bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning and expression of human erythropoietin cDNA in Escherichia coli.
Authors: Lee-Huang S
Published: May 2006

Human erythropoietin (Ep) cDNA has been cloned in Escherichia coli by using pBR322 as a vector. Polyadenylylated RNA was isolated from selected human renal carcinomas with elevated Ep titers. The presence of Ep mRNA was detected by immunoprecipitation of in vitro translation products with monoclonal antibody to human Ep. Double-stranded cDNA was synthesized and inserted into the Pst I site of pBR322 by homopolymeric dG . dC tailing. The cDNA library was initially screened by colony hybridization with 32P-labeled cDNA synthesized from size-fractionated mRNA enriched in Ep message. Positive colonies were further screened immunologically by in situ radioimmunoassay with monoclonal antibody to human Ep. Three positive clones were identified that express the Ep gene sequences as a beta-lactamase fusion protein. These clones contain inserts of approximately 1400, 600, and 200 base pairs. Human renal Ep mRNA, of which the translation products immunoreact with anti-Ep on immunoblots, was hybrid-selected by plasmid DNA from these recombinants. Purified human Ep competes with 35S-labeled hybrid-selected translation products for antibody binding.
Sequence of a cDNA clone encoding mouse glial fibrillary acidic protein: structural conservation of intermediate filaments.
Authors: Lewis S A , Balcarek J M , Krek V , Shelanski M , Cowan N J
Published: May 2006

A clone encoding mouse glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was isolated from a cDNA library constructed so as to express the cloned sequences. The library was screened using a GFAP-specific polyclonal antiserum; a single bacterial colony expressing GFAP was identified. The complete sequence of the cDNA insert in this clone is presented, encompassing 2.5 kilobases and specifying greater than 97% of the GFAP amino acid sequence. The clone includes a long (1.4-kilobase) 3' untranslated region. Within the coding region, the data show extensive homology with other intermediate filament proteins, particularly in those regions predicted to be alpha-helical. RNA blot transfer experiments using the cloned GFAP cDNA probe revealed a single GFAP mRNA species of 2.7 kilobases in mouse brain. Southern blot analysis indicates the existence of at most two genes encoding GFAP in the mouse genome. The mouse GFAP probe cross-hybridizes weakly at high stringency with genomic DNA from diverse eukaryotic species.
Contrasting biological activities of thymopoietin and splenin, two closely related polypeptide products of thymus and spleen.
Authors: Audhya T , Scheid M P , Goldstein G
Published: May 2006

Thymopoietin, a 49 amino acid polypeptide hormone of the thymus discovered by its effect on neuromuscular transmission, was later shown to induce T-cell differentiation and to affect immunoregulatory balance. A radioimmunoassay for thymopoietin revealed a crossreaction with a product found in spleen and lymph node but not other tissues. This product, named splenin, differs from thymopoietin only in position 34, aspartic acid for bovine thymopoietin and glutamic acid for bovine splenin. Synthetic pentapeptides corresponding to residues 32-36, called thymopentin and splenopentin, reproduce biological activities of thymopoietin and splenin, respectively. Thus thymopoietin and thymopentin affect neuromuscular transmission and induce the phenotypic differentiation of T precursor cells in vitro while inhibiting phenotypic differentiation of B cells. Splenin and splenopentin, in contrast, do not affect neuromuscular transmission, and they induce both T- and B-cell precursors.
Mutations that affect the translation efficiency of Tn9-derived cat gene in Bacillus subtilis.
Authors: Lin C K , Goldfarb D S , Doi R H , Rodriguez R L
Published: May 2006

We have isolated two spontaneous mutations that increase the expression of the Tn9-derived cat gene in Bacillus subtilis. These mutations, which appear to affect initiation of translation of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT; acetyl-CoA:chloramphenicol 3-O-acetyltransferase, EC 2.3.1.28) consist of a tandem duplication and triplication of a 55-base-pair sequence located at the 5' end of cat. Included in the repeated sequence are the Shine-Dalgarno site, initiation codon, and a region of dyad symmetry located within the structural portion of the cat gene. A striking feature of the mutated initiation sites is their potential to form stem-loop structures at the 5' end of the cat messenger RNA. Within the single-stranded loops of these structures are the ribosome binding site and initiation codon for the cat gene. It appears that the Gram-negative cat translation initiation site has mutated to permit efficient utilization in B. subtilis without directly affecting Shine-Dalgarno sequence homology. This report suggests that secondary structure in the vicinity of the Shine-Dalgarno site can exert a strong positive influence on the initiation of translation in B. subtilis.
Small peptides induce antibodies with a sequence and structural requirement for binding antigen comparable to antibodies raised against the native protein.
Authors: Geysen H M , Barteling S J , Meloen R H
Published: May 2006

Antisera were raised against the chemically synthesized peptide corresponding to each epitope of three foot-and-mouth disease virus strains. Peptide synthesis was further used to determine which amino acid residues in each epitope are important for the specificity of antisera raised against the whole virus. The specificity of the antibody paratope for its epitope was shown to depend on structure as well as sequence. Anti-virus sera demonstrated a greater specificity for the homologous peptide than did the anti-peptide sera. Two of the three peptides were able to induce neutralizing antibodies against the homologous virus. The specificities of the antibodies present in the anti-peptide sera were also inferred from the reactions of each with related sets of peptides. The cross-reactions observed for the anti-peptide sera were readily explained in terms of the antibody specificities determined to be present. The findings also suggest that the diversity of antibodies raised against small peptides is limited and is determined by the immune system. A similar limited response to the native protein was observed, which may account for the high frequency with which anti-peptide sera react with the native homologous protein.
Inhibition of thromboxane synthesis ameliorates the progressive kidney disease of rats with subtotal renal ablation.
Authors: Purkerson M L , Joist J H , Yates J , Valdes A , Morrison A , Klahr S
Published: May 2006

Ablation of greater than 70% of renal mass in the rat results in hypertension, proteinuria, and glomerular sclerosis of the remnant kidney. Rats with a remnant kidney have increased excretion of thromboxane in the urine when compared with normal rats. Chronic oral administration of OKY 1581, an inhibitor of thromboxane synthesis, in rats with a remnant kidney increases renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), decreases protein and thromboxane excretion in the urine, lowers blood pressure and cardiac index, and improves renal histology. The degree of hypertrophy of the remnant kidney was unaffected by administration of OKY 1581. Calculated values for single nephron plasma flow and GFR were significantly greater in rats with remnant kidneys given OKY 1581 than in rats given saline. Acute i.v. administration of OKY 1581 increased renal plasma flow and GFR in rats with a remnant kidney but not in normal rats or rats with a remnant kidney previously treated with acetylsalicyclic acid. OKY 1581 markedly inhibited platelet aggregation. We suggest that in this model of renal disease platelet aggregation and intraglomerular thrombosis play a key role in the development of glomerulosclerosis. Inhibition of platelet aggregation prevents development of glomerulosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. We suggest that hyperperfusion and hyperfiltration per se occurring in remnant glomeruli are not directly responsible for the development of glomerulosclerosis.
Effects of two major activating lesions on the structure and conformation of human ras oncogene products.
Authors: Srivastava S K , Yuasa Y , Reynolds S H , Aaronson S A
Published: May 2006

ras oncogenes are frequently activated in human tumors by mutations at codon 12 or 61 in their coding sequences. To investigate how these subtle alterations exert such profound effects on the biologic activities of these genes, we studied structural and conformational properties of human ras-oncogene-encoded 21-kDa proteins (p21s). We observed striking differences in the electrophoretic mobilities of the proteins under reducing and nonreducing conditions. These findings imply that intramolecular disulfide bonds affect native p21 conformation. The two activating lesions were shown to induce distinctly different alterations in p21 electrophoretic mobility that were unmasked only under reducing conditions. These results suggest that regions of the molecule containing such alterations are either not exposed or under conformational constraints in the native p21 molecule. We confirmed the opposing effects on protein mobility induced by the two activating lesions by using a recombinant gene containing both lesions. The recombinant gene's high-titer transforming activity further established that the two lesions do not negatively complement one another with respect to transforming-gene function. Our findings of distinct alterations in electrophoretic mobilities of position-12- and position-61-altered p21 molecules should be applicable to the rapid immunologic diagnosis of ras oncogenes in human malignancies.
Hybrid hepatitis B virus-host transcripts in a human hepatoma cell.
Authors: Ou J , Rutter W J
Published: May 2006

The human PLC/PRF/5 hepatoma cell line (the Alexander cell) contains at least seven copies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integrated in its genome; but it selectively expresses the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) gene and perhaps low levels of the core gene. We have prepared a cDNA library from PLC/PRF/5 cell poly(A)+ RNA and isolated clones containing HBV sequences. Hybridization experiments show that the great majority of HBV-specific RNAs in this cell line contain HBsAg coding sequences and are presumably derived from the HBsAg gene. Primer extension experiments show that these HBsAg mRNAs are, however, derived from multiple initiation sites in the HBsAg gene and involve two promoters: one at the 5' end of the gene that can produce a protein of 45 kDa, and one located in the pre-S region that can produce two proteins of 31 kDa and the mature HBsAg, 25 kDa, respectively. The HBV RNAs are hybrid RNA species that contain HBV sequences at their 5' ends and host DNA sequences at the 3' ends. The great majority of these hybrid RNAs are transcribed from two closely related yet distinct HBV integrants. The viral-host sequences of these two related hybrid RNAs suggest that the related HBV sequences were generated from a parental fragment via duplication, translocation, and mutagenesis. These processes may play a role in HBV-related oncogenesis.
Structure of the actin-myosin complex in the presence of ATP.
Authors: Craig R , Greene L E , Eisenberg E
Published: May 2006

The structure of the complex between actin and myosin subfragment 1 (S1), designated the acto-S1 complex, in the presence of ATP was examined by electron microscopy. This was accomplished by using negative staining to study a complex of S1 covalently crosslinked to actin by the zero-length crosslinker, 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)-propyl]carbodiimide. Two levels of S1 binding were studied, with a molar ratio of crosslinked S1 to total actin of either 20% or 50%. The lower percentage was used to observe individual S1 molecules attached to actin, while the higher percentage was used to look at the overall pattern of S1 decoration of the actin filament. In the absence of ATP, the appearances of both the 20% and 50% crosslinked filaments closely resembled the rigor appearances obtained with noncrosslinked proteins. The arrowheads observed had the conventional structure, and individual S1 molecules were elongated and curved and appeared to make an angle of 45 degrees with the thin filament. Addition of ATP to the crosslinked acto-S1 complex caused a radical change in the structure of the cross-bridges. At both 20 and 170 mM ionic strengths, individual S1 molecules appeared to be attached at variable angles which, in contrast to rigor, did not center on 45 degrees. In addition, the S1 molecules often appeared shorter and fatter than in rigor. The 50% crosslinked acto-S1 preparation no longer showed the arrowhead pattern of S1 decoration but instead appeared to be disordered with little obvious polarity. Control experiments with ADP suggest that these effects were not due simply to a weakening of the binding of S1 to actin in the presence of nucleotide but most likely were ATP-specific. The crosslinked acto-S1 complex, which hydrolyzes ATP at about the same rate as the maximal actin-activated ATPase of S1 (Vmax), is composed of a mixture of states A X M X ATP and A X M X ADP X Pi (in which A = actin and M = myosin), with more than 50% of the crosslinked S-1 occurring in state A X M X ATP. Therefore, it appears that both states A X M X ATP and A X M X ADP X Pi have a very different conformation from the classic arrowhead conformation of the A X M state.
N-myc amplification in multiple homogeneously staining regions in two human neuroblastomas.
Authors: Emanuel B S , Balaban G , Boyd J P , Grossman A , Negishi M , Parmiter A , Glick M C
Published: May 2006

Molecular characterization of two human neuroblastoma cell lines has revealed that both contain multiple homogeneously staining regions (HSRs), each representing a chromosome site of N-myc amplification. The newly established cell line CHP-382/JK had two cytogenetically distinct populations with several identical chromosomal abnormalities, indicating a common progenitor cell. Each population had one HSR, one on chromosome 5 at q31-34 and the other on chromosome 2 at q31-32. Chromosomal in situ hybridization with the N-myc probe pNb-1 demonstrated that both HSRs contained amplified copies of N-myc. Southern blot analysis confirmed amplification of N-myc sequences in genomic DNA of CHP-382/JK. Chromosomal features of CHP-382/JK shared with other neuroblastoma cell lines were the deletion of 1p and the presence of extra 17q material. In addition, the cells were highly reactive to monoclonal antibody PI 153/3 used to identify human neuroblastoma. CHP-382/JK cells were further characterized as neuronal cells by the expression of neurotoxin-responsive Na+ channels. Another neuroblastoma cell line, CHP-134, contained a single cell population with three HSRs, one in the short arm of each chromosome 7 and one in the long arm of a chromosome 6. All three HSRs contained amplified copies of N-myc as shown by in situ hybridization with the N-myc probe pNb-1. One of the 7p HSRs was acquired during culture of CHP-134 cells, whereas the 2q HSR of CHP-382/JK was lost. Such findings highlight the continued process of N-myc amplification and transposition in vitro. To our knowledge, amplification of N-myc in multiple HSRs has not been documented previously in neuroblastoma cell lines.
Cloning of cDNAs for human aldehyde dehydrogenases 1 and 2.
Authors: Hsu L C , Tani K , Fujiyoshi T , Kurachi K , Yoshida A
Published: May 2006

Partial cDNA clones encoding human cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) and mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) were isolated from a human liver cDNA library constructed in phage lambda gt11. The expression library was screened by using rabbit antibodies against ALDH1 and ALDH2. Positive clones thus obtained were subsequently screened with mixed synthetic oligonucleotides compatible with peptide sequences of ALDH1 and ALDH2. One of the positive clones for ALDH1 contained an insertion of 1.6 kilobase pairs (kbp). The insert encoded 340 amino acid residues and had a 3' noncoding region of 538 bp and a poly(A) segment. The amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA sequence coincided with the reported amino acid sequence of human ALDH1 [Hempel, J., von Bahr-Lindström, H. & Jörnvall, H. (1984) Eur. J. Biochem. 141, 21-35], except that valine at position 161 in the previous amino acid sequence study was found to be isoleucine in the deduced sequence. Since the amino acid sequence of ALDH2 was unknown, 33 tryptic peptides of human ALDH2 were isolated and sequenced. Based on the amino acid sequence data thus obtained, a mixed oligonucleotide probe was prepared. Two positive clones, lambda ALDH2-21 and lambda ALDH2-36, contained the same insert of 1.2 kbp. Another clone, lambda ALDH2-22, contained an insert of 1.3 kbp. These two inserts contained an overlap region of 0.9 kbp. The combined cDNA contained a sequence that encodes 399 amino acid residues, a chain-termination codon, a 3' untranslated region of 403 bp, and a poly(A) segment. The deduced amino acid sequence was compatible with the amino acid sequences of the tryptic peptides. The degree of homology between human ALDH1 and ALDH2 is 66% for the coding regions of their cDNAs and 69% at the protein level. No significant homology was found in their 3' untranslated regions.
Homologous recombination between a defective virus and a chromosomal sequence in mammalian cells.
Authors: Shaul Y , Laub O , Walker M D , Rutter W J
Published: May 2006

Replacement of the early region of simian virus 40 results in virus that cannot replicate in a normal host, CV-1 cells, but can replicate in COS cells, a derivative of CV-1 cells that constitutively express simian virus 40 tumor antigen (T antigen). However, passage of such an early replacement simian virus 40 mutant in COS cells results in the emergence of virus that can propagate in CV-1 cells. Analysis of this virus revealed that the mutant rescued the integrated T-antigen gene from the COS cell genome. Comparison of the sequence of the recovered virus with that of the viral DNA resident in COS cells (strain 776) and the mutant used in our studies (derived from strain 777) proves that the mutant virus acquired the T-antigen gene from the COS cell chromosome via homologous recombination. Most probably this process was mediated by a direct genetic exchange.
Leukotriene C4 as a mediator of luteinizing hormone release from rat anterior pituitary cells.
Authors: Hulting A L , Lindgren J A , Hökfelt T , Eneroth P , Werner S , Patrono C , Samuelsson B
Published: May 2006

This study demonstrates that leukotriene C4, at concentrations in the picomolar range, released luteinizing hormone (LH) but not growth hormone (GH) from dispersed rat anterior pituitary cells. Leukotriene B4, another lipoxygenase pathway product of arachidonic acid, had no effect on LH or GH release. The stimulatory effect of leukotriene C4 could be seen after 0.5 but not after 3 hr of incubation. This was in contrast to the dose-dependent LH-releasing hormone (LHRH)-induced LH release that was not measurable after 0.5 hr but was fully established after incubation for 3 hr. Furthermore, the LH-releasing ability of leukotriene C4 was blocked in the presence of high doses of LHRH. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed leukotriene C4-immunoreactive fibers at all levels of the median eminence, mainly in the lateral parts. These fibers exhibited a marked overlap distribution with LHRH-immunoreactive fibers and elution-restaining experiments revealed identity of at least a large proportion of the leukotriene C4- and LHRH-immunoreactive fibers. Furthermore, cell bodies in the preoptic area contained both leukotriene C4- and LHRH-like immunoreactivities, suggesting localization of these two compounds in the same neurons.
Immunochemical evidence for induction of the alcohol-oxidizing cytochrome P-450 of rabbit liver microsomes by diverse agents: ethanol, imidazole, trichloroethylene, acetone, pyrazole, and isoniazid.
Authors: Koop D R , Crump B L , Nordblom G D , Coon M J
Published: May 2006

Isozyme 3a of rabbit liver microsomal cytochrome P-450, also termed P-450ALC, was previously isolated in this laboratory from animals administered ethanol or imidazole, and the purified cytochrome was shown to function in the reconstituted system as an oxygenase in catalyzing the oxidation of ethanol and other alcohols. Although liver microsomes from animals treated in various ways exhibit increased alcohol-oxidizing activity, evidence was not available as to whether this was due to enzyme induction or to other factors influencing the activity. Immunochemical quantitation of P-450 isozyme 3a has now been achieved by use of purified antibody to this cytochrome in NaDodSO4/PAGE/blotting and dot-blotting techniques. The specific content of isozyme 3a in liver microsomes was found to be increased from 2- to greater than 4-fold by administration of the following agents, in increasing order of effectiveness as inducers: isoniazid, trichloroethylene, pyrazole, ethanol, imidazole, and acetone. Isozyme 3a represents about 5% of the total P-450 in control animals and is increased to as high as 27% by acetone treatment. Isozyme 3a-dependent butanol-oxidation activity, determined by the inhibitory effect of antibody on the various microsomal preparations, was found to increase proportionally with increased content of this cytochrome.
Evidence that ribosomal protein S10 itself is a cellular component necessary for transcription antitermination by phage lambda N protein.
Authors: Das A , Ghosh B , Barik S , Wolska K
Published: May 2006

Bacteriophage lambda N gene product acts to modify host RNA polymerase allowing the formation of a termination-resistant transcription apparatus. Previous studies have demonstrated that the nusE71 mutation that has altered the ribosomal protein S10 prevents N action in vivo. Using a coupled transcription-translation system, we demonstrate here that purified S10 protein as well as the 30S ribosomal subunit is sufficient to restore N activity in the nusE mutant extract, allowing antitermination of Rho-dependent and Rho-independent terminators. This provides direct biochemical evidence that the S10 protein itself is one of the cellular components necessary for the formation of an antitermination apparatus.
Direct measurement of lateral transport in membranes by using time-resolved spatial photometry.
Authors: Kapitza H G , McGregor G , Jacobson K A
Published: May 2006

Spatially resolving light detectors allow, with proper calibration, quantitative analysis of the variations in two-dimensional intensity distributions over time. An ultrasensitive microfluorometer was assembled by using as a detector a microchannel plate-intensified video camera. The camera was interfaced with a software-based digital video analysis system to digitize, average, and process images and to directly control the timing of the experiments to minimize exposure of the specimen to light. The detector system has been characterized to allow its use as a photometer. A major application has been to perform fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements by using the camera in place of a photomultiplier tube (video-FRAP) with the goal of detecting possible anisotropic diffusion or convective flow. Analysis of the data on macromolecular diffusion in homogenous aqueous glycol solutions yielded diffusion constants in agreement with previous measurements. Results on lipid probe diffusion in dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine multibilayers indicated that at temperatures above the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition diffusion is isotropic, and analysis of video-FRAP data yielded diffusion coefficients consistent with those measured previously by using spot photobleaching. However, lipid probes in these multibilayers held just below the main phase transition temperature exhibited markedly anisotropic diffusive fluxes when the bleaching beam was positioned proximate to domain boundaries in the P beta' phase. Lipid probes and lectin receptor complexes diffused isotropically in fibroblast surface membranes with little evidence for diffusion channeled parallel to stress fibers. A second application was to trace the time evolution of cell surface reactions such as patching. The feasibility of following, on the optical scale, the growth of individual receptor clusters induced by the ligand wheat germ agglutinin was demonstrated.
Potentiation of antiherpetic activity of acyclovir by ribonucleotide reductase inhibition.
Authors: Spector T , Averett D R , Nelson D J , Lambe C U , Morrison R W , St Clair M H , Furman P A
Published: May 2006

Compound A723U, a 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone, produced apparent inactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ribonucleotide reductase. Inactivation occurred after A723U formed a reversible complex with the enzyme and only while the enzyme was catalyzing the formation of deoxynucleotides. A723U inhibited HSV-1 replication at concentrations that were not toxic to the confluent host cells. Most importantly, A723U and acyclovir (ACV) were found to exhibit mutual potentiation of their antiviral activities. Subinhibitory concentrations of either compound greatly reduced the ED50 (median effective dose) of the other. Studies of the deoxynucleotide pool sizes and the levels of ACV triphosphate (ACV-P3) revealed that A723U not only significantly reduced the pool of dGTP but also increased the level of ACV-P3 in infected cells. The net result was an 80-fold increase in the ratio of ACV-P3 to dGTP. This should greatly facilitate the initial binding of ACV-P3 to HSV-1 DNA polymerase and probably accounts for the mechanism of potentiation.
Structural invariants of antigen binding: comparison of immunoglobulin VL-VH and VL-VL domain dimers.
Authors: Novotný J , Haber E
Published: May 2006

Antigen-combining site arises by noncovalent association of the variable domain of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (VH) with that of the light chain (VL). To analyze the invariant features of the binding region (VL-VH domain interface), we compared the known immunoglobulin three-dimensional structures by a variety of methods. The interface forms a close-packed, twisted, prism-shaped "beta-barrel" characterized by cross-sectional dimensions 1.04 X 0.66 nm and a top-to-bottom twist angle of 212 degrees. The geometry of the interface is preserved via invariance of some 15 side chains, both inside the domains and on their surface. Buried polar residues form a conserved hydrogen-bonding network that has a similar topological connectivity in the two domain types; two hydrogen bonds contributed by invariant side chains extend across the interface and anchor the beta-sheets in their relative orientation. Invariant aromatic residues close-pack at the bottom of the binding-site beta-barrel with their ring planes oriented perpendicularly in the characteristic "herringbone" packing mode. Electrostatic computations that implicitly include solvent effects show the domains to be stabilized by large electrostatic forces. However, structures that were crystallized at lower pH have their electrostatic energies appropriately lowered, implying that full ionization of carboxyl side chains is essential for efficient electrostatic stabilization. The unusual mode of domain-domain association in the VL-VL dimer RHE correlates with its overall repulsive electrostatic energy (+54 kJ/mol), as opposed to negative (i.e., stabilizing) energy values (-263 to -543 kJ/mol) found in the domains of the other structures. The VL-VL dimer REI mimics closely the interface geometry of VL-VH dimers although its domain-domain contact area is lower by 18%.
Regulatory components in Citrobacter freundii ampC beta-lactamase induction.
Authors: Lindberg F , Westman L , Normark S
Published: May 2006

Citrobacter freundii encodes an inducible chromosomal beta-lactamase similar to the constitutively expressed ampC beta-lactamase of Escherichia coli. In the latter species the ampC gene is located next to the fumarate reductase (frd) operon, whereas in C. freundii the ampC gene is known to be separated from frd by 1100 base pairs. This intervening DNA segment carries a gene, ampR, coding for a 31-kilodalton polypeptide. The cloned C. freundii OS60 ampC gene is inducible by beta-lactam antibiotics in E. coli, but only in the presence of an intact ampR gene. In the absence of inducer the AmpR protein represses C. freundii ampC synthesis 2.5-fold. Addition of beta-lactams induced expression from the cloned ampC beta-lactamase gene 11-fold. Thus, the AmpR protein has a positive effect on ampC expression in the presence of inducing beta-lactams. Two spontaneous mutants of C. freundii were isolated that constitutively overproduce the ampC beta-lactamase. The mutations in both these strains occurred outside the frd-amp region, suggesting that there is at least one additional component in the regulatory system. With the cloned C. freundii ampC gene in E. coli, mutants with the same phenotype could be obtained. These mutations were located on the E. coli chromosome. The constitutive beta-lactamase overproduction in these mutants requires the presence of an intact ampR gene.
Specific cloning of DNA fragments absent from the DNA of a male patient with an X chromosome deletion.
Authors: Kunkel L M , Monaco A P , Middlesworth W , Ochs H D , Latt S A
Published: May 2006

A method that allows the specific cloning of DNA fragments absent from patients homozygous or hemizygous for chromosomal deletions is described. The method involves phenol-accelerated competitive DNA reassociation and subsequent molecular cloning of appropriately reassociated molecules. The deletion DNA sample utilized in the competition was isolated from a patient with a minute interstitial deletion in the short arm of the X chromosome. Sheared DNA isolated from a male child, who was diagnosed as having Duchenne muscular dystrophy, chronic granulomatous disease, and retinitis pigmentosa, was combined in a 200-fold excess with Mbo I-cleaved DNA isolated from a 49, XXXXY human lymphoid cell line, and the mixture was subjected to a phenol-enhanced reassociation technique. Analysis of 81 unique segments derived from cloned reassociated DNA molecules has led to the identification of 4 (5%) human DNA fragments that are absent from the male patient's DNA. The 4 clones were localized, on the basis of hybridization with restriction nuclease-digested genomic DNA from a panel of human and human-rodent hybrid cell lines, into three regions surrounding band 21 of the short arm of the normal human X chromosome. These clones are potential linkage markers for the diseases affecting this boy. Each clone, as well as others obtainable by this approach, may also serve as a starting point in the eventual cloning of these three X-linked-disease loci. Extension of this approach to other loci, including human tumors potentially homozygous for small deletions, should also be possible.
Characterization and sequence of the promoter region of the human epidermal growth factor receptor gene.
Authors: Ishii S , Xu Y H , Stratton R H , Roe B A , Merlino G T , Pastan I
Published: May 2006

The promoter region of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor has been identified by in vitro transcription using EGF receptor genomic DNA fragments as template and by primer extension and nuclease S1 mapping using EGF receptor mRNA. Six transcriptional start sites were identified. DNA sequence analysis shows that the promoter region contains neither a "TATA box" nor a "CAAT box," has an extremely high G+C content (88%), and contains five CCGCCC repeats and four (TCC)TCCTCCTCC repeats. This promoter region is situated close to or within a DNase I-hypersensitive site in A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells, which overproduce the EGF receptor. The EGF receptor gene promoter has some resemblance to the promoter of the hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase gene and the early promoter of simian virus 40. This similarity may offer a clue to the mechanism by which the receptor gene is regulated.
Normal modes for specific motions of macromolecules: application to the hinge-bending mode of lysozyme.
Authors: Brooks B , Karplus M
Published: May 2006

A method is presented for finding particular normal modes for large molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. The method is based on an iterative approach that extracts eigenvectors of interest from the full second-derivative matrix. Application of the method to the interdomain (hinge-bending) motion of lysozyme yields a frequency of 3.6 cm-1. This is similar to the value obtained from earlier adiabatic-energy-minimization studies. Analysis of the mode shows that the relaxation associated with the hinge bending is highly delocalized; that is, the dihedral angle and energy changes are distributed over many residues, including some (e.g., Trp-28) that are distant from the cleft and hinge region.
General method for the rapid solid-phase synthesis of large numbers of peptides: specificity of antigen-antibody interaction at the level of individual amino acids.
Authors: Houghten R A
Published: May 2006

A novel yet simple method is described that facilitates the synthesis of large numbers of peptides to the extent that the synthesis process need no longer be the limiting factor in many studies involving peptides. By using the methods described, 10-20 mg of 248 different 13-residue peptides representing single amino acid variants of a segment of the hemagglutinin protein (HA1) have been prepared and characterized in less than 4 weeks. Through examination of the binding of these analogs to monoclonal antibodies raised against residues 75-110 of HA1, it was found that a single amino acid, aspartic acid at position 101, is of unique importance to the interaction. Two other residues, aspartic acid-104 and alanine-106, were found to play a lesser but significant role in the binding interaction. Other single positional residue variations appear to be of little or no importance.
Human plasma kallikrein and C1 inhibitor form a complex possessing an epitope that is not detectable on the parent molecules: demonstration using a monoclonal antibody.
Authors: de Agostini A , Schapira M , Wachtfogel Y T , Colman R W , Carrel S
Published: May 2006

The inactivation of human plasma kallikrein (EC 3.4.21.8) by the inhibitor of activated complement component 1 (C1 inhibitor) induces the formation of a 1:1 stoichiometric kallikrein-C1 inhibitor complex and a proteolytically modified form of C1 inhibitor. We have produced a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the kallikrein-C1 inhibitor complex as well as modified C1 inhibitor but fails to react with virgin C1 inhibitor or native plasma kallikrein. This observation constitutes an unequivocal demonstration that the reaction between plasma kallikrein and C1 inhibitor leads to the emergence of an epitope that is undetectable on the parent enzyme and inhibitor molecules.
Morphine and other opiates from beef brain and adrenal.
Authors: Goldstein A , Barrett R W , James I F , Lowney L I , Weitz C J , Knipmeyer L L , Rapoport H
Published: May 2006

We describe nonpeptide opioids found in extracts of beef hypothalamus and adrenal, which are recognized by antisera raised against morphine. Four have been purified to homogeneity. One is morphine. The structures of the other three have not been determined yet. None of them are derived from morphine or normorphine after extraction from the tissues. It is not known whether the opiates described here are of endogenous or exogenous origin.
In vitro mutagenesis of the v-sis transforming gene defines functional domains of its growth factor-related product.
Authors: King C R , Giese N A , Robbins K C , Aaronson S A
Published: May 2006

The polypeptide sequence of the v-sis transforming gene product of simian sarcoma virus (SSV) can be divided into four regions that are likely to represent structural domains of the protein. Mutations were generated in the SSV nucleotide sequence to assay the extent or function of each of these regions. The results indicate that the helper virus-derived amino-terminal sequence as well as a core region homologous to polypeptide chain 2 of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are required for the transforming function of the protein. Products of transforming but not nontransforming mutants formed dimer structures conformationally analogous to biologically active PDGF.
N-myc can cooperate with ras to transform normal cells in culture.
Authors: Yancopoulos G D , Nisen P D , Tesfaye A , Kohl N E , Goldfarb M P , Alt F W
Published: May 2006

N-myc, a cellular gene bearing homology to the c-myc protooncogene, is frequently amplified and overexpressed in a highly restricted set of related tumors, most notably neuroblastomas and retinoblastomas. We have examined the possibility that N-myc may play a causal role in the genesis of these tumors by defining its ability to transform primary cells in tissue culture. Using an N-myc expression construct capable of producing constitutively deregulated levels of full-length murine N-myc mRNA, we demonstrate that a deregulated N-myc gene can cooperate with the activated Ha-ras oncogene to cause tumorigenic conversion of normal embryonic fibroblasts in a manner indistinguishable from the deregulated c-myc oncogene. Cell lines established from N-myc/ras-transformed foci express high levels of the N-myc gene, and such lines are similar to c-myc/ras transformants in their ability to grow in soft agar and cause tumors in syngeneic rats. These results illustrate that N-myc does encode a c-myc-like transforming activity and that this transforming activity is not specific for the very restricted set of tumors in which N-myc is normally amplified or overexpressed.
Nonsense mutations in the
Chlamydomonas
chloroplast gene that codes for the large subunit of ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase
Authors: Spreitzer Robert J. , Goldschmidt-Clermont Michel , Rahire Michele , Rochaix Jean-David
Published: May 2006

The
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
chloroplast mutants 18-5B and 18-7G lack both the chloroplast-encoded large subunit and nuclear-encoded small subunit of the chloroplast enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (EC 4.1.1.39). A chloroplast intergenic-suppression model has been postulated to account for the genetic instability of 18-5B revertants. Here, we have determined the molecular basis of the 18-5B and 18-7G mutants. They contain nonsense mutations close to the 3′ and 5′ ends of their large-subunit genes, respectively. Pulse-chase experiments revealed that the 18-5B mutant produces a truncated large subunit that is unstable. In connection with previous experiments, this work identifies nonsense suppression in the chloroplast. Small subunits are also synthesized but then degraded in the mutants. Thus, the coordinated absence of subunits is achieved through degradation of the small subunit in the specific absence of the large subunit.
Expression in L cells of transfected class I genes from the mouse major histocompatibility complex.
Authors: Schepart B S , Woodward J G , Palmer M J , Macchi M J , Basta P , McLaughlin-Taylor E , Frelinger J A
Published: May 2006

One of the major surprises of the molecular analysis of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes is the large number of class I (K/D)-related sequences in the genome. Both restriction fragment length polymorphisms and cosmid cloning experiments showed them all to be closely linked to the MHC. Until now little information was available concerning either their expression or recognition by the immune system. Here we report that these non-K/D genes can provoke antibody responses and be recognized by cytolytic T cells. Immunization of C3H mice with L cells transfected with class I genomic clones resulted in antisera that reacted preferentially with cells from strain B10.P (the gene donor). Thus, these genes can be expressed by L cells. These products were recognized by cytolytic T cells produced by mixed lymphocyte culture with B10.P stimulators. One gene, represented in clone lambda 3a, was chosen for further analysis. A restriction fragment length polymorphism, detected between B10.P (KpDp) and B10.F(14R) (KbDp) and between B10 (KbDb) and B10.F(13R) (KpDb), has enabled us to map the lambda 3a sequence to the D or Tla region. Restriction endonuclease mapping of the lambda 3a clone shows that the gene is intact and that, although many restriction sites are conserved, the gene in lambda 3a differs from other class I genes. When the lambda 3a clone was transfected into mouse L cells, a new product was expressed. Cells expressing this product (designated L3a cells) were killed by primary D-end-reactive, allospecific cytolytic T lymphocytes. The L3a cells were unreactive with monoclonal antibodies specific for the Kp,Dp,Qa-2, Tla.3, and Tla.5 molecules.
Expression of histocompatibility antigens H-2K, -D, and -L is reduced in adenovirus-12-transformed mouse cells and is restored by interferon gamma.
Authors: Eager K B , Williams J , Breiding D , Pan S , Knowles B , Appella E , Ricciardi R P
Published: May 2006

Primary mouse cells transformed by adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) expressed negligible amounts of class I antigens H-2K, -D, and -L on the cell surface and were capable of forming tumors in syngeneic animals, whereas cells transformed by Ad5 continued to express class I antigens and were nontumorigenic. Cells from a tumor, generated by injection of Ad12-transformed mouse cells into a syngeneic mouse, also expressed low levels of H-2 antigens, indicating that this phenotype is maintained in vivo. In all Ad12-transformed cells, synthesis of the H-2 heavy chain was not detected whereas the beta 2-microglobulin light chain was synthesized. Furthermore, the level of cytoplasmic H-2 mRNA in the Ad12 lines was greatly reduced. Reduction of H-2 expression is instructed solely by the transforming region of the viral genome, since this repression occurred in cells transformed by a DNA fragment containing only Ad12 E1A and E1B genes. Addition of recombinant murine interferon gamma strongly stimulated expression of class I antigens in the Ad12 transformants as well as in cells from the Ad12 tumor. This result indicates that Ad12 does not preferentially transform cells that are deficient for class I genes and that Ad12 does not mutate the class I genes in cells it transforms. The correlation between tumorigenicity and loss of H-2 expression in Ad12-transformed cells is discussed.
Demonstration of benzodiazepine-like molecules in the mammalian brain with a monoclonal antibody to benzodiazepines.
Authors: Sangameswaran L , de Blas A L
Published: May 2006

An anti-benzodiazepine monoclonal antibody has been used to demonstrate the existence of benzodiazepine-like molecules in the brain. Immunocytochemical experiments show that these molecules are neuronal and not glial and that they are ubiquitously distributed throughout the brain. Immunoblots indicate the presence of benzodiazepine-like epitopes in several brain peptides. Small benzodiazepine-like molecules were isolated from the brain soluble fraction by immunoaffinity chromatography. They block the binding of agonists, inverse agonists, and antagonists to the neuronal-type benzodiazepine receptor. The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid increases the affinity of the benzodiazepine receptor for the purified endogenous molecules. The results indicate that the immunoaffinity-purified molecules behave like the neuronal-type benzodiazepine receptor agonists. The purified molecules, however, do not inhibit the binding of tritiated Ro 5-4864 to the "peripheral-type" benzodiazepine receptor. The results demonstrate the existence of benzodiazepine-like molecules in the brain that bind to the benzodiazepine receptor. These molecules are different from the endogenous benzodiazepine receptor ligands reported by others.
High-affinity-receptor-mediated uptake and degradation of glucose-modified proteins: a potential mechanism for the removal of senescent macromolecules.
Authors: Vlassara H , Brownlee M , Cerami A
Published: May 2006

Proteins that have been modified by long-term exposure to glucose accumulate advanced glycosylation end products (AGE) as a function of protein age. In these studies, we have characterized the interaction of AGE-protein with mouse peritoneal macrophages, using AGE-modified bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA, prepared by incubation with glucose) as a probe. AGE-BSA was specifically bound to cells at 4 degrees C and was taken up and degraded at 37 degrees C; these processes were concentration dependent and saturable. Competition experiments with AGE-BSA, BSA incubated with phosphate-buffered saline rather than glucose, and yeast mannan demonstrated that macrophages specifically recognize AGE on proteins by a receptor that is completely distinct from the mannose/fucose receptor. Scatchard analysis of AGE-BSA binding data indicated that there are approximately 1.06 X 10(5) receptors per macrophage, with an affinity constant of 1.75 X 10(-11) M. Specific binding of AGE-BSA to the macrophage receptor was competitively inhibited by BSA that had been chemically coupled to a synthetic analogue of the specific AGE, 2-(2-furoyl)-4(5)-(2-furanyl)-1H-imidazole (FFI-BSA). FFI-BSA was also taken up by macrophages in a concentration-dependent, saturable manner. Prior incubation of macrophages with AGE-BSA failed to influence the subsequent uptake and degradation of added AGE-BSA. Thus, the AGE receptor does not appear to be down-regulated by exposure to AGE-proteins. Results from these studies suggest that AGE could act in vivo as a specific signal for recognition and degradation of senescent macromolecules. Incomplete removal of AGE-proteins by macrophages may ultimately give rise to some of the physiologic changes that occur with normal aging.
Reversibility of arginine-specific mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation: identification in erythrocytes of an ADP-ribose-L-arginine cleavage enzyme.
Authors: Moss J , Jacobson M K , Stanley S J
Published: May 2006

Enzymes have been identified in animal tissues that catalyze the mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation of arginine and proteins. Since these NAD:arginine ADP-ribosyltransferases under physiological conditions do not appear to catalyze the degradation of the product ADP-ribose-arginine, the possibility was investigated that a different family of enzymes exists that cleaves the ADP-ribose-arginine linkage. An enzyme was identified in and partially purified from turkey erythrocytes that catalyzed the degradation of ADP-ribose-[14C]arginine synthesized by a salt-activated NAD:arginine ADP-ribosyl-transferase, resulting in the release of a radiolabeled compound that was characterized chromatographically and by amino acid analysis as arginine. This putative arginine product was converted in a reaction dependent on NAD and the NAD:arginine ADP-ribosyltransferase to a compound exhibiting properties characteristic of ADP-ribose-arginine. Action of cleavage enzyme on [adenine-U-14C]ADP-ribose-arginine resulted in the release of a radiolabeled compound that behaved chromatographically like [adenine-U-14C]ADP-ribose. Since degradation of ADP-ribose-arginine appears to generate an arginine moiety that is a substrate for the NAD:arginine ADP-ribosyltransferase, it appears that ADP-ribosylation may be a reversible modification of proteins.
In vitro replication of duplex circular DNA containing the simian virus 40 DNA origin site.
Authors: Wobbe C R , Dean F , Weissbach L , Hurwitz J
Published: May 2006

Extracts (0.2 M NaCl) of HeLa cells support replication of DNA containing simian virus 40 (SV40) origin in the presence of SV40 large tumor (T) antigen. The reaction leads to the accumulation of high molecular weight products that represent DNA containing one parental strand and one progeny strand as well as duplex molecules that contain both strands derived from the input deoxynucleoside triphosphates. The replication reaction is inhibited by aphidicolin and by camptothecin, two inhibitors known to inhibit eukaryotic DNA replication in vivo.