bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of human glycophorin A cDNA clones by a synthetic oligonucleotide approach: nucleotide sequence and mRNA structure.
Authors: Siebert P D , Fukuda M
Published: May 2006

In an effort to understand the relationships among and the regulation of human glycophorins, we have isolated and characterized several glycophorin A-specific cDNA clones obtained from a human erythroleukemic K562 cell cDNA library. This was accomplished by using mixed synthetic oligonucleotides, corresponding to various regions of the known amino acid sequence, to prime the synthesis of the cDNA as well as to screen the cDNA library. We also used synthetic oligonucleotides to sequence the largest of the glycophorin cDNAs. The nucleotide sequence obtained suggests the presence of a potential leader peptide, consistent with the membrane localization of this glycoprotein. Examination of the structure of glycophorin mRNA by blot hybridization revealed the existence of several electrophoretically distinct mRNAs numbering three or four, depending on the size of the glycophorin cDNA used as a hybridization probe. The smaller cDNA hybridized to three mRNAs of approximately 2.8, 1.7, and 1.0 kilobases. In contrast, the larger cDNA hybridized to an additional mRNA of approximately 0.6 kilobases. Further examination of the relationships between these multiple mRNAs by blot hybridization was conducted with the use of exact-sequence oligonucleotide probes constructed from various regions of the cDNA representing portions of the amino acid sequence of glycophorin A with or without known homology with glycophorin B. In total, the results obtained are consistent with our hypothesis that the three larger mRNAs represent glycophorin A gene transcripts and that the smallest (0.6 kilobase) mRNA may be specific for glycophorin B.
Expression of Mycobacterium leprae genes from a Streptococcus mutans promoter in Escherichia coli K-12.
Authors: Jacobs W R , Docherty M A , Curtiss R , Clark-Curtiss J E
Published: May 2006

Genomic libraries of Mycobacterium leprae DNA partially digested with Pst I were constructed in the expression vector pYA626, which contains the promoter region from the Streptococcus mutans gene encoding aspartate beta-semialdehyde dehydrogenase, which is very efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli. We have detected several clones that complement a mutation in the citrate synthase gene of E. coli. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that the complementing DNA was M. leprae DNA. Sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel analysis of polypeptides produced by minicells containing the citrate synthase-complementing recombinant molecules demonstrated the production of a 46-kDa polypeptide. When the citrate synthase-complementing fragment was cloned in pYA626 in the reverse orientation, the recombinant molecule was no longer able to complement the mutation in the citrate synthase gene and no longer produced the 46-kDa polypeptide. When the DNA fragment was cloned in the Pst I site of pHC79, so as to allow expression from the beta-lactamase promoter, the resulting recombinant failed to complement the mutation in the E. coli citrate synthase gene yet still produced the 46-kDa polypeptide, but in one-fourth the amount than when expressed from the S. mutans asd promoters. This demonstrates that M. leprae translational sequences can be recognized by E. coli translational machinery. Promoter expression vectors can be used to obtain expression of protein antigens to be used for early diagnosis of leprosy or components of a vaccine and proteins that are targets of potential antileprosy drugs.
Cosmogenic
3
He in terrestrial rocks: The summit lavas of Maui
Authors: Craig H. , Poreda R. J.
Published: May 2006

We have identified terrestrial cosmic rayproduced
3
He in three lava flows on the crest of Haleakala Volcano on Maui, 3 km above sea level, and ≈0.5 million years old. Although these lavas, like all oceanic basalts, contain primordial
3
He from the mantle, the “cosmogenic” component (
3
He
C
) can be identified unambiguously because it is extractable only by high-temperature vacuum fusion. In contrast, a large fraction of the mantle helium resides in fluid inclusions and can be extracted by vacuum crushing, leaving a residual component with
3
He/
4
He ratios as high as 75× those in the atmosphere, which can be liberated by melting the crushed grains. Cosmogenic
3
He is present in both olivines and clinopyroxenes at 0.8-1.2 × 10
-12
ml(STP)/g and constitutes 75% ± 5% of the total
3
He present. The observed
3
He
C
levels require a cosmic ray exposure age of only some 64,000 years, much less than the actual age of the lavas, if there is no erosion. Using a model that includes effects of uplift or submergence as well as erosion, we calculate an apparent “erosion rate” of the order of 8.5 m/10
6
years for the western rim of the summit crater, as an example of the application of measurements of cosmogenic rare gases to terrestrial geological problems.
Nucleotide trapping at the ATPase site of myosin subfragment 1 by a new interthiol crosslinking.
Authors: Chaussepied P , Mornet D , Kassab R
Published: May 2006

When myosin subfragment 1 derivatives in which the reactive sulfhydryl SH1 has been blocked react with N,N'-p-phenylenedimaleimide or 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), the reactive sulfhydryl group SH2 of the 20-kDa domain is crosslinked with a thiol of the 50-kDa domain of the heavy chain. The crosslink induces the stable trapping of a significant amount of Mg2+-nucleotide in the ATPase site.
Binding of calmodulin to the neuronal cytoskeletal protein kinase type II cooperatively stimulates autophosphorylation.
Authors: Le Vine H , Sahyoun N E , Cuatrecasas P
Published: May 2006

The kinetics of autophosphorylation of the cytoskeletal form of the neuronal calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II were studied as a function of calmodulin binding under the same conditions. Whereas calmodulin binding was noncooperative with respect to calmodulin concentration (Hill coefficient = 1), the activation of autophosphorylation and the phosphorylation of exogenous substrates showed marked positive cooperativity (Hill coefficient greater than or equal to 1.6). Reduction of the active calmodulin concentration by the addition of the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine confirmed the cooperative nature of enzyme activation, because autophosphorylation was more sensitive to the drug than was binding at high concentrations of calmodulin. At intracellular levels of calmodulin the binding and activation of autophosphorylation were cooperative functions of magnesium and calcium concentration. The calmodulin-dependent cooperative activation seems to be a unique feature of the cytoskeletal, but not the soluble, form of the protein kinase and may result from the supramolecular organization of the cytoskeletal enzyme. These observations suggest that interactions among the subunits of the oligomeric cytoskeletal calmodulin-dependent protein kinase regulate enzyme activation, enhancing the sensitivity of the enzyme to small changes in the intracellular calcium levels that may be particularly relevant to signaling at the synapse.
Exon/intron organization of the chicken type II procollagen gene: intron size distribution suggests a minimal intron size.
Authors: Upholt W B , Sandell L J
Published: May 2006

Overlapping genomic clones have been isolated that contain the alpha chain and COOH-terminal propeptide coding regions of the chicken type II procollagen gene. All type II procollagen exon sequences present in these clones have been identified and mapped by DNA sequencing. These include 43 exons coding for the alpha-chain triple helix, 1 exon coding for the junction between the COOH-terminal propeptide and the alpha-chain region, and 3 exons coding for the COOH-terminal propeptide and 3' noncoding sequences. With the exception of one additional intron between 2 exons coding for amino acids 568-585 and 586-603, exon-intron boundaries have been conserved when compared with genes for all other characterized genes for fibrillar collagens. The chicken type II procollagen gene differs from most other collagen genes in having introns of considerably smaller average size. The size distribution of the introns suggests that approximately equal to 80 base pairs may be a minimal functional size for introns in this gene. This size of intron may be necessary in a gene with a very large number of small exons to prevent aberrant splicing from removing exon sequence together with intron sequence.
Formation of the iron-sulfur cluster of ferredoxin in isolated chloroplasts
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhiro , Mitsui Akira , Hase Toshiharu , Matsubara Hiroshi
Published: May 2006

The formation of the iron-sulfur cluster of ferredoxin was examined
in vitro
by incubating isolated chloroplasts with [
35
S]cysteine. The ferredoxin molecule was radioactively labeled in chloroplasts without synthesis of its polypeptide and comigrated with holoferredoxin during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions. When the labeled ferredoxin was denatured by the addition of trichloroacetic acid, radioactive acid-labile sulfide in the cluster was released from the polypeptide as a gas and trapped in a 0.1 M NaOH solution. These results indicate that the sulfur atom derived from cysteine was incorporated into ferredoxin through formation of the iron-sulfur cluster. This process was stimulated by light and inhibited by the electron transport inhibitor, dichlorophenyldimethylurea, and the uncouplers, atebrin and gramicidin, but not by the protein synthesis inhibitor, chloramphenicol. These inhibitory effects were reversed by the addition of ATP to the incubation mixture. Formation of the iron-sulfur cluster of ferredoxin in chloroplasts is thus dependent on ATP.
Transformation of the cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans 6301 with the Escherichia coli plasmid pBR322.
Authors: Daniell H , Sarojini G , McFadden B A
Published: May 2006

Anacystis nidulans 6301 has been transformed in the light to ampicillin resistance with the plasmid pBR322. Permeaplasts prepared by 2-hr treatment of cells with lysozyme and EDTA are transformed with a 50-fold higher efficiency than that observed for cells. beta-Lactamase is present in A. nidulans transformed either with pBR322 or the plasmid pCH1 as evidenced by hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring of Nitrocefin in extracts of transformants. beta-Lactamase also can be immunoprecipitated from extracts of [35S]methionine-labeled pBR322 transformants and coprecipitates with ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase. Expression of the carboxylase is apparently amplified in pBR322 transformants as is that for several soluble proteins in pCH1 transformants. Chromosomal DNA per cell is increased about 6-fold after transformation of A. nidulans 6301 with either pBR322 or pCH1. A 4.3-kilobase-pair plasmid can be isolated from pBR322 transformants in addition to the endogenous plasmids pUH24 and pUH25.
Molecular diversity of HLA-DR4 haplotypes.
Authors: Gregersen P K , Shen M , Song Q L , Merryman P , Degar S , Seki T , Maccari J , Goldberg D , Murphy H , Schwenzer J
Published: May 2006

Complementary DNA (cDNA) clones encoding beta chains of the DR and DQ regions and alpha chains of the DQ region were isolated and sequenced from four homozygous DR4 cell lines of different HLA-D types: GM3103(Dw4), FS(Dw10), BIN(Dw14), and KT3(Dw15). When compared with each other and with a previously published sequence from a DR4 (Dw13 cell line), the variability of DR beta 1 gene products is generally restricted to the region around amino acid position 70, with an additional polymorphism at position 86. Many of these differences, including an unusual amino acid substitution at position 57 in the Japanese cell line KT3(Dw15), may be due to gene conversion events from the DR beta 2 or DX beta genes. In contrast, DR beta 2 molecules are identical in Dw15, Dw10, and Dw4 cell lines. DQ beta chains isolated from GM3103(Dw4), FS(Dw10), and BIN40(Dw14) are also identical. However, the DQ beta sequence from cell line KT3(Dw15) differs substantially from all other previously reported DQ beta alleles, consistent with its serological designation, DQ "blank." The first domain sequences of DQ alpha chains were identical in all four cell lines. The data suggest that relatively circumscribed amino acid changes in the DR beta 1 molecule are responsible for the HLA-D typing differences between some haplotypes.
Immune clearance of liposomes inhibited by an anti-Fc receptor antibody in vivo.
Authors: Aragnol D , Leserman L D
Published: May 2006

In a study designed to evaluate the potential for in vivo manipulation of the circulation and tissue distribution of injected liposomes, mice were passively injected with antidinitrophenyl (anti-DNP) monoclonal antibodies of the IgG2a or IgG2b subclasses or were immunized with the nitrophenyl hapten bound to a protein carrier. They were then injected i.v. with 125I- and carboxyfluorescein-labeled, DNP-bearing liposomes. Circulation time of the DNP-bearing liposomes was markedly reduced in actively and passively immune mice, with increased deposition of liposomes in the liver. The increased clearance of liposomes could be abrogated by injection of a monoclonal antibody directed against the murine IgG Fc receptor (2.4G2). The results suggest that clearance of ligand-bearing reagent in the face of an immune response may be modified by specific immunologic manipulation in vivo.
Complete nucleotide sequence of two steroid 21-hydroxylase genes tandemly arranged in human chromosome: a pseudogene and a genuine gene.
Authors: Higashi Y , Yoshioka H , Yamane M , Gotoh O , Fujii-Kuriyama Y
Published: May 2006

Two 21-hydroxylase [P-450(C21)] genes have been isolated from a human genomic library using a bovine P-450(C21) cDNA. The insert DNAs containing the P-450(C21) genes were also hybridized with the sequences of the 5' or 3' end regions of human C4 cDNA, indicating a close linkage of the P-450(C21) gene to the C4 gene. Sequence analysis has revealed that the two P-450(C21) genes are both approximately equal to 3.4 kilobases long and split into 10 exons. Comparing the two sequences, we found that the two genes are highly homologous including their introns and flanking sequences, but that three mutations render one of the two P-450(C21) genes nonfunctional--1 base insertion, an 8-base deletion, and a transition mutation--all of which may cause premature termination of the translation. Tandem arrangement of the highly homologous pseudo- and genuine genes in close proximity could account for the high incidence of P-450(C21) gene deficiency by homologous gene recombination.
Influences of mRNA secondary structure on initiation by eukaryotic ribosomes.
Authors: Kozak M
Published: May 2006

Oligonucleotides designed to create hairpin structures were inserted upstream from the ATG initiator codon in several plasmids that encode preproinsulin, and the effects on translation were monitored in COS cells transfected by the vectors. Creation of a hairpin (delta G = -30 kcal/mol) that directly involves the ATG triplet at the start of the preproinsulin coding sequence does not reduce the yield of proinsulin. However, a more stable stem-and-loop structure (delta G = -50 kcal/mol) reduces the proinsulin yield by 85-95%. The stable hairpin inhibits even when it occurs at the midpoint of the 5' untranslated sequence and thus involves neither the cap nor the ATG codon. Presumably the migrating 40S ribosomal subunit can melt moderately stable duplexes but stalls at structures (delta G = -50 kcal/mol) that resist unfolding. Other experiments argue against the idea that sequestering the 5'-proximal ATG codon in a hairpin structure might allow it to be skipped by ribosomes in favor of an exposed ATG triplet farther downstream: when the primary sequence around the first ATG triplet is favorable for initiation, no translation from a downstream site can be detected, irrespective of whether the first ATG codon is single-stranded or base-paired.
Topological and modulated distribution of surface markers on endothelial cells.
Authors: Nakache M , Gaub H E , Schreiber A B , McConnell H M
Published: May 2006

The mobility and distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme (peptidyl-dipeptide hydrolase, EC 3.4.15.1) and a specific endothelial cell surface protein was assessed by fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies on bovine and murine endothelial cells grown on their extracellular matrix. The combination of data obtained from fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements and observations under epifluorescence and total internal reflection fluorescence reveals a restriction of these protein markers to the apical membrane of endothelial cell. This asymmetry is evident both when cells are grown at a sparse density or at confluence. When cells are brought into suspension, the fluorescein-conjugated antibody is found over the entire cell surface. The fluorescence disappears from the basal part of the cell when the cells are again spread on coverslips coated with a layer of extracellular matrix. Conversely, cells spread on glass coverslips without extracellular matrix do not show this restriction phenomenon. It is suggested that the extracellular matrix provides the signal to induce the restricted topology of membrane protein markers on endothelial cells.
Three-dimensional structure of endosomes in BHK-21 cells.
Authors: Marsh M , Griffiths G , Dean G E , Mellman I , Helenius A
Published: May 2006

The organization of the endosome compartment in BHK-21 cells was studied by using horseradish peroxidase as a fluid-phase marker and Semliki Forest virus as an adsorptive marker. Stereo pairs of semithin sections (0.2-0.5 micron) and computer-aided reconstruction and tracing of serial thin sections (CARTOS) were used to obtain three-dimensional images of the labeled compartments. Two types of labeled organelles could be observed: small vesicles and tubules (approximately equal to 50 nm in diameter) and large complex structures consisting of central vesicular elements (with diameters up to 0.5 micron) and associated systems of radiating tubules. The large endosomes were located either in the peripheral cytoplasm or in the perinuclear region, and, importantly, they existed as independent organelles and not as an interconnected reticulum. Each endosomal vacuole had two to seven tubules oriented in random directions from the central vesicle. The tubules were 60-100 nm in diameter and up to 4 micron in length. Morphometric estimates indicated that 60-70% of the endosomal membrane was in the tubules, in contrast to 30-40% of the volume. No structural continuity between endosomes and Golgi cisternae was observed, although elements of the two systems were frequently found in close proximity.
Epitope map and processing scheme for the 195,000-dalton surface glycoprotein of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites deduced from cloned overlapping segments of the gene.
Authors: Lyon J A , Geller R H , Haynes J D , Chulay J D , Weber J L
Published: May 2006

DNA fragments from human malaria parasites were cloned into lambda gt11 to produce a genomic DNA expression library. A pool of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing three domains of the 195-kDa major merozoite surface glycoprotein (gp195) reacted with seven clones expressing malaria antigens. mAbs recognizing the 83-kDa product of gp195 reacted with the clones, but mAbs recognizing a glycosylated 45-kDa and a nonglycosylated 45-kDa domain did not. Restriction enzyme mapping revealed that the clones contained overlapping segments encoding about 70% of the gene beginning at the 5' end and ending at an EcoRI restriction enzyme site 3.3 kilobase pairs downstream. The mAbs recognizing the 83-kDa domain reacted differently with the clones, allowing the mapping of three epitopes, one of which was repetitive. Affinity-purified antibodies were selected from immune monkey serum with recombinant expression proteins adsorbed to nitrocellulose filters. When used to probe electrophoretic immunoblots of parasite extracts, these antigen-selected antibodies reacted with specific sets of processed products of gp195, including those associated with the 83- and the nonglycosylated 45-kDa domains. This information, combined with the mAb epitope map, allowed a tentative scheme for processing gp195 from the Camp strain to be proposed.
Egg-laying hormone of Aplysia induces a voltage-dependent slow inward current carried by Na+ in an identified motoneuron.
Authors: Kirk M D , Scheller R H
Published: May 2006

This report presents studies on ionic currents in Aplysia motoneuron B16 that are modulated by the neuropeptide egg-laying hormone (ELH) of Aplysia. ELH induces an inward current that persists in the presence of the peptide and that decays slowly after ELH is removed from the bath. The effect is not due to a decrease in the delayed potassium current, the calcium-activated potassium current, or the transient potassium current. Current-voltage measurements indicate that ELH produces increased inward currents from -80 mV to approximately equal to 0 mV. The effect is particularly enhanced in the region from -40 mV to -25 mV where a negative slope conductance due to voltage-dependent slow inward current is observed. The slow inward current and the response to ELH persist in saline solutions in which Ca2+ is replaced with Co2+ but are eliminated when Na+ is replaced with equimolar concentrations of either Tris or N-methyl-D-glucamine. The response to ELH is unaffected by replacing chloride with equimolar acetate; by increasing the potassium concentration; or by adding tetraethylammonium chloride, CsCl, 4-amino-pyridine, or tetrodotoxin to the saline bath. In addition, the reversal potentials for the ELH response (range, -28 to +46 mV), obtained from difference current-voltage relationships, are consistent with an increase in the Na+-dependent slow inward current. We conclude that at least one of the effects of ELH on B16 is to increase a slow inward current carried by Na+.
Insulin rapidly stimulates phosphorylation of a 46-kDa membrane protein on tyrosine residues as well as phosphorylation of several soluble proteins in intact fat cells.
Authors: Häring H U , White M F , Machicao F , Ermel B , Schleicher E , Obermaier B
Published: May 2006

It is speculated that the transmission of an insulin signal across the plasma membrane of cells occurs through activation of the tyrosine-specific receptor kinase, autophosphorylation of the receptor, and subsequent phosphorylation of unidentified substrates in the cell. In an attempt to identify possible substrates, we labeled intact rat fat cells with [32P]orthophosphate and used an antiphosphotyrosine antibody to identify proteins that become phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in an insulin-stimulated way. In the membrane fraction of the fat cells, we found, in addition to the 95-kDa beta-subunit of the receptor, a 46-kDa phosphoprotein that is phosphorylated exclusively on tyrosine residues. This protein is not immunoprecipitated by antibodies against different regions of the insulin receptor and its HPLC tryptic peptide map is different from the tryptic peptide map of the insulin receptor, suggesting that it is not derived from the receptor beta-subunit. Insulin stimulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of the 46-kDa protein within 150 sec in the intact cell 3- to 4-fold in a dose-dependent way at insulin concentrations between 0.5 nM and 100 nM. The insulin effect starts after 30 sec, is maximal at 150 sec, and declines to almost basal values by 5 min. Furthermore, the antiphosphotyrosine antibody precipitated at least five proteins in the soluble fraction of the fat cell. Insulin (0.5 nM, 100 nM) stimulated within 2 min the 32P incorporation into a 116-kDa band, a 62-kDa band, and three bands between 45 kDa and 50 kDa 2- to 10-fold. We suggest that the 46-kDa membrane protein and possibly also the soluble proteins are endogenous substrates of the receptor tyrosine kinase in fat cells and that their phosphorylation is an early step in insulin signal transmission.
Evolutionary and genetic implications of sequence variation in two nonallelic HLA-DR beta-chain cDNA sequences.
Authors: Curtsinger J M , Hilden J M , Cairns J S , Bach F H
Published: May 2006

Most HLA haplotypes carry two expressed DR beta-chain genes; in the DR4 haplotype, the polymorphic locus has been called DR beta 1 and the apparently nonpolymorphic locus has been called DR beta 2. We have isolated nearly full-length DR beta-chain cDNA clones representing each of these two loci from a cell line homozygous for DR4 and Dw4. The clones have been sequenced and the sequences compared with published DR beta cDNA sequences derived from other haplotypes. A comparison of our sequences with other published cDNA sequences did not allow assignment of these other sequences to either the beta 1 or beta 2 locus. Comparison of our DR4 beta 1 sequence with DR beta 1 sequences isolated from other DR4-positive cells suggests that the alleles of DR4 beta 1 may have recently diverged from a common ancestor. The apparent lack of polymorphism of DR beta 2 may in part be a reflection of this recent divergence.
Nerve growth factor regulates the action potential duration of mature sensory neurons.
Authors: Chalazonitis A , Peterson E R , Crain S M
Published: May 2006

The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the action potential of sensory ganglion neurons was investigated in long-term organotypic cultures of embryonic mouse dorsal root ganglia grown isolated or attached to spinal cord explants. The present study demonstrates that NGF regulates a specific bioelectric property of these neurons--the duration of the Ca2+ component of the somatic action potential--at mature stages when they no longer require NGF for survival. Prolonged culture of fetal mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons with relatively low levels of NGF shortens the duration of the action potential. Furthermore, addition or withdrawal of NGF in mature cultures results, within several days, in shorter or longer action potential durations, respectively. Exposure to anti-NGF antiserum accelerates the onset of the longer-lasting action potentials elicited by simple withdrawal of NGF. This plastic response of sensory neurons to NGF may be important in regulating their physiological properties and/or their response to injury.
Discrete wave mechanics: Multidimensional systems
Authors: Wall Frederick T.
Published: May 2006

Discrete wave mechanics is pursued further by extending the one-dimensional treatment to two (or more) dimensions in the light of explicit momentum considerations. Cognizance is taken of the effect of particle motion on mass and hence on the interactions between components of motion in different directions. The overall energy parameter turns out to be a product instead of a sum of parameters identified with each of several orthogonal axes. Accordingly, the separation of variables is most directly accomplished by factoring the principal energy parameter in conjunction with factoring the wave vector expression itself. Wave vector energies, on the other hand, remain additive. Finally, group velocity components are discussed for higher-dimensional systems.
Algebraic K-theory of discrete subgroups of Lie groups
Authors: Farrell F. T. , Jones L. E.
Published: May 2006

Let G be a Lie group (with finitely many connected components) and Γ be a discrete, cocompact, torsion-free subgroup of G. We rationally calculate the algebraic K-theory of the integral group ring ZΓ in terms of the homology of Γ with trivial rational coefficients.
Regulation of actomyosin ATPase activity by troponin-tropomyosin: effect of the binding of the myosin subfragment 1 (S-1).ATP complex.
Authors: Greene L E , Williams D L , Eisenberg E
Published: May 2006

In our model of regulation, the observed lack of cooperativity in the binding of myosin subfragment 1 (S-1) with bound ATP to the troponin-tropomyosin-actin complex (regulated actin) is explained by S-1.ATP having about the same affinity for the conformation of the regulated actin that activates the myosin ATPase activity (turned-on form) and the conformation that does not activate the myosin ATPase activity (turned-off form). This predicts that, in the absence of Ca2+, S-1.ATP should not turn on the regulated actin filament. In the present study, we tested this prediction by using either unmodified S-1 or S-1 chemically modified with N,N'-p-phenylenedimaleimide (pPDM X S-1) so that functionally it acts like S-1.ATP, although it does not hydrolyze ATP. We found that, in the absence of Ca2+, neither S-1.ATP nor pPDM X S-1.ATP significantly turns on the ATPase activity of the regulated complex of actin and S-1 (acto X S-1). In contrast, in the presence of Ca2+, pPDM X S-1.ATP binding almost completely turns on the regulated acto.S-1 ATPase activity. These results can be explained by our original cooperativity model, with pPDM X S-1.ATP binding only approximately equal to 2-fold more strongly to the turned-on form than to the turned-off form of regulated actin. However, our results are not consistent with our alternative model, which predicts that if pPDM X S-1.ATP binds to actin in the absence of Ca2+ but does not turn on the ATPase activity, then it should also not turn on the ATPase activity in the presence of Ca2+.
Crystal structure of a snake venom cardiotoxin.
Authors: Rees B , Samama J P , Thierry J C , Gilibert M , Fischer J , Schweitz H , Lazdunski M , Moras D
Published: May 2006

Cardiotoxin VII4 from Naja mossambica mossambica crystallizes in space group P61 (a = b = 73.9 A; c = 59.0 A) with two molecules of toxin (molecular mass = 6715 Da) in the asymmetric unit. The structure was solved by using a combination of multiple isomorphous replacement and density modification methods. Model building and least-squares refinement led to an agreement factor of 27% for a data set to 3-A resolution prior to any inclusion of solvent molecules. The topology of the molecule is similar to that found in short and long snake neurotoxins, which block the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Major differences occur in the conformation of the central loop, resulting in a change in the concavity of the molecule. Hydrophobic residues are clustered in two distinct areas. The existence of stable dimeric entities in the crystalline state, with the formation of a six-stranded antiparallel beta sheet, may be functionally relevant.
RNA from an immediate early region of the type 1 herpes simplex virus genome is present in the trigeminal ganglia of latently infected mice.
Authors: Deatly A M , Spivack J G , Lavi E , Fraser N W
Published: May 2006

Transcription of the type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) genome in trigeminal ganglia of latently infected mice was studied using in situ hybridization. Probes representative of each temporal gene class were used to determine the regions of the genome that encode the transcripts present in latently infected cells. Probes encoding HSV-1 sequences of the five immediate early genes and representative early (thymidine kinase), early-late (major capsid protein), and late (glycoprotein C) genes were used in these experiments. Of the probes tested, only those encoding the immediate early gene product infected-cell polypeptide (ICP) 0 hybridized to RNA in latently infected tissues. Probes containing the other immediate early genes (ICP4, ICP22, ICP27, and ICP47) and the representative early, early-late, and late genes did not hybridize. Two probes covering approximately equal to 30% of the HSV-1 genome and encoding over 20 early and late transcripts also did not hybridize to RNA in latently infected tissues. These results, with probes spanning greater than 60% of the HSV-1 genome, suggest that transcription of the HSV-1 genome is restricted to one region in latently infected mouse trigeminal ganglia.
Rat cellular retinol-binding protein: cDNA sequence and rapid retinol-dependent accumulation of mRNA.
Authors: Sherman D R , Lloyd R S , Chytil F
Published: May 2006

Cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) may be an important mediator of vitamin A action. We report here the identification of a cDNA clone corresponding to the rat CRBP gene. The cDNA is 695 nucleotides long, with an open reading frame corresponding to a protein of 134 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence is identical with that of rat CRBP. The nucleotide sequence shows 90.5% similarity with the human CRBP cDNA sequence. Genomic DNA analysis indicates that CRBP is present in one, or at most two, copies within the rat genome. Analysis of mRNA reveals a single species in every tissue tested and suggests that the isolated cDNA is full-length. Finally, when retinol-deficient rats are fed retinyl acetate for 4 hr, about 4-fold accumulation of CRBP-specific mRNA is observed in the lungs. This rapid effect suggests that the micronutrient retinol may directly influence the expression of its specific intracellular binding protein.
Coinduction of glucose-regulated proteins and doxorubicin resistance in Chinese hamster cells.
Authors: Shen J , Hughes C , Chao C , Cai J , Bartels C , Gessner T , Subjeck J
Published: May 2006

The glucose-regulated protein (GRP) system in mammalian cells is induced by glucose deprivation, anoxia, the calcium ionophore A23187, and 2-deoxyglucose. In Chinese hamster ovary cells the major GRPs are approximately equal to 76, 97, and 170 kDa. Removal of each of these four GRP-inducing stresses leads to the coordinate repression of GRPs and induction of the major heat shock proteins at 70 and 89 kDa. The application of each of these four GRP-inducing conditions leads to a significant induction of resistance to the drug doxorubicin. Removal of each GRP-inducing condition results in the rapid disappearance of this resistance in a manner that correlates with the repression of the GRPs. The retention of doxorubicin by GRP-induced cells does not explain the induced drug resistance. When the RIF in vitro/in vivo tumor system is probed with an antibody against the 76-kDa GRP, a significant increase in this GRP is observed in cells obtained from the central regions of tumors. Since hypoxia and/or nutrient deprivation can occur during tumor development, a GRP-induced state in the tumor may confer resistance to doxorubicin treatment.
Sequence analysis of spontaneous mutations in a shuttle vector gene integrated into mammalian chromosomal DNA.
Authors: Ashman C R , Davidson R L
Published: May 2006

We have studied the molecular mechanisms of spontaneous mutations in mouse cells carrying a selectable bacterial gene. The mouse cells carry the Escherichia coli xanthine (guanine) phosphoribosyltransferase (gpt) gene in a retroviral shuttle vector integrated into chromosomal DNA in a proviral form. Cells with spontaneous mutations in the gpt gene were selected as resistant to 6-thioguanine and then were fused with COS cells for recovery of the mutant genes. Out of a total of 77 independent 6-thioguanine-resistant cell lines isolated in this study, vector sequences could be rescued from 43 of the mutant lines, and the base sequences were determined for the gpt genes in all 43 of these lines. There was a variety of mutational events among the mutant gpt genes sequenced. The most frequent mutational event was a deletion (in 29 of the 43 mutant genes), and the next most frequent event was a base substitution mutation (in 11 of the 43 mutant genes). Among the deletion mutants, the great majority represent deletions of less than 10 base pairs. In fact, 19 of the 29 deletion mutants had deletions of 3 base pairs, and among the mutants with 3-base-pair deletions, there was a very strong deletion hot spot appearing in 16 independent mutants. All 19 of the 3-base-pair deletions resulted in the "in frame" loss of an aspartic acid codon. Among the base substitution mutations, transitions and transversions occurred with approximately equal frequency. Our results raise the possibility that small deletions represent the predominant mechanisms by which spontaneous mutations occur in mammalian cells.
1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits gamma-interferon synthesis by normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Authors: Reichel H , Koeffler H P , Tobler A , Norman A W
Published: May 2006

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], the biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3, inhibited synthesis of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) by phytohemagglutinin-activated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). A significant reduction of IFN-gamma protein levels in PBL culture medium was achieved with a physiologic 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentration (0.1 nM). 1,25-(OH)2D3 also inhibited accumulation of IFN-gamma mRNA in activated PBLs in a dose-dependent fashion. The ability of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to modulate IFN-gamma protein synthesis was unaltered in the presence of high concentrations of recombinant human interleukin 2. The suppression of IFN-gamma synthesis by PBLs was specific for 1,25-(OH)2D3; the potencies of other vitamin D3 metabolites were correlated with their affinities for the cellular 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor. The time course of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor expression in phytohemagglutinin-activated PBLs was correlated with the time course of 1,25-(OH)2D3-mediated inhibition of IFN-gamma synthesis. In selected experiments, T-lymphocyte-enriched cell preparations were utilized. In these experiments, 1,25-(OH)2D3 was equally active as in PBL preparations. Finally, we examined the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on the constitutive IFN-gamma production by two human T-lymphocyte lines transformed by human T-lymphotropic virus type I. The cell lines were established from a normal donor (cell line S-LB1) and from a patient with vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2 (cell line Ab-VDR). IFN-gamma synthesis by S-LB1 cells was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by 1,25-(OH)2D3, whereas IFN-gamma synthesis by Ab-VDR cells was not altered by 1,25-(OH)2D3. The data presented in this study provide further evidence for a role of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in immunoregulation.
Cloning and sequence analysis of cDNA for the canine neurotensin/neuromedin N precursor.
Authors: Dobner P R , Barber D L , Villa-Komaroff L , McKiernan C
Published: May 2006

Cloned cDNAs encoding neurotensin were isolated from a cDNA library derived from primary cultures of canine enteric mucosa cells. Nucleotide sequence analysis has revealed the primary structure of a 170-amino acid precursor protein that encodes both neurotensin and the neurotensin-like peptide neuromedin N. The peptide-coding domains are located in tandem near the carboxyl terminus of the precursor and are bounded and separated by the paired, basic amino acid residues Lys-Arg. An additional coding domain, resembling neuromedin N, occurs immediately after an Arg-Arg basic amino acid pair located in the central region of the precursor. Additional amino acid homologies suggest that tandem duplications have contributed to the structure of the gene. RNA blot analysis, using the cloned cDNA probe, has revealed several mRNA species ranging in size from 500 to 980 nucleotides in the canine enteric mucosa. In contrast, a single RNA species of 1500 nucleotides was detected in bovine hypothalamus poly(A)+ RNA. The ability of the canine probe to cross-hybridize with bovine mRNA suggests that this probe can be used to isolate neurotensin/neuromedin N genes from other mammalian species.
RETRACTED: Isolation and complete amino acid sequence of human thymopoietin and splenin.
Authors: Audhya T , Schlesinger D H , Goldstein G
Published: May 2006

Human thymopoietin and splenin were isolated from human thymus and spleen, respectively, by monitoring tissue fractionation with a bovine thymopoietin RIA cross-reactive with human thymopoietin and splenin. Bovine thymopoietin and splenin are 49-amino acid polypeptides that differ by only 2 amino acids at positions 34 and 43; the change at position 34 in the active-site region changes the receptor specificities and biological activities. The complete amino acid sequences of purified human thymopoietin and splenin were determined and shown to be 48-amino acid polypeptides differing at four positions. Ten amino acids, constant within each species for thymopoietin and splenin, differ between the human and bovine polypeptides. The pentapeptide active site of thymopoietin (residues 32-36) is constant between the human and bovine thymopoietins, but position 34 in the active site of splenin has changed from glutamic acid in bovine splenin to alanine in human splenin, accounting for the biological activity of the human but not the bovine splenin on the human T-cell line MOLT-4.
Expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae glycoprotein invertase in mouse fibroblasts: glycosylation, secretion, and enzymatic activity.
Authors: Bergh M L , Cepko C L , Wolf D , Robbins P W
Published: May 2006

Oligosaccharide processing is controlled by host- and protein-dependent factors. To increase our understanding of the relative contribution of those factors we studied the glycosylation of yeast invertase expressed in a heterologous system. Invertase synthesized in psi-2 cells (an NIH 3T3-derived packaging line) is secreted efficiently, enzymatically active, and heavily glycosylated. It was estimated that the protein contains 8 or 9 carbohydrate chains. Two classes can be observed, of an approximate size of 100-110 kDa and 115-130 kDa, respectively. The size differences are due to differences in glycosylation. The smaller class contains two high-mannose carbohydrate chains; the remainder is of the complex type, sialylated and most likely tri- or tetraantennary. This profile parallels the situation observed with invertase glycosylation in yeast, where 2 of 9 or 10 chains remain unprocessed. The larger size class of invertase expressed in mouse fibroblasts has a different profile, since it contains probably only complex-type glycans. There are no apparent differences, however, in the size of the protein backbone between the two size classes. When invertase is synthesized in the presence of the mannosidase inhibitor 1-deoxymannojirimycin, processing is blocked completely, since all glycans are susceptible to endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H. The glucosidase inhibitor 1-deoxynojirimycin does not inhibit processing completely. In both cases secretion of the protein is not affected. The glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin prevents secretion of invertase completely when cells are cultured at 37 degrees C. At 26 degrees C, however, nonglycosylated invertase can be detected in the medium. These data suggest that glycosylation of invertase seems to be essential for the early steps of the secretory pathway but is less critical for later events.
Model of anaphase chromosome movement based on polymer-guided diffusion.
Authors: Garel J R , Job D , Margolis R L
Published: May 2006

We propose a motility mechanism that may result in the displacement of objects within the cell. The mechanism, which we call polymer-guided diffusion, involves a microscopic cycle of polymer association and dissociation from a lateral binding site. Reassociation occurs at the polymer subunit adjacent to that which has just dissociated, thus generating an apparent sliding movement. The displacement involves only free diffusion and the spontaneous fluctuations of the polymer; the movement thus requires no other energy sources than thermal energy and the energy originally required for the formation of the polymer. In this manner polymer-associated organelles can be guided (inevitably) by diffusional processes toward a final destination. The specific example of the anaphase movement of chromosomes poleward is detailed.
Identification of promoter elements required for in vitro transcription of hamster 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase gene.
Authors: Osborne T F , Gil G , Brown M S , Kowal R C , Goldstein J L
Published: May 2006

The 5'-flanking region of the gene for hamster 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) is shown to contain promoter sequences that drive transcription in vitro in the presence of a HeLa whole-cell extract. DNase I protection studies revealed at least six different regions within the 277-base-pair (bp) promoter that bind nuclear proteins and produce "footprints." The functional significance of these sequences was determined through transcriptional analysis of a series of substitution mutations that scrambled short sequences throughout this region. Two of the footprint sequences were crucial for transcription in vitro; one of these contains a match in 6 of 6 bp, with a sequence in the adenovirus type 2 major late promoter that is known to be required for transcription. Scrambling a 26-bp sequence in a third footprint led to a consistent 2-fold increase in transcription, suggesting that this sequence might be a site for negative regulation. These studies define three regions that play a role in regulating transcription of the gene for HMG-CoA reductase, a negatively regulated enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway.
Replication of mini-P1 plasmid DNA in vitro requires two initiation proteins, encoded by the repA gene of phage P1 and the dnaA gene of Escherichia coli.
Authors: Wickner S H , Chattoraj D K
Published: May 2006

We have developed an in vitro DNA-replication system that replicates exogenously added mini-P1 plasmid DNA. The system consists of purified P1 RepA protein and a partially purified mixture of Escherichia coli replication proteins. It is essentially the same as that described for the replication of oriC plasmid DNA [Fuller, R.S., Kaguni, J.M. & Kornberg, A. (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78, 7370-7374]. Mini-P1 DNA replication requires the E. coli DnaA initiation protein in addition to the P1 RepA initiation protein. The reaction is inhibited by rifampicin, novobiocin, and antibody to DnaB, suggesting the involvement of RNA polymerase, DNA gyrase, and DnaB protein. Replication is initiated in the region of the P1 origin of replication and proceeds unidirectionally as determined by electron microscopy. Thus, the in vitro system mimics the essential features of mini-P1 replication as suggested by genetic studies.
Integral membrane proteins significantly decrease the molecular motion in lipid bilayers: a deuteron NMR relaxation study of membranes containing myelin proteolipid apoprotein.
Authors: Meier P , Sachse J H , Brophy P J , Marsh D , Kothe G
Published: May 2006

The influence of the myelin proteolipid apoprotein on lipid chain order and dynamics was studied by 2H NMR of membranes reconstituted with specifically deuterated dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholines. Quadrupolar echo and saturation recovery experiments were fitted by numerical solution of the stochastic Liouville equation, using a model that includes both inter- and intramolecular motions [Meier, P., Ohmes, E. & Kothe, G. (1986) J. Chem. Phys. 85, 3598-3614]. Combined simulations of both the relaxation times and the quadrupolar echo line shapes as a function of pulse spacing allowed unambiguous assignment of the various motional modes and a consistent interpretation of data from lipids labeled on the C-6, C-13, and C-14 positions of the sn-2 chain. In the fluid phase, the protein has little influence on either the chain order or the population of gauche rotational isomers but strongly retards the chain dynamics. For 1-myristoyl-2-[13-2H2] myristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine at 35 degrees C, the correlation time for chain fluctuation increases from 20 nsec to 650 nsec and for chain rotation from 10 nsec to 180 nsec, and the gauche isomer lifetime increases from 0.15 nsec to 1.75 nsec, on going from the lipid alone to a recombinant of protein/lipid ratio 0.073 mol/mol. The results are essentially consistent with spin-label ESR studies on the same system [Brophy, P.J., Horvath, L.I. & Marsh, D. (1984) Biochemistry 23, 860-865], when allowance is made for the different time scales of the two spectroscopies.