bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinoic acid affects the expression of nuclear retinoic acid receptors in tissues of retinol-deficient rats.
Authors: Haq R , Pfahl M , Chytil F
Published: May 2006

The multitude of biological effects of the vitamin A metabolite, retinoic acid, are mediated by nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), which are members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. RAR-alpha, -beta, and -gamma are encoded by three genes from which multiple isoforms can be generated. Recent studies suggest that the expression of at least some RAR isoforms can be regulated by retinoic acid in certain cell lines. Here we examined regulation of RAR expression in the adult animal. RARs were analyzed by Northern blots from lung, liver, and testes of retinol-deficient rats. Retinol deficiency caused a 65-70% decrease in the mRNA levels of lung and liver RAR-beta, whereas no change was observed in RAR-alpha and -gamma mRNA levels in these organs. In the testes of retinol-deficient animals, two transcripts, RAR-alpha 1 (3.7 kb) and RAR-alpha 2 (2.8 kb), were detected as compared with one RAR-alpha 1 (3.7 kb) transcript in retinol-sufficient testes. When retinol-deficient rats were orally administered 1 dose of retinoic acid (100 micrograms per rat), lung RAR-beta mRNA levels started to increase after 1 hr and reached a 16-fold higher level after 4 hr; after 4 hr these retinoic acid-fed rats also showed a 7-fold increase in liver RAR-beta mRNA levels as compared with levels in the retinol-deficient rats. In contrast, liver, lung, and testes RAR-alpha transcripts remained either unchanged or showed only a slight increase in response to retinoic acid. RAR-gamma was constitutively expressed in lung, and its mRNA levels were induced 2-fold by retinoic acid. These results show tissue diversity in the rapid induction of RAR-beta and RAR-gamma by retinoic acid in the adult animal and suggest distinct roles for the various receptor isoforms in the control of the retinoid response.
Hyaluronic acid capsule is a virulence factor for mucoid group A streptococci.
Authors: Wessels M R , Moses A E , Goldberg J B , DiCesare T J
Published: May 2006

Mucoid strains of group A Streptococcus have been associated with recent outbreaks of acute rheumatic fever. The mucoid colony morphology of these strains is a result of abundant production of capsular polysaccharide, which is composed of hyaluronic acid. To study the role of the hyaluronic acid capsule in virulence, we derived an acapsular mutant from a mucoid strain of group A Streptococcus by transposon mutagenesis. M protein expression was not altered in the mutant strain. The mucoid wild-type strain grew in fresh human blood and was resistant to phagocytic killing in vitro. In contrast, the acapsular mutant failed to grow in fresh human blood and was sensitive to phagocytic killing in vitro. Loss of capsule was associated with a 100-fold reduction in virulence of the organisms in mice. We conclude that the hyaluronic acid capsule protects mucoid group A streptococci from phagocytosis and has an important role in virulence.
A human nuclear uracil DNA glycosylase is the 37-kDa subunit of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Authors: Meyer-Siegler K , Mauro D J , Seal G , Wurzer J , deRiel J K , Sirover M A
Published: May 2006

We have isolated and characterized a plasmid (pChug 20.1) that contains the cDNA of a nuclear uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) gene isolated from normal human placenta. This cDNA directed the synthesis of a fusion protein (Mr 66,000) that exhibited UDG activity. The enzymatic activity was specific for a uracil-containing polynucleotide substrate and was inhibited by a glycosylase antibody or a beta-galactosidase antibody. Sequence analysis demonstrated an open reading frame that encoded a protein of 335 amino acids of calculated Mr 36,050 and pI 8.7, corresponding to the Mr 37,000 and pI 8.1 of purified human placental UDG. No homology was seen between this cDNA and the UDG of herpes simplex virus, Escherichia coli, and yeast; nor was there homology with the putative human mitochondrial UDG cDNA or with a second human nuclear UDG cDNA. Surprisingly, a search of the GenBank data base revealed that the cDNA of UDG was completely homologous with the 37-kDa subunit of human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Human erythrocyte glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was obtained commercially in its tetrameric form. A 37-kDa subunit was isolated from it and shown to possess UDG activity equivalent to that seen for the purified human placental UDG. The multiple functions of this 37-kDa protein as here and previously reported indicate that it possesses a series of activities, depending on its oligomeric state. Accordingly, mutation(s) in the gene of this multifunctional protein may conceivably result in the diverse cellular phenotypes of Bloom syndrome.
Cell-free transcription directed by the 422 adipose P2 gene promoter: activation by the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein.
Authors: Cheneval D , Christy R J , Geiman D , Cornelius P , Lane M D
Published: May 2006

Previous investigations have shown that CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) can function as a trans-activator of the promoters of several adipocyte-specific genes--i.e., the 422 adipose P2 (422/aP2), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) genes, in 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocytes. We now describe a cell-free system prepared from nuclei of 3T3-L1 cells that carries out transcription directed by these promoters. To measure transcript formation, we employed a polymerase chain reaction-assisted analysis. Nuclear extract from 3T3-L1 adipocytes that express C/EBP supports a higher rate of transcription of chimeric 422(aP2) promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene constructs than nuclear extract from preadipocytes that lack C/EBP. A competitor oligonucleotide containing the C/EBP binding site sequence and antibodies raised against C/EBP inhibit transcription directed by the 422(aP2) promoter. The factor limiting transcription by nuclear extract from preadipocytes appears to be C/EBP, since recombinant C/EBP (rC/EBP) markedly activates transcription of the 422(aP2) promoter-CAT gene with preadipocyte extract but not with adipocyte extract. rC/EBP also activates cell-free transcription of SCD1 promoter-CAT and GLUT4 promoter-CAT chimeric genes. Point mutations within the C/EBP binding site in the 422(aP2) promoter markedly decrease transcription activated by rC/EBP. Consistent with activation by cAMP of the 422(aP2) promoter in intact preadipocytes, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activates transcription through this promoter with the cell-free system, this effect being independent of C/EBP. Thus, regulation of transcription directed by the 422(aP2) promoter in the cell-free system resembles that which occurs in intact 3T3-L1 cells.
Inhibition of the replication of hepatitis B virus in vitro by 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine and related analogues.
Authors: Doong S L , Tsai C H , Schinazi R F , Liotta D C , Cheng Y C
Published: May 2006

Several 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiapyrimidine nucleosides were studied for their ability to inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA replication in a HBV-transfected cell line (2.2.15). 2',3'-Dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine (SddC) and 5-fluoro-2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine(5-FSddC) were found to be the most potent anti-HBV compounds of those examined. Both compounds resulted in nearly complete cessation of viral DNA replication at 0.5 microM, as monitored by the absence of both intracellular episomal and secreted viral DNAs. The HBV-specific RNAs were not reduced at concentrations that completely blocked HBV DNA replication, suggesting that the inhibitory target is HBV DNA synthesis. The antiviral action of SddC and 5-FSddC was reversible. The concentration of SddC and 5-FSddC required to inhibit 50% of 4-day cell growth in culture was 37 microM and more than 200 microM, respectively. Unlike 2',3'-dideoxycytidine, these two compounds do not affect mitochondrial DNA synthesis in cells at concentrations lower than that required to inhibit cell growth. In view of the potent and selective antiviral activity, both SddC and 5-FSddC should be further evaluated for the treatment of human HBV infection.
Isolation of a murine osteoclast colony-stimulating factor.
Authors: Lee M Y , Eyre D R , Osborne W R
Published: May 2006

Cultures of a cell line derived from a murine mammary carcinoma that induces hypercalcemia were examined for soluble products that could induce osteoclasts to differentiate from murine bone marrow cells. The serum-free culture supernatant of this cell line stimulated growth of colonies from bone marrow cells that exhibited tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAPase) activity. These TRAPase-positive cells demonstrated essential features of osteoclasts when cultured with mineralized bone or dentin. The culture period required for colony development and the frequency of colony-forming cells indicated that relatively primitive marrow progenitors were stimulated by a tumor-derived factor(s) to form immature osteoclasts. Other colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), including granulocyte CSF, macrophage CSF, granulocyte-macrophage CSF and interleukin 3, were ruled out as the source of the activity produced by the tumor cells. The biological activity was successfully purified by gel filtration chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC. By SDS/PAGE, the activity was traced to a protein of approximately 17 kDa. Functional and biochemical studies of the purified factor suggest that it is distinct from any known CSF of myeloid cells. This protein appears to be a CSF for the osteoclast lineage, osteoclast CSF (O-CSF).
ACE1, a copper-dependent transcription factor, activates expression of the yeast copper, zinc superoxide dismutase gene.
Authors: Gralla E B , Thiele D J , Silar P , Valentine J S
Published: May 2006

Copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1 gene product) (superoxide:superoxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.15.1.1) is a copper-containing enzyme that functions to prevent oxygen toxicity. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, copper levels exert some control over the level of SOD1 expression. We show that the ACE1 transcriptional activator protein, which is responsible for the induction of yeast metallothionein (CUP1) in response to copper, also controls the SOD1 response to copper. A single binding site for ACE1 is present in the SOD1 promoter region, as demonstrated by DNase I protection and methylation interference experiments, and is highly homologous to a high-affinity ACE1 binding site in the CUP1 promoter. The functional importance of this DNA-protein interaction is demonstrated by the facts that (i) copper induction of SOD1 mRNA does not occur in a strain lacking ACE1 and (ii) it does not occur in a strain containing a genetically engineered SOD1 promoter that lacks a functional ACE1 binding site.
Characterization of a neu/c-erbB-2 protein-specific activating factor.
Authors: Dobashi K , Davis J G , Mikami Y , Freeman J K , Hamuro J , Greene M I
Published: May 2006

The neu oncogene encodes a tyrosine kinase with growth factor receptor-like properties. A neu protein-specific activating factor (NAF) was partially purified from medium conditioned by the transformed human T-cell line ATL-2. NAF was able to stimulate the tyrosine-specific kinase activity of the neu protein (p185neu), induce dimerization and internalization, and increase the growth of cells bearing the neu protein. The effects of NAF were mediated by an interaction with the p185neu extracellular domain. NAF had no effect on the epidermal growth factor receptor kinase activity and no effect on cells that express that receptor. Further analysis of NAF and of other recently described neu protein-activating activities should help clarify the role of the neu protein in cell growth and transformation.
Regulated expression of the GAL4 activator gene in yeast provides a sensitive genetic switch for glucose repression.
Authors: Griggs D W , Johnston M
Published: May 2006

Glucose (catabolite) repression is mediated by multiple mechanisms that combine to regulate transcription of the GAL genes over at least a thousandfold range. We have determined that this is due predominantly to modest glucose repression (4- to 7-fold) of expression of GAL4, the gene encoding the transcriptional activator of the GAL genes. GAL4 regulation is affected by mutations in several genes previously implicated in the glucose repression pathway; it is not dependent on GAL4 or GAL80 protein function. GAL4 promoter sequences that mediate glucose repression were found to lie downstream of positively acting elements that may be "TATA boxes." Two nearly identical sequences (10/12 base pairs) in this region that may be binding sites for the MIG1 protein were identified as functional glucose-control elements. A 4-base-pair insertion in one of these sites causes constitutive GAL4 synthesis and leads to substantial relief (50-fold) of glucose repression of GAL1 expression. Furthermore, promoter deletions that modestly reduce GAL4 expression, and therefore presumably the amount of GAL4 protein synthesized, cause much greater reductions in GAL1 expression. These results suggest that GAL4 works synergistically to activate GAL1 expression. Thus, glucose repression of GAL1 expression is due largely to a relatively small reduction of GAL4 protein levels caused by reduced GAL4 transcription. This illustrates how modest regulation of a weakly expressed regulatory gene can act as a sensitive genetic switch to produce greatly amplified responses to environmental changes.
Mutation of the KIT (mast/stem cell growth factor receptor) protooncogene in human piebaldism.
Authors: Giebel L B , Spritz R A
Published: May 2006

Piebaldism is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by cogenital patches of skin and hair from which melanocytes are completely absent. A similar disorder of mouse, dominant white spotting (W), results from mutations of the c-Kit protooncogene, which encodes and receptor for mast/stem cell growth factor. We identified a KIT gene mutation in a proband with classic autosomal dominant piebaldism. This mutation results in a Gly----Arg substitution at codon 664, within the tyrosine kinase domain. This substitution was not seen in any normal individuals and was completely linked to the piebald phenotype in the proband's family. Piebaldism in this family thus appears to be the human homologue to dominant white spotting (W) of the mouse.
Molecular cloning of a putative receptor protein kinase gene encoded at the self-incompatibility locus of Brassica oleracea.
Authors: Stein J C , Howlett B , Boyes D C , Nasrallah M E , Nasrallah J B
Published: May 2006

Self-recognition between pollen and stigma during pollination in Brassica oleracea is genetically controlled by the multiallelic self-incompatibility locus (S). We describe the S receptor kinase (SRK) gene, a previously uncharacterized gene that resides at the S locus. The nucleotide sequences of genomic DNA and of cDNAs corresponding to SRK predict a putative transmembrane receptor having serine/threonine-specific protein kinase activity. Its extracellular domain exhibits striking homology to the secreted product of the S-locus glycoprotein (SLG) gene and is connected via a single pass transmembrane domain to a protein kinase catalytic center. SRK alleles derived from different S-locus genotypes are highly polymorphic and have apparently evolved in unison with genetically linked alleles of SLG. SRK directs the synthesis of several alternative transcripts, which potentially encode different protein products, and these transcripts were detected exclusively in reproductive organs. The identification of SRK may provide new perspectives into the signal transduction mechanism underlying pollen recognition.
Identification of a cDNA encoding a second putative prohormone convertase related to PC2 in AtT20 cells and islets of Langerhans.
Authors: Smeekens S P , Avruch A S , LaMendola J , Chan S J , Steiner D F
Published: May 2006

PC2 and furin are two recently identified members of a class of mammalian proteins homologous to the yeast precursor processing protease kex2 and the bacterial subtillisins. We have used the polymerase chain reaction to identify and clone a cDNA (PC3) from the mouse AtT20 anterior pituitary cell line that represents an additional member of this growing family of mammalian proteases. PC3 encodes a 753-residue protein that begins with a signal peptide and contains a 292-residue domain closely related to the catalytic modules of PC2, furin, and kex2. Within this region 58%, 65%, and 50% of the amino acids of PC3 are identical to those of the aligned PC2, furin, and kex2 sequences, respectively, and the catalytically important Asp, His, and Ser residues are all conserved. On Northern blots, PC3 hybridizes to two transcripts of 3 and 5 kilobases. Tissue distribution studies indicate that both PC2 and PC3 are expressed in a variety of neuroendocrine tissues, including pancreatic islets and brain, but are not expressed in liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, and spleen. The high degree of similarity of PC3, PC2, and furin suggests that they are all members of a superfamily of mammalian proteases that are involved in the processing of prohormones and/or other protein precursors. In contrast to furin, PC3, like PC2, lacks a hydrophobic transmembrane anchor, but it has a potential C-terminal amphipathic helical segment similar to the putative membrane anchor of carboxypeptidase H. These and other differences suggest that these proteins carry out compartmentalized proteolysis within cells, such as processing within regulated versus constitutive secretory pathways.
Immunomodulatory activity of mu- and kappa-selective opioid agonists.
Authors: Taub D D , Eisenstein T K , Geller E B , Adler M W , Rogers T J
Published: May 2006

Opioids and opioid peptides have been shown by numerous laboratories to modulate various parameters of the immune response, but little attention has been given to the type of opioid receptor that might be involved. This study focuses on the in vitro influences of morphine and DAMGE (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-N-Me-Phe-Gly-ol), mu-selective agonists, and U50,488H and U69,593, kappa-selective agonists, on the generation of antibody to sheep erythrocytes in vitro. It was found that the mu and kappa opioid agonists were able to inhibit the capacity of murine lymphoid cells to generate antibody at concentrations as low as 10(-10) M. The effects were almost completely blocked by pretreatment with naloxone or naltrexone, opioid-specific antagonists. Only the kappa-agonist activity was abrogated by pretreatment with norbinaltorphimine, a kappa-specific antagonist. The stereospecificity of the kappa effect was demonstrated using isomers of U50,488H, with the (-) form possessing significantly greater immunomodulatory activity. Additional studies, using a mu receptor-deficient mouse strain, demonstrated that only the kappa agonists were capable of suppressing antibody responses, whereas mu- and kappa-selective agonists suppressed the parent mu-responsive strain. Our results clearly indicate that mu and kappa opioid receptors are involved in regulation of lymphoid cell production of antibodies.
Structural differences between the hormone and antihormone estrogen receptor complexes bound to the hormone response element.
Authors: Sabbah M , Gouilleux F , Sola B , Redeuilh G , Baulieu E E
Published: May 2006

To investigate the molecular mechanism(s) by which the estrogen receptor (ER) modulates transcription, we compared the structures of receptor complexes containing estradiol, the agonist diethylstilbestrol, and the antagonist ICI164,384. The binding of ICI164,384 to nontransformed 8-9S ER does not preclude the salt-induced dissociation of the 90-kDa heat shock protein and releases the transformed homodimeric 5S ER as classically observed in the presence of agonist. We report that calf ER binds to the estrogen response element of the Xenopus vitellogenin A2 gene in either the absence or presence of hormone, agonist, or antagonist. These binding interactions were highly sequence- and receptor-specific. These findings indicate that ligand binding in vitro is not absolutely required for dimerization or specific DNA binding of the ER. As demonstrated by gel retardation assays, the ICI164,384-ER complex bound to the response element displays a slower mobility than complexes formed in the presence of estradiol or agonist. This difference in electrophoretic mobility is suggestive of a conformational change in the complex induced by the ligand. An exchange experiment demonstrated that this alteration of the structure is reversible. We suggest that ICI164,384 induces conformational modifications within the ligand-binding domain of the receptor that do not prevent binding to the response element but could fail to promote subsequent events required for gene transcription.
Immunization of chimpanzees confers protection against challenge with human immunodeficiency virus.
Authors: Girard M , Kieny M P , Pinter A , Barre-Sinoussi F , Nara P , Kolbe H , Kusumi K , Chaput A , Reinhart T , Muchmore E
Published: May 2006

Sustained high titers of neutralizing antibodies were elicited in three chimpanzees after sequential injections of different human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) antigen preparations derived from the HIV-1 BRU strain that included whole inactivated virus or purified recombinant proteins and then synthetic peptides identical to the major HIV-1 neutralizing epitope V3. The animals were challenged i.v. with 40 chimpanzee infectious doses (equivalent to 100 tissue culture 50% infectious doses) of a stock of HIV-1 IIIB isolate. After 6 mo of follow-up, all three animals appeared uninfected by serologic and virologic criteria, including polymerase chain reaction analysis and failure to isolate virus from peripheral blood lymphocytes, bone marrow, and lymph node tissue. Of two chimpanzees monitored for 1 yr, virus was isolated initially from one animal at 32 weeks, but the second chimpanzee was virus negative by all assays through 12 mo; the third animal has remained virus negative through 9 mo of follow-up. These results indicate that it is possible to elicit protection against, or significantly delay infection of, HIV-1 by immunization, thus laying the foundation for development of an HIV-1 vaccine.
HOX11, a homeobox-containing T-cell oncogene on human chromosome 10q24.
Authors: Kennedy M A , Gonzalez-Sarmiento R , Kees U R , Lampert F , Dear N , Boehm T , Rabbitts T H
Published: May 2006

A common chromosomal abnormality in childhood T-cell acute leukemia is a translocation, t(10;14) (q24;q11), that together with the variant t(7;10)(q35;q24) is present in up to 7% of this tumor type. The gene adjacent to the 10q24 region is transcriptionally activated after translocation to either TCRD (14q11) or TCRB (7q35). It encodes a homeobox gene closely related to the developmentally regulated homeotic genes of flies and mammals. The coding capacity of this activated gene, designated HOX11, is undisturbed in a T-cell line carrying the translocation t(7;10)(q35;q24). Therefore, the HOX11 homeobox gene seems to be involved in T-cell tumorigenesis.
Alzheimer beta/A4 amyloid precursor protein in human brain: aging-associated increases in holoprotein and in a proteolytic fragment.
Authors: Nordstedt C , Gandy S E , Alafuzoff I , Caporaso G L , Iverfeldt K , Grebb J A , Winblad B , Greengard P
Published: May 2006

Alzheimer beta/A4 amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been suggested to play a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. We have measured the content of different species of APP holoprotein and carboxyl-terminal fragments in human brains from young individuals, nondemented aged individuals, and aged individuals with Alzheimer disease. By using an antibody directed against the cytoplasmic domain of APP, five species were resolved. Three of these, of molecular masses 106, 113, and 133 kDa, represent presumptive immature and mature isoforms of APP holoprotein. Two smaller proteins, of molecular masses 15 and 19 kDa, represent presumptive proteolytic carboxyl-terminal fragments of APP. The 133-, 113-, 106-, and 15-kDa species were found in both grey and white matter, whereas the 19-kDa species was found only in grey matter. Total APP immunoreactivity (sum of all five species) and the levels of the 113-, 106-, and 15-kDa species were not significantly different in brain samples from young individuals, nondemented aged individuals, and aged individuals with Alzheimer disease. In contrast, the levels of the 133- and 19-kDa species increased 2- to 3-fold with age. A correlation was observed between the levels of the 133- and 19-kDa species, suggesting a possible precursor-product relationship. The size of the 19-kDa fragment indicated that it might have an intact beta/A4 domain and therefore be amyloidogenic. The age-dependent increase either in a mature APP isoform and/or in a putative amyloidogenic fragment could explain why Alzheimer disease is associated with advanced age.
A region of the Ada DNA-repair protein required for the activation of ada transcription is not necessary for activation of alkA.
Authors: Shevell D E , Walker G C
Published: May 2006

The adaptive response of Escherichia coli protects cells against the mutagenic and toxic effects of alkylating agents. This response is controlled by the Ada protein, which not only functions as the transcriptional activator of the ada and alkA genes but also possesses two DNA methyltransferae activities. Ada is converted into an efficient transcriptional activator by transferring a methyl group from a DNA methylphosphotriester to its own Cys-69 residue and then binds to a DNA sequence (the Ada box) present in both the ada and alkA promoters. Although the Ada protein initially appeared to regulate the ada and alkA genes in a similar fashion, our studies show that the wild-type Ada protein and its truncated derivatives can differentially regulate ada and alkA transcription. In vivo, lower levels of wild-type methylated Ada are needed to activate ada transcription than alkA transcription. In cells exposed to alkylating agents, the N-terminal half of Ada, which contains the DNA-binding domain, is sufficient for efficient activation of alkA, but not ada, transcription. Moreover, truncated derivatives containing 80-90% of Ada are extremely strong constitutive activators of ada but are only inducible activators of alkA transcription. These results suggest that the mechanism by which Ada activates ada transcription differs from that by which it activates alkA transcription.
Reversal of synaptic depression by serotonin at Aplysia sensory neuron synapses involves activation of adenylyl cyclase.
Authors: Goldsmith B A , Abrams T W
Published: May 2006

Facilitation of the monosynaptic connection between siphon sensory neurons and gill and siphon motor neuron contributes to sensitization and dishabituation of the gill and siphon withdrawal reflex in Aplysia. The facilitatory transmitter serotonin (5-HT) initiates two mechanisms that act in parallel to increase transmitter release from siphon sensory neurons. 5-HT acts, at least partly through cAMP, to broaden the presynaptic action potential. 5-HT also initiates a second process that facilitates depressed sensory neuron synapses by a mechanism independent of changes in action potential duration. Recent experiments indicated that either of two protein kinases, cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and protein kinase C, are capable of effectively activating this second facilitatory mechanism, restoring synaptic transmission in depressed synapses. We have used the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22,536 [9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl)adenine or THFA] to explore the contribution of cAMP to the reversal of synaptic depression. THFA effectively inhibited both adenylyl cyclase activity in vitro and known cyclase-mediated effects in intact sensory neurons. THFA also completely blocked facilitation of depressed synapses by 5-HT. These results suggest that adenylyl cyclase plays a critical role in the reversal of synaptic depression that contributes to dishabituation in this system.
A melanocyte-specific gene, Pmel 17, maps near the silver coat color locus on mouse chromosome 10 and is in a syntenic region on human chromosome 12.
Authors: Kwon B S , Chintamaneni C , Kozak C A , Copeland N G , Gilbert D J , Jenkins N , Barton D , Francke U , Kobayashi Y , Kim K K
Published: May 2006

Melanocytes preferentially express an mRNA species, Pmel 17, whose protein product cross-reacts with anti-tyrosinase antibodies and whose expression correlates with the melanin content. We have now analyzed the deduced protein structure and mapped its chromosomal location in mouse and human. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the Pmel 17 cDNA showed that the protein is composed of 645 amino acids with a molecular weight of 68,600. The Pmel 17 protein contains a putative leader sequence and a potential membrane anchor segment, which indicates that this may be a membrane-associated protein in melanocytes. The deduced protein contains five potential N-glycosylation sites and relatively high levels of serine and threonine. Three repeats of a 26-amino acid motif appear in the middle of the molecule. The human Pmel 17 gene, designated D12S53E, maps to chromosome 12, region 12pter-q21; and the mouse homologue, designated D12S53Eh, maps to the distal region of mouse chromosome 10, a region also known to carry the coat color locus si (silver).
Isolation of a human placenta cDNA coding for a protein related to the vascular permeability factor.
Authors: Maglione D , Guerriero V , Viglietto G , Delli-Bovi P , Persico M G
Published: May 2006

A human cDNA coding for a protein related to the vascular permeability factor (VPF) was isolated from a term placenta cDNA library; we therefore named its product placenta growth factor (PlGF). PlGF is a 149-amino-acid-long protein and is highly homologous (53% identity) to the platelet-derived growth factor-like region of human VPF. Computer analyses reveal a putative signal peptide and two probable N-glycosylation sites in the PlGF protein, one of which is also conserved in human VPF. By using N-glycosidase F, tunicamycin, and specific antibodies produced in both chicken and rabbit, we demonstrate that PlGF, derived from transfected COS-1 cells, is actually N-glycosylated and secreted into the medium. In addition, PlGF, like VPF, proves to be a dimeric protein. Finally, a conditioned medium from COS-1 cells containing PlGF is capable of stimulating specifically the growth of CPA, a line of endothelial cells, in vitro.
Four sites in the acceptor helix and one site in the variable pocket of tRNA(Ala) determine the molecule's acceptor identity.
Authors: McClain W H , Foss K , Jenkins R A , Schneider J
Published: May 2006

The structural features that determine tRNA(Ala) acceptor identity have been studied with amber-suppressor tRNAs in Escherichia coli cells. Previous work established that a wobble pair composed of guanosine at position 3 and uridine at position 70 (G3-U70) in the acceptor helix of tRNA(Ala) is a determinant of the molecule's acceptor identity. We show that additional determinants are located at three other sites in the acceptor helix and at one site in the variable pocket of tRNA(Ala). These latter determinants are less important than G3.U70 since their individual alterations in mutants of tRNA(Ala) have smaller degrading effects on the functions of the molecules, and subsets of the determinants, when combined with G3.U70, are sufficient to switch the identities of several other tRNAs to that of tRNA(Ala). Other workers are using fragments of the tRNA(Ala) acceptor helix to study the molecule's acceptor identity. Our demonstration that the variable pocket contributes to tRNA(Ala) acceptor identity means that such fragments do not faithfully replicate the structure-function relationship of the cellular process.
Differential flexibilities in three branches of an N-linked triantennary glycopeptide.
Authors: Wu P G , Rice K G , Brand L , Lee Y C
Published: May 2006

The solution conformation behavior of complex oligosaccharides was studied by resonance energy transfer, as measured by the time-resolved fluorescence method, to determine the conformational heterogeneity of a triantennary glycopeptide at various temperatures. Groups that acted as a fluorescence donor (naphthyl-2-acetyl, Nap) or acceptor (dansylethylenediamine, Dan) were selectively attached to the N terminus of the peptide and a Gal residue [either 6' (shown below), 6, or 8] of the oligosaccharide, respectively. [formula: see text] Time-resolved fluorescence energy-transfer measurements revealed two populations of conformers when Dan was attached to either Gal-6' or Gal-6. One conformer contained the antenna folded back toward the core region, and a second was in an extended conformation. The two conformations differed in donor-acceptor distance by about 10 A. Systematically increasing the temperature from 0 degrees C to 40 degrees C increased the ratio of extended to folded forms 2-fold for the Gal-6 isomer and 4-fold for the Gal-6' isomer, whereas the Gal-8 isomer showed only a single distance population throughout this temperature range. From these data, delta H and delta S for the reversible conformational change were calculated to be 3.1 kcal/mol and 10.8 cal/(mol.K) for the Gal-6 isomer and 7.1 kcal/mol and 25.8 cal/(mol.K) for the Gal-6' isomer. In addition to the structural microheterogeneity commonly associated with glycoproteins, the differential flexibilities of the different branches in the oligosaccharides contribute conformational heterogeneity and should be considered in conformational analysis. The data are discussed in terms of the most probable linkages that contribute to the observed flexibility of the individual triantennary branches, and the biological significance of flexible linkages in complex carbohydrates is considered.
Transformation of Tetrahymena to cycloheximide resistance with a ribosomal protein gene through sequence replacement.
Authors: Yao M C , Yao C H
Published: May 2006

A method for transforming Tetrahymena has been established earlier, but its application has been limited because of the lack of selectable markers other than the rRNA-encoding DNA (rDNA). Mutations in the yeast ribosomal protein L29 gene (CYH2) are known that confer cycloheximide resistance. We have cloned and sequenced the homologue of this gene from both a wild-type and a cycloheximide-resistant (ChxA) strain of Tetrahymena. Surprisingly, a comparison shows that the ChxA mutation is not present in the CYH2 homologue. We therefore created the yeast mutations in the Tetrahymena gene by site-directed mutagenesis and used them to transform Tetrahymena either with or without linking to an rDNA vector. All clones transformed by the rDNA vector also became resistant to cycloheximide when the rDNA contained the engineered mutant genes. Without the rDNA vector, the mutant genes transform approximately 1% of injected cells to become resistant to cycloheximide. DNA analysis indicates that transformation occurs by replacement of the host sequence and not by random integration of the injected sequence. The replacement occurs to some but not all copies of this gene in the polyploid macronuclear genome. Thus, transformation in Tetrahymena occurs by specific sequence replacement, and the injected mutant genes can serve as dominant selectable transformation markers in this organism.
Cysteine-rich intestinal protein binds zinc during transmucosal zinc transport.
Authors: Hempe J M , Cousins R J
Published: May 2006

The mechanism of zinc absorption has not been delineated, but kinetic studies show that both passive and carrier-mediated processes are involved. We have identified a low molecular mass zinc-binding protein in the soluble fraction of rat intestinal mucosa that could function as an intracellular zinc carrier. The protein was not detected in liver or pancreas, suggesting a role specific to the intestine. The protein binds zinc during transmucosal zinc transport and shows signs of saturation at higher luminal zinc concentrations, characteristics consistent with a role in carrier-mediated zinc absorption. Microsequence analysis of the protein purified by gel-filtration HPLC and SDS/PAGE showed complete identity within the first 41 N-terminal amino acids with the deduced protein sequence of cysteine-rich intestinal protein [Birkenmeier, E. H. & Gordon, J. I. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, 2516-2520]. These investigators showed that the gene for this protein is developmentally regulated in neonates during the suckling period, conserved in many vertebrate species, and predominantly expressed in the small intestine. Cysteine-rich intestinal protein contains a recently identified conserved sequence of histidine and cysteine residues, the LIM motif, which our results suggest confers metal-binding properties that are important for zinc transport and/or functions of this micronutrient.
The thymine-thymine pyrimidine-pyrimidone(6-4) ultraviolet light photoproduct is highly mutagenic and specifically induces 3' thymine-to-cytosine transitions in Escherichia coli.
Authors: LeClerc J E , Borden A , Lawrence C W
Published: May 2006

We have constructed single-stranded, M13-based vectors that contain a specifically located thymine-thymine pyrimidine-pyrimidone(6-4) UV photoproduct and have used these to estimate the frequency and accuracy of DNA replication past this adduct in uvrA6 cells of Escherichia coli. Both the normal and the Dewar valence photoisomer of the (6-4) adduct were studied. In the absence of SOS induction, vectors carrying the photoproducts were rarely replicated; relative to the lesion-free control, 1.9% of vectors carrying the normal (6-4) isomer produced plaques, and with the Dewar valence isomer the proportion was 0.4%. In SOS-induced cells, these frequencies rose to 22.1% and 12.3%, respectively. The error frequency of replication past the normal isomer in SOS-induced cells was high; in a random sample of 185 progeny phage analyzed, 169 (91%) contained mutations, all of which were targeted. Equally striking, a high proportion of the mutations (158/169; 93%) were of only one type, namely 3' T----C transitions. Both the error frequency and the specificity were much reduced with the Dewar valence isomer; overall, 74/140 (53%) of the phage analyzed were mutant, and of these only 34 (46%) entailed the 3' T----C transition. We speculate that the high error frequency and specificity arise from the formation of a stable T-G base pair, involving hydrogen bonds at O-2 and N-3 in the pyrimidone ring. Potential hydrogen bonds at these sites are coplanar in the normal but not in the Dewar isomer, perhaps explaining the reduced specificity of mutagenesis with the latter adduct.
Human alpha-L-iduronidase: cDNA isolation and expression.
Authors: Scott H S , Anson D S , Orsborn A M , Nelson P V , Clements P R , Morris C P , Hopwood J J
Published: May 2006

alpha-L-Iduronidase (IDUA; EC 3.2.1.76) is a lysosomal hydrolase in the metabolic pathway responsible for the degradation of the glycosaminoglycans heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate. A deficiency of IDUA in humans leads to the accumulation of these glycosaminoglycans and results in the lysosomal storage disorder mucopolysaccharidosis type I. We have isolated and sequenced cDNA clones containing part of the human IDUA coding region and used PCR from reverse-transcribed RNA to obtain the full IDUA sequence. Analysis of the predicted 653-amino acid precursor protein shows that IDUA has a 26-amino acid signal peptide that is cleaved immediately prior to the amino terminus of the 74-kDa polypeptide present in human liver IDUA. The protein sequence contains six potential N-glycosylation sites. Northern blot analysis with IDUA cDNA detected only a single 2.3-kilobase mRNA species in human placental RNA; however, PCR analysis of fibroblast, liver, kidney, and placental RNA showed the existence of alternatively spliced mRNA from the IDUA gene. Southern blot analysis failed to detect major deletions or gene rearrangements in any of the 40 mucopolysaccharidosis type I patients studied. Expression of a full-length IDUA cDNA construct in Chinese hamster ovary cells produced human IDUA protein at a level 13-fold higher than, and with a specific activity comparable to, IDUA present in normal human fibroblasts.
A peptide mimetic of calcium.
Authors: Dillon J , Woods W T , Guarcello V , LeBoeuf R D , Blalock J E
Published: May 2006

Proteins of the troponin superfamily use homologous amino acid sequences as binding sites for Ca2+ and seem to have evolved from an ancestral Ca2+ binding site. We have utilized this ancestral sequence to construct a peptide (Ca(2+)-like peptide) with inverted hydropathy to the calcium-coordinating region of this protein. This synthetic peptide acted like Ca2+ in that (i) it increased the calmodulin-dependent hydrolysis of cAMP by phosphodiesterase, (ii) it interacted with EDTA, and (iii) it enhanced contraction of urinary bladder smooth muscle in vitro. Unlike Ca2+, the peptide's effects were destroyed by acid hydrolysis. These findings demonstrate the synthesis of a peptide that can substitute for Ca2+ and may have considerable utility for the study of Ca(2+)-regulated pathways and possible therapeutic value as a pharmacologic agent.
A 30-residue-long "export initiation domain" adjacent to the signal sequence is critical for protein translocation across the inner membrane of Escherichia coli.
Authors: Andersson H , von Heijne G
Published: May 2006

Signal sequences serve to target proteins to the secretory pathway in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. However, although necessary, the presence of a signal sequence is not always sufficient to ensure efficient membrane translocation. One feature of the nascent chain that adversely affects secretion, at least in Escherichia coli, is the presence of positively charged amino acids immediately downstream of the signal sequence. We have exploited this sensitivity to positively charged residues to demonstrate the presence of a sharply delimited "export initiation domain" that comprises the signal sequence and its approximately 30 downstream residues. A string of six consecutive lysines completely blocks translocation when placed inside this domain but not when placed only a few residues further away.
Identification of markers linked to disease-resistance genes by bulked segregant analysis: a rapid method to detect markers in specific genomic regions by using segregating populations.
Authors: Michelmore R W , Paran I , Kesseli R V
Published: May 2006

We developed bulked segregant analysis as a method for rapidly identifying markers linked to any specific gene or genomic region. Two bulked DNA samples are generated from a segregating population from a single cross. Each pool, or bulk, contains individuals that are identical for a particular trait or genomic region but arbitrary at all unlinked regions. The two bulks are therefore genetically dissimilar in the selected region but seemingly heterozygous at all other regions. The two bulks can be made for any genomic region and from any segregating population. The bulks are screened for differences using restriction fragment length polymorphism probes or random amplified polymorphic DNA primers. We have used bulked segregant analysis to identify three random amplified polymorphic DNA markers in lettuce linked to a gene for resistance to downy mildew. We showed that markers can be reliably identified in a 25-centimorgan window on either side of the targeted locus. Bulked segregant analysis has several advantages over the use of near-isogenic lines to identify markers in specific regions of the genome. Genetic walking will be possible by multiple rounds of bulked segregation analysis; each new pair of bulks will differ at a locus identified in the previous round of analysis. This approach will have widespread application both in those species where selfing is possible and in those that are obligatorily outbreeding.
Role of glutathione in an animal model of myoglobinuric acute renal failure.
Authors: Abul-Ezz S R , Walker P D , Shah S V
Published: May 2006

In a previous study we have shown a role for reactive oxygen metabolites in glycerol-induced acute renal failure, a well-established model for myoglobinuric acute renal failure. In the present study we examined the role of glutathione in this model of acute renal failure. Administration of 50% (vol/vol) glycerol at a dose of 10 ml/kg of body weight to rats intramuscularly resulted in significant renal failure associated with depletion of total kidney glutathione (GSH) from 2.6 +/- 0.1 mumol/g (mean +/- SEM control level) to 1.7 +/- 0.1 mumol/g after 6 hr (P less than 0.001). If GSH were important in glycerol-induced acute renal failure, one would anticipate that exogenously administered GSH should afford protection, while injury should be potentiated if endogenous GSH is depleted. We examined the effect of i.p. administration of L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) at 2 mmol/kg (which results in depletion of kidney GSH) and the effect of increasing renal GSH by i.v. administration of reduced GSH (2 mmol/kg every 3 hr) on kidney function in glycerol-treated rats. Glycerol-injected rats treated with BSO showed significantly worse renal failure than did rats given glycerol alone, while administration of GSH resulted in significant amelioration of glycerol-induced acute renal failure [glycerol treatment alone, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) = 96 +/- 10 and creatinine = 2.5 +/- 0.4 mg/dl; BSO + glycerol treatment, BUN = 123 +/- 7 and creatinine = 3.5 +/- 0.1 mg/dl (n = 9, P less than 0.05); GSH + glycerol treatment, BUN = 78 +/- 10 and creatinine = 1.25 +/- 0.2 mg/dl (n = 8, P less than 0.05)]. In separate experiments 1,3-bis(chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) [which interferes with the enzyme GSH reductase and prevents recycling of oxidized GSH (GSSG) into GSH] resulted in worsening of glycerol-induced acute renal failure similar to that produced by BSO. These functional differences between GSH-depleted and GSH-repleted rats were further substantiated by significant histological differences in tubular injury. Taken together, these results provide evidence for an important role of GSH in glycerol-induced acute renal failure.
The path of calcium in cytosolic calcium oscillations: a unifying hypothesis.
Authors: Jaffe L F
Published: May 2006

Data from 42 systems have been assembled in which the overall spatial course of relatively natural, intracellular calcium pulses has been or can be determined. These include 21 cases of solitary pulses in activating eggs and 21 cases of periodic (as well as solitary) pulses in various fully active cells. In all cases, these pulses prove to be waves of elevated calcium that travel from one pole of a cell to the other or from the periphery inward. The velocities of these waves are remarkably conserved--at approximately 10 microns/sec in activating eggs and approximately 25 microns/sec in other cells at room temperature. Moreover, in three cases, the data suffice to show that these velocities fit the Luther equation for a reaction/diffusion wave of calcium through the cytosol. It is proposed that (i) natural intracellular calcium pulses quite generally take the form of cytosolic calcium waves and (ii) cytoplasmically controlled calcium waves are triggered and then propagated by the successive action of two distinct modes of calcium-induced calcium release. First, in the lumenal mode, a slow increase of calcium within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum reaches a level that triggers fast lumenal release as well as fast localized release into the cytosol. Then, the well-known cytosolic mode drives a reaction/diffusion wave across or into the cell.