each of the subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAcChoR) isolated from Torpedo and Electrophorus electric organs or from fetal calf and human muscle, with specific neural elements in the midbrain of the chick. Out of 17 mAbs that recognized motor end plates on chick muscle, 14 produced a similar pattern of labeling in the midbrain: the neuronal perikarya and dendrites in the lateral spiriform nucleus (SpL) were intensely labeled, and there was moderate labeling of fibers in certain of the deeper layers of the optic tectum, which disappeared after the SpL was destroyed electrolytically. Two lines of evidence suggest that the mAbs may be crossreacting with nAcChoRs in the midbrain. First, all of the mAbs that stained the SpL also stained neuromuscular junctions in skeletal muscle, whereas none of the 40 mAbs that failed to stain end plates crossreacted with the SpL; second, in vitro immunological studies and blocking experiments on tissue sections (in which unlabeled mAbs were used to block the staining of a directly fluorescein-treated mAb) indicated the presence of mAbs specific for unique antigenic determinants on all four of the subunits (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) from Torpedo nAcChoR in chick midbrain and muscle. On the other hand, the distribution of mAb staining in the optic tectum does not closely parallel that of either acetylcholinesterase staining or of 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin binding; no toxin binding has been observed autoradiographically in the SpL, but the nucleus does contain moderately dense acetylcholinesterase staining. Take together, our observations suggest that there may be a cholinergic input to the SpL and that the projection fibers from the SpL to the optic tectum (which are also stained with an antiserum to [Leu]enkephalin) may contain presynaptic nAcChoRs. It is clear, however, that the distribution of the putative nAcChoRs, alpha-bungarotoxin binding sites, and acetylcholinesterase staining in the avian midbrain are quite different, although they do overlap to some degree in the deeper layers of the optic tectum.
A primate model of parkinsonism: selective destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra by N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine.
Authors: Burns R S , Chiueh C C , Markey S P , Ebert M H , Jacobowitz D M , Kopin I J
Published: May 2006

A syndrome similar to idiopathic parkinsonism developed after intravenous self-administration of an illicit drug preparation in which N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (NMPTP) might have been responsible for the toxicity. In the present study we show that intravenous administration of NMPTP to the rhesus monkey produces a disorder like parkinsonism (akinesia, rigidity, postural tremor, flexed posture, eyelid closure, drooling) that is reversed by the administration of L-dopa. NMPTP treatment decreases the release of dopamine and dopamine accumulates in swollen, distorted axons in the nigrostriatal pathway just above the substantia nigra, followed by severe nerve cell loss in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra and a marked reduction in the dopamine content of the striatum. The pathological and biochemical changes produced by NMPTP are similar to the well-established changes in patients with parkinsonism. Thus, the NMPTP-treated monkey provides a model that can be used to examine mechanisms and explore therapies of parkinsonism.
Comparison of sea urchin and human mtDNA: evolutionary rearrangement.
Authors: Roberts J W , Grula J W , Posakony J W , Hudspeth R , Davidson E H , Britten R J
Published: May 2006

Clones of full-length mtDNA have been isolated from a Strongylocentrotus franciscanus recombinant DNA library by screening a cDNA clone of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 mRNA. Restriction fragment cross-hybridization analysis shows the following difference in gene arrangement between sea urchin and human mtDNA. The 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 genes are directly adjacent in sea urchin mtDNA. These two genes are separated in human and other mammalian mtDNAs by the region containing unidentified reading frames 1 and 2. In spite of the difference in gene order, gene polarity appears to have been conserved. We conclude that the difference in gene order reflects a rearrangement that took place in the sea urchin lineage since sea urchins and mammals last shared a common ancestor.
Expression and characterization of the product of a human immune interferon cDNA gene in Chinese hamster ovary cells.
Authors: Scahill S J , Devos R , Van der Heyden J , Fiers W
Published: May 2006

Cotransformation with two plasmids, one [pSV2-IFN-gamma] encoding human immune interferon (Hu IFN-gamma) and the other [pAdD26SV(A)-3] encoding mouse dihydrofolate reductase, has been used to establish Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines that secrete high levels of Hu IFN-gamma. Hu IFN-gamma production by the transformed CHO cell lines E-10B and E-10C reached approximately 50,000 units/ml of culture medium, which compares favorably with that of stimulated lymphocytes. Furthermore, as the Hu IFN-gamma cDNA gene used in these studies is under the transcriptional control of the simian virus 40 early promoter, Hu IFN-gamma production is constitutive and thus does not require induction. CHO-produced Hu IFN-gamma migrates as two bands corresponding to molecular weights of 25,000 and 21,000 on NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gels. These two species are shown to be the products of a single gene. As the molecular weight of native Hu IFN-gamma is around 55,000, it is likely to be a dimer. We have shown that the subunits of such a dimer cannot be linked by a disulfide bridge(s). Hu IFN-gamma from CHO cells is likely to be glycosylated and this should now permit comparison of the biological activities of glycosylated and nonglycosylated (bacterially produced) Hu IFN-gamma in animal studies.
Identification of Escherichia coli DNA helicase I as the traI gene product of the F sex factor.
Authors: Abdel-Monem M , Taucher-Scholz G , Klinkert M Q
Published: May 2006

Active DNA helicase I (Mr 180,000) can be isolated from Escherichia coli F+ strains but not F- strains. The transfer of the F sex factor to F- strains by conjugation permits the purification of the enzyme from the transconjugant strains. We conclude from this that helicase I is coded for by a portion of the F factor. Results also obtained by using recombinant plasmids carrying different DNA fragments of the F factor transfer region suggest that DNA helicase I is identical to the product of traI, one of the transfer genes of the F factor.
ADP-ribosylation of the Mr 83,000 stress-inducible and glucose-regulated protein in avian and mammalian cells: modulation by heat shock and glucose starvation.
Authors: Carlsson L , Lazarides E
Published: May 2006

ADP-ribosylation of proteins was analyzed by in vivo labeling of cells with [3H]adenosine, followed by separation of their protein components by two-dimensional isoelectric focusing/NaDodSO4 polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We show here that in several cell types of avian and mammalian origin the major [34H]adenosine acceptor in vivo is a polypeptide with a Mr of 83,000 and isoelectric point of approximately equal to 5.3. This polypeptide is identical to one of the stress-inducible and glucose-regulated proteins (here called SP83) previously described in avian and mammalian cells. Snake venom phosphodiesterase digestion of purified 3H-labeled SP83 releases 5'-AMP and a minor fraction of 2'-(5"-phosphoribosyl)-5-AMP. In vitro labeling with [32P]NAD+ of total cell lysates made in the presence of non-ionic detergents also results in incorporation of radioactivity into SP83. Both of these results strongly suggest that the modification is an ADP-ribosylation. Heat shock and glucose starvation of cells induce a rapid and extensive decrease in the incorporation of ADP-ribose into SP83, suggesting that ADP-ribosylation may be important for the regulation of the function of this protein.
Interaction of fibronectin with collagen: age-specific defect in the biological activity of human fibroblast fibronectin.
Authors: Chandrasekhar S , Sorrentino J A , Millis A J
Published: May 2006

Fibronectins isolated fro early-passage and late-passage (in vitro aged) human fibroblasts were shown to differ in their ability to support cell adhesion and to influence cell morphology. Because fibroblast adhesion requires interactions between fibronectin, the cell surface, and the component of the extracellular matrix, we examined those functions in isolated cellular fibronectin. In comparison to fibronectin isolated from early-passage cells, fibronectin from late-passage cells bound poorly to native collagen types I and II. No differences were observed in the binding of the two fibronectins to denatured collagen. The binding of both fibronectins to native collagen was similarly promoted by heparin. Cell binding activity was evaluated by using a Boyden chamber assay to measure chemotaxis in response to either fibronectin. No differences were detected in cell binding. Comparisons of molecular weights by NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals that fibronectin from late-passage cells is larger than that from early-passage cells. That difference is observed both in fibronectins isolated from conditioned media and in fibronectins isolated from the cell layer. These data support the hypothesis that late-passage cells produce a structurally and functionally distinct fibronectin. The defective binding to native collagen may account for some aspects of the aged phenotype.
Replacement and amplification of bacterial genes with sequences altered in vitro.
Authors: Gutterson N I , Koshland D E
Published: May 2006

An efficient method for the replacement of chromosomal DNA by segments altered in vitro has been developed for bacteria. The method requires (i) a recombinant plasmid with a ColE1-like replicon and (ii) a strain defective in DNA polymerase I (polA), which is unable to replicate the plasmid extrachromosomally. This method is of general use since there are a number of suitable vectors and polA strains are available in both Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, the two most widely studied bacterial species. Using the method, we have constructed two chromosomal deletions in the chemotaxis gene region of S. typhimurium. In addition, plasmid sequences integrated into the chromosome have been amplified up to 30-fold by varying the concentration of ampicillin or tetracycline in the growth medium.
Recombination and balanced chromosome polymorphism suggested by DNA sequences 5' to the human delta-globin gene.
Authors: Maeda N , Bliska J B , Smithies O
Published: May 2006

Two types of chromosome (R and T) were found by cloning from six human individuals the 3.1-kilobase-pair EcoRI fragment that contains the bipolar Alu family repeat 5' to the delta-globin gene. Two type T fragments were identical in nucleotide sequence. Two type R fragments were identical except for one base. Both types are found in whites, blacks, and orientals. The differences between R and T sequences (16 base substitutions and two deletions) were mostly in the 5' domain of the fragment (0.91% difference in 1.7 kilobases), which contains the bipolar Alu repeat, whereas the 3' domain of the fragment was more conserved (0.14% difference in 1.4 kilobases). To help understand the history of this human polymorphism, the equivalent fragment from a chimpanzee was cloned and its sequence was determined. The chimpanzee sequence differed from both human sequences at 39 positions distributed almost uniformly along the whole 3.1-kilobase-pair fragment. Assuming that humans and chimpanzees diverged 4 to 5 million years ago, the data indicate that the divergence of the two types of human chromosome started about 3 million years ago but about 0.4 million years ago an interchromosomal recombination rendered the two types of human chromosome alike in their 3' domains. The two chromosomes have since remained discrete and have persisted in several populations. These observations suggest that factors are operating to maintain a balanced chromosomal polymorphism in this region 5' to the human delta-globin gene.
Affected erythrocytes of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria are deficient in the complement regulatory protein, decay accelerating factor.
Authors: Nicholson-Weller A , March J P , Rosenfeld S I , Austen K F
Published: May 2006

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired defect of bone marrow stem cells in which the affected clones produce erythrocytes (also granulocytes and platelets) with membranes that are abnormally sensitive to complement-mediated lysis. Abnormal erythrocytes (E) from patients with PNH (PNH-E) are 3-5 times more sensitive (type II PNH-E) or 15-25 times more sensitive (type III PNH-E) to lysis in vitro by human complement than normal E from unaffected individuals and the functionally normal E that arise from unaffected clones and the functionally normal E that arise from unaffected clones in PNH patients (type I PNH-E). After complement activation by either the classical or alternative pathway, abnormal amounts of C3b are deposited on the membranes of PNH-E compared with normal E, suggesting that the PNH-E membrane cannot regulate the events responsible for C3b deposition. Two proteins that decrease the stability of the classical and alternative pathway C3 convertases on target cells have been isolated from normal human E stroma: the 70,000 Mr decay accelerating factor of stroma (DAF) and the 250,000 Mr C3b receptor (C3bR). Specific immune precipitates of solubilized membranes from 125I-surface-labeled normal E demonstrate both proteins. In contrast, specific immune precipitates of PNH-E from three patients show C3bR but are deficient in DAF; type II PNH-E are relatively deficient and type III PNH-E are totally deficient in DAF. Antibody that neutralizes the activity of isolated DAF is adsorbed by intact normal E under conditions in which it is weakly adsorbed by type II PNH-E and not adsorbed by type III PNH-E. The deficiency of DAF antigen in PNH-E, as assessed by lack of immunoprecipitation and antibody adsorption, could explain the abnormal sensitivity of PNH-E to complement-mediated lysis and suggests that DAF may protect the membranes of normal E from damage resulting from autologous complement activation.
Evidence for formation of an S-[2-(N7-guanyl)ethyl]glutathione adduct in glutathione-mediated binding of the carcinogen 1,2-dibromoethane to DNA.
Authors: Ozawa N , Guengerich F P
Published: May 2006

The carcinogen 1,2-dibromoethane and reduced glutathione (GSH) were irreversibly bound to calf thymus DNA in equimolar amounts when in vitro incubations were carried out in the presence of GSH S-transferase. In studies carried out with isolated hepatocytes, equimolar amounts of 1,2-dibromoethane and endogenous GSH were also bound to intracellular DNA and RNA and extracellular DNA. These findings support the hypothesis that the major interaction of 1,2-dibromoethane with DNA involves covalent modification by a preformed complex of the carcinogen and GSH--i.e., S-(2-bromoethyl)GSH or the resulting episulfonium ion. Enzymatic hydrolysis of calf thymus DNA labeled with 1,2-dibromoethane in the presence of GSH and GSH S-transferase and subsequent high-performance liquid chromatography of the residues yielded a major fraction, which also was found to contain radiolabel derived from GSH. The fraction thus isolated was reductively desulfurized to yield N7-ethylguanine, which was isolated and identified by comparison with authentic material in two other high-performance liquid chromatography systems and by UV and mass spectrometry. Therefore, the structure of the undesulfurized adduct is assigned as S-[2-(N7-guanyl)ethyl]GSH. This adduct is unusual in that it is involved in a situation in which GSH plays a role in the bioactivation of a chemical carcinogen, as opposed to the more typical detoxication reactions. Further, a chemical carcinogen has been shown to cross-link DNA with a small physiological peptide.
F sex factor encodes a single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) with extensive sequence homology to Escherichia coli SSB.
Authors: Chase J W , Merrill B M , Williams K R
Published: May 2006

We have determined the sequence of the gene encoding a single-stranded DNA (ss DNA) binding protein (SSB) from the Escherichia coli F sex factor and the amino acid sequence of the protein it encodes. The protein has extensive homology with E. coli SSB, particularly within its NH2-terminal region, where 87 of the first 115 amino acid residues are identical to those of the E. coli protein. We have previously shown that this portion of E. coli SSB contains the DNA binding region. The sequences diverge extensively in their COOH-terminal regions, although small areas of homology exist in several places. Six of the last seven amino acid residues of the two proteins are identical, which may have implications in terms of the direct interactions of these proteins with other proteins required for DNA replication, recombination, and repair. The coding region of the F plasmid ssf gene is 537 base pairs. The protein encoded by the gene contains 178 amino acids (one more than E. coli SSB) and has a calculated molecular weight of 19,505. Other than the presumptive Shine-Dalgarno sequence, the promoter and terminator regions of both genes are not similar. The most significant feature in this regard may be the lack of a region of dyad symmetry within the presumptive promoter of the F plasmid ssf gene as is found in the region of the presumptive E. coli ssb promoter. In this report the predicted secondary structures of both the F plasmid and E. coli SSB proteins are compared and the evolutionary significance of their sequence and structural similarities to the functional domains of the proteins are discussed.
Release of initiation control by a mutational alteration in the R6K pi protein required for plasmid DNA replication.
Authors: Stalker D M , Filutowicz M , Helinski D R
Published: May 2006

Plasmid pRK419, a derivative of the naturally occurring antibiotic resistance plasmid R6K, contains the pir gene that codes for the pi initiation protein and the beta and gamma replication origins of R6K. A mutation in plasmid pRK419, designated cos405, results in an elevated plasmid copy number in Escherichia coli growing at 42 degrees C and an even greater increase in copy number when the cells are shifted to 30 degrees C. This mutation was assigned to the structural gene for the pi protein on the basis of suppression of the mutant phenotype in E. coli when the wild-type pi protein is supplied in trans. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cos405 mutant confirmed the pir gene location of the mutation and showed that this mutation results in a single amino acid substitution (glycine to aspartic acid) at the 81st position of the 305-amino acid pi protein. The properties of this mutant suggest that the pi protein plays a role in the negative control of the frequency of R6K initiation in addition to its requirement for the initiation of plasmid replication.
Human chromosome 13 compensates a DNA repair defect in UV-sensitive mouse cells by mouse--human cell hybridization.
Authors: Hori T , Shiomi T , Sato K
Published: May 2006

A human chromosome responsible for excision repair of UV-induced DNA damage has been identified by studying somatic cell hybrids between an UV-sensitive mutant of mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells and normal human lymphocytes. An autosomal recessive mutant, Q31, of complementation group I is deficient in excision repair of UV-induced DNA damage. Somatic cell hybrids between Q31 and human lymphocytes exhibited the same UV resistance as did parental L5178Y cells. In addition, both the levels of UV-induced unscheduled DNA synthesis and chromosomal sensitivity were recovered from the UV-resistant hybrid clones. Segregation of the hybrid cells gave rise to UV-sensitive clones. The segregation of UV sensitivity was not correlated with the loss of human X chromosome. Karyotype analysis of the segregants gave evidence that a gene on human chromosome 13 compensates for UV hypersensitivity of Q31 mutant.
Effect of titration charge on the diffusion of bovine serum albumin.
Authors: Schmitz K S , Lu M
Published: May 2006

Quasi-elastic light scattering studies were performed on purified bovine serum albumin sample under conditions of high and low ionic strength and pH. Two relaxation modes were observed in all cases. The apparent diffusion coefficient obtained in the asymptotic time window (T) limit T leads to 0-i.e., Dapp(T leads to 0)-was found to be approximately equal to 6.1 X 10(-7) cm2/sec under conditions that minimized electrical forces (100 mM KCl at pH 4.5). As the ionic strength was lowered to 0.1 mM KCl (pH 4.5) or the pH was raised to 10 (100 mM KCl), Dapp(T leads to 0) increased to 7.2-7.5 X 10(-7) cm2/sec. These observations for Dapp(T leads to 0) are interpretable in terms of small-ion-polyion coupled modes in accordance with the theory of Lin et al. regarding dynamic Donnan effects [Lin, S.-C., Lee, W. I. & Schurr, J. M. (1978) Biopolymers 17, 1041-1064] without having to invoke direct polyion-polyion interactions. These direct interactions may be important at extreme ionic strength and pH conditions (0.1 mM KCl at pH 10). Concomitant with an increase in Dapp(T leads to 0), under appropriate changes in solvent conditions, is an increase in the relative amplitude and relaxation time of the slow decay mode.
Transcriptionally active c-
myc
oncogene is contained within NIARD, a DNA sequence associated with chromosome translocations in B-cell neoplasia
Authors: Marcu Kenneth B. , Harris Linda J. , Stanton Lawrence W. , Erikson Jan , Watt Rosemary , Croce Carlo M.
Published: May 2006

NIARD (non-immunoglobulin-associated rearranging DNA) is located on mouse chromosome 15 at the break point of a commonly observed translocation event involving chromosomes 15 and 12 in murine plasmacytomas. The human cellular analogue of the v-
myc
oncogene of avian myelocytomatosis virus, strain MC-29, is known to reside on the distal end of human chromosome 8 and has been observed to translocate to chromosome 14 in Burkitt lymphomas. Using a cDNA clone specific for the transcript of the human c-
myc
gene (H c-
myc
), we show that the mouse c-
myc
(M c-
myc
) gene is contained within NIARD. NIARD-associated chromosome translocations occurred 1.3-2 kilobases (kb) 5′ of the mouse c-
myc
gene where NIARD recombines with the switch region of the C
α
immunoglobulin gene in various murine plasmacytomas. The mouse c-
myc
encoding region within NIARD spanned <2.4 kb of DNA and expressed a low level of a 2.3-kb polyadenylylated RNA in BALB/c spleen. Increased (10- to 20-fold) levels of rearranged mouse c-
myc
transcripts (i.e., ≈1.8-2.1 kb) were observed in plasmacytomas that have NIARD-associated chromosome translocations. Human c-
myc
and NIARD probes detected DNA rearrangements of human c-
myc
in four of seven Burkitt lymphomas. DNA sequences adjacent to the human c-
myc
gene recombined with the C
μ
immunoglobulin gene locus on chromosome 14 in several Burkitt lymphomas. The activation of the c-
myc
oncogene by chromosome translocation implicates its involvement in B-cell oncogenesis.
Stable transformation of mouse L cells for human membrane T-cell differentiation antigens, HLA and beta 2-microglobulin: selection by fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
Authors: Kavathas P , Herzenberg L A
Published: May 2006

We isolated stable transformants of mouse L cells expressing human cell surface differentiation antigens by using immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies and selection with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). Mouse L cells (TK-) were cotransformed with human cellular DNA and the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) gene. TK+ transformants were first selected. The TK+ populations were stained with various fluorescent antibodies to membrane antigens, and positive cells were sorted and cloned by using a FACS. Transformants for HLA class I antigens, for beta 2-microglobulin, and for the T-cell differentiation antigens Leu-1 and Leu-2 were isolated. The frequency of antigen transformants among the TK+ transformants was about 0.5 X 10(-3). The sizes of the HLA, Leu-1, and Leu-2 molecules expressed by the transformants were the same as those of the proteins present on DNA-donor cells.
Treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia by portacaval anastomosis: effect on cholesterol metabolism and pool sizes.
Authors: McNamara D J , Ahrens E H , Kolb R , Brown C D , Parker T S , Davidson N O , Samuel P , McVie R M
Published: May 2006

Measurements of the key parameters of cholesterol homeostasis and the mass of the body pools of cholesterol were carried out in two patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), one homozygote and one heterozygote, before and 28 and 18 months, respectively, after portacaval anastomosis (PCA). In both patients the procedure significantly reduced the plasma concentrations of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol and the daily rate of whole body cholesterol and bile acid synthesis. In addition, PCA caused a net efflux of accumulated tissue cholesterol as demonstrated by reductions in the rapidly exchangeable and total exchangeable masses of body cholesterol. Shunt patency was verified by demonstration of increased bile acids in serum from fasting patients and from patients 2 hr after a meal and by increased plasma glucagon before and after arginine infusion. Other than a persistently increased level of serum alkaline phosphatase, liver function tests have fallen within the normal range in both patients; there has been no evidence of hepatic encephalopathy. In the homozygous patient there has also been a striking resolution in xanthoma size and distribution. These multiple effects on cholesterol homeostasis and pool sizes strongly suggest that PCA can reverse the progressive accumulation of cholesterol in body tissues of FH patients.
Dynorphin is contained within hippocampal mossy fibers: immunochemical alterations after kainic acid administration and colchicine-induced neurotoxicity.
Authors: McGinty J F , Henriksen S J , Goldstein A , Terenius L , Bloom F E
Published: May 2006

Antisera raised against synthetic dynorphin or [Leu5]enkephalin demonstrate immunostaining in hippocampal mossy fibers and in dentate granule cells. However, dynorphin immunoreactivity (ir) appears to be denser in immunocytochemical preparations and is quantitatively greater by radioimmunoassay than enkephalin-ir. Immunostaining with dynorphin antisera is eliminated by adsorption with 1-100 microM dynorphin-17 whereas immunostaining with enkephalin antisera is eliminated by adsorption with 1-100 microM [Leu5]enkephalin, dynorphin-17, dynorphin-(1-13), or alpha-neo-endorphin. Intrahippocampal colchicine injections, which selectively destroy dentate granule cells, significantly decrease the dynorphin-ir and enkephalin-ir levels in rat hippocampus. Intraventricularly administered kainic acid, which selectively destroys CA3-4 pyramidal cells, results in an increase of enkephalin immunostaining in mossy fibers and a significant increase in enkephalin-ir by radioimmunoassay in whole hippocampus. The enkephalin-ir cells and fibers in entorhinal/perirhinal cortex, which innervate rat hippocampus and dentate gyrus, do not contain dynorphin-ir.
Calculation of volume fluctuation for globular protein models.
Authors: Lee B
Published: May 2006

The extent of volume fluctuation is calculated for two simple geometrical models of globular protein molecules subjected to a potential that is proportional to the surface area freshly generated by the thermal breathing motion. The proportionality constant, gamma, has the unit of surface tension. The calculated values are compared with estimates made from the compressibility measurements. After an approximate correction for the hydration effect, the experimental values are found to be between those calculated by using gamma values of 25 and 46 cal/mol/A2 (1 cal = 4.184 J). These values bracket previously reported independent estimates of interfacial tension that presumably operates at the interface between a nonpolar molecule and water. This result appears to indicate that the solvent water plays a significant role in determining the extent of volume fluctuation of globular proteins and that the concept, and the actual value of the estimate, of the interfacial tension around a nonpolar molecule in water may, in fact, be useful in some applications.
Nanosecond flash photolysis study of carbon monoxide binding to the beta chain of hemoglobin Zürich [beta 63(E7)His leads to Arg].
Authors: Dlott D D , Frauenfelder H , Langer P , Roder H , DiIorio E E
Published: May 2006

Binding of carbon monoxide to beta chains of hemoglobin Zürich has been studied by flash photolysis over the time range of nanoseconds to seconds at temperatures from 20 to 300 K. From 20 to 200 K a single rebinding process (process I) is seen, characterized by a distribution of barrier heights with a peak enthalpy of 2.3 kJ/mol. Above 200 K some ligands escape from the pocket into the matrix, and above 260 K recombination from the solvent sets in. Process I is visible up to 300 K, but above 200 K its rate remains essentially constant at about 4 X 10(8)s -1. Above about 250 K, process I is exponential in time, indicating rapid conformational relaxation. The results are discussed within the framework of a sequential model for ligand binding.
Production of erythropoietin-like activity by a murine erythroleukemia cell line.
Authors: Tambourin P , Casadevall N , Choppin J , Lacombe C , Heard J M , Fichelson S , Wendling F , Varet B
Published: May 2006

A transplantable murine leukemia, primarily induced by a biologically cloned Friend helper virus, was shown to induce polycythemia in recipient ICFW mice. A leukemia cell line (IW.32) was established in vitro from this transplantable leukemia. Sodium butyrate and hemin induced erythroid differentiation in these leukemia cells as has already been shown with other erythroleukemia cells. The supernatant of this cell line was devoid of spleen focus-forming virus activity. However, it induced the incorporation of 59Fe in polycythemic mice and the in vitro differentiation of murine and human cfu-e into erythroid colonies. Therefore, these erythroleukemia cells produced a factor with all the biological properties of erythropoietin. The erythropoietic activity of IW.32 supernatant was higher in vitro [equivalent to 0.5-1 international unit (IU) of erythropoietin per ml] than in vivo (0.15-0.3 IU/ml). This erythropoietin-like activity was stable at 100 degrees C for 3 min, which ruled out the possibility that a virus was responsible for these effects. Preliminary studies demonstrated that the biochemical properties of the IW.32 factor are strongly similar to those of Connaught step 3 erythropoietin, thus supporting the hypothesis that the IW.32 factor is indeed an erythropoietin.