bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 5' end of poliovirus mRNA is not capped with m7G(5')ppp(5')Np.
Authors: Nomoto A , Lee Y F , Wimmer E
Published: May 2006

Poliovirus was grown in HeLa cells in the presence of phosphorus-32 and actinomycin D. Three to four hours after infection, viral mRNA was recovered from polyribosomes and its identity verified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of RNase T1 digests. Digestion of the viral [32P]mRNA with RNase T2 and separation of the products by ion exchange chromatography at pH 5 yielded pUp as possible 5' terminus but no "capping group" of the structure m7G(5')ppp(5')Np. Total cytoplasmic [32P]RNA of HeLa cells, on the other hand, was found to contain capping groups. Neither the capping group nor ppNp or pppNp was found in an RNase T2 digest of poliovirion [32P]RNA, in agreement with previous results [Wimmer, E. (1972) J. Mol. Biol. 68, 537-540]. The data indicate that 5'-terminal m7G(5')ppp(5')Np is absent from poliovirus RNAs and, therefore, is not involved in poliovirus protein synthesis.
Amphipathic amines affect membrane excitability in paramecium: role for bilayer couple.
Authors: Browning J L , Nelson D L
Published: May 2006

Amphipathic amines and local anesthetics stimulated reversal of the ciliary beating direction in wild-type Paramecium. Ca++ influx across the surface membrane and the consequent increase in internal Ca++ causes ciliary reversal and backward swimming. Mutant cells of the "Pawn" class, which lack a "gating" mechanism for regulating Ca++ influx, did not swim backwards in the presence of local anesthetics. Local anesthetics stimulated the passive efflux of K+ but had no effect on the active transport of K+ or Ca++. Apparently passive influx of Ca++ also was stimulated by local anesthetics as evidenced by their effects on swimming direction. These data can be interpreted in terms of the "bilayer couple" hypothesis of Sheetz and Singer [(1974) Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 71, 4457-4461]: amphipathic drugs affect cells by asymmetric insertion into one face of the lipid bilayer. As predicted by this hypothesis, the drugs' effects were seen only after a short time lag, and quaternary amines were less effective than tertiary amines. The effect on behavior was caused by any of several amphipathic cations, and the relative potency was a function of their hydrophobicity. Amphipathic anions, which according to the hypothesis would insert into the opposite face of the lipid bilayer, had little effect on ciliary reversal. Asymmetric perturbation of the lipid bilayer with amphipathic cations may trigger the opening of the Ca++ gate.
Metabolic activation of aromatic hydrocarbons in purified rat liver nuclei: induction of enzyme activities and binding to DNA with and without monooxygenase-catalyzed formation of active oxygen.
Authors: Rogan E G , Mailander P , Cavalieri E
Published: May 2006

Purified rat liver nuclei covalently bound low levels of seven aromatic [14C]hydrocarbons to nuclear DNA. Induction with 3-methylcholanthrene increased the binding of six carcinogenic hydorcarbons, but did not raise the level of binding of noncarcinogenic anthracence. Removal of the nuclear envelope by Triton N-101 eliminated binding and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activities and cytochrome P-450 from the nuclei. Binding of two of two strong carcinogens, benzo[a]pyrene and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, to nuclear DNA was compared to the levels of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and cytochrome P-450 in nuclei from uninduced and benz[a]anthracene-, 3-methylcholanthrene-, and phenobarbital-induced rats. Microsomal hydroxylase and cytochrome P-450 were also assayed. Induction with 3-methylcholanthrene gave the largest increases in nuclear activities: 11 times as much hydroxylase, 6 times as much cytochrome P-450, and 4 times as much binding of both hydrocarbons. Benz[a]anthracene and phenobarbital induced these nuclear activities 0- to 4-fold. In the presence of added NADPH, binding of benzol[a]pyrene to DNA by nuclei increased rapidly for at least 20 min. When NADPH was not added, the reaction stopped at a low level in 5 min. When CO was bubbled through the reaction mixture with or without added NADPH, binding of benzo[a]pyrene and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene was partially inhibited, indicating that cytochrome P-450 plays a role in this activation. Since no nuclear hydroxylase activity was seen without added NADPH or in the presence of CO, activation and subsequent binding of hydrocarbons to nuclear DNA, at least in part, does not require the activated oxygen used in monooxygenase reactions.
Suppression of the neoplastic state with the acquisition of specialized functions in cells, tissues, and organs of crown gall teratomas of tobacco.
Authors: Braun A C , Wood H N
Published: May 2006

The neoplastic state in cells of tissues and organs that develop from cloned lines of crown gall teratomas of tobacco may be completely but reversibly suppressed. Stems and leaves found on teratoma shoots may appear morphologically normal and such organs contain all of the specialized cell types and are histologically and functionally indistinguishable from those found in normal tobacco shoots of comparable age. When however, specialized cells of several different kinds that are present in stems and leaves of the teratomas are excised from the plant and grown on a basic culture medium they again assume their neoplastic properties. The results of this study indicate that the morphogenetic factors and mechanisms that govern so precisely growth, cellular differentiation, and organogenesis during the normal course of development can completely suppress the tumorous state, leading to the formation of cells, tissues, and organs that appear normal in every respect but are, in fact, inherently neoplastic. Whether the normal or tumor phenotype is expressed appears to depend on the activation or repression of select biosynthetic systems, one of which, the auxin sytems, has been identified here.
Membrane perturbation: studies employing a calcium-sensitive dye, arsenazo III, in liposomes.
Authors: Weissmann G , Collins T , Evers A , Dunham P
Published: May 2006

A metallochromic dye, arsenazo III [2,7-bis-(2-arsonophenylazo)-1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid], has been incorporated into the aquenous interspaces of multilamellar liposomes. multilamellar liposomes. Addition of Ca produced no shift in the absorbance spectrum of dye captured by liposomes, whereas disruption of liposomes by Triton X-100, followed by Ca, produced the spectrum chracteristic of the dye-Ca complex: evidence of latency. Addition of excess ethyleneglycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) reversed the spectal shift. Differences between spectra obtained in this sequence yielded dye efflus. To measure Ca efflux, difference spectra (+/-EGTA) were obtained from cationic liposomes containing Ca after detergent lysis (sensitivity less than 10 mmol/ml). Since liposomes were impermeable either to dye or Ca until perturbed, it was possible to test a variety of membrane-active steroids (diethylstilbesterol, deoxycorticosterone, etiocholanolone) for their capacity to provoke dye efflux from liposomes; preincorporation of cortisol stablized liposomes against dye leak. Immunoglobulin-coated liposomes containing dye were taken up by phagocytes of Mustelus canis, and phagocytic vacuoles stained red-purple after ingestions. Liposomes containing the calcium-sensitive dye constitute a simple, accurate means for determining membrane perturbation and Ca fluxes; their uptake by cells or organelles remains to be exploited further.
Visualization of prokaryotic DNA in a regularly condensed chromatin-like fiber.
Authors: Griffith J D
Published: May 2006

Electron microscopy of disrupted Escherichia coli cells under certain conditions revealed loops of a fiber 120 A in diameter which were attached to the cell envelope and showed a 130 A repeating beaded substructure. These fibers were detected only when the cells were lysed in 0.15 M NaCl solutions directly on the electron microscope supporting films and if the dehydration steps began within 2 min of lysis. Under these conditions examination of cells lysogenic for phage lambda after superinfection with lambda wild type or deletion mutants disclosed short loops of a 120 A diameter fiber free of the cell envelope. Because the contour length of these loops was proportionate to the DNA content of the superinfecting lambda phage, it was concluded that the fibers contained DNA condensed 6.5-fold in blocks of about 250 base pairs.
Multiple pheromone system controlling mating in Drosophila melanogaster.
Authors: Averhoff W W , Richardson R H
Published: May 2006

The signals essential to Drosophila melanogaster courtship include pheromones emitted by the female which stimulate the male to court and pheromones emitted by the courting male which stimulate the female to accept. Genetic variation among these phermones is a common (if not universal) requirement for stimulation of either sex. The signal from the courting male to the female involves both a volatile and a nonvolatile component. The volatile component is associated with loci on the second and/or third chromosomes, while the monvolatile component is associated with the X and/or fourth chromosomes. This widespread distribution in the genome of loci controlling various components in the communication network inevitably results in linkage associations with other loci. The genetic array of gametes was limited. When combined with the negative assortitative mating pattern produced by the stimulation by dissimilar pheromones, linkage disequilibrium creates a strong counterforce to inbreeding during population bottlenecks.
Identification of mutagenic metabolites of benzo(a)pyrene in mammalian cells.
Authors: Huberman E , Sachs L , Yang S K , Gelboin V
Published: May 2006

The mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene and 15 of its derivatives, which included phenols, the benzo[a]yrene-4,5-epoxide (the K-region epoxide), dihydrodiols, two isomeric 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxides, a 6-methyl derivative, and a 6-hydroxymethyl derivative, were tested with Chinese hamster V79 cells in order to identify the mutagenic metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene. Mutations were characterized by resistance to ouabain or 8-azaguanine. Since V79 cells do not metabolize polycyclic hydrocarbons, mutagenesis was tested both in the presence and absence of benzo[a]pyrene-metabolizing normal golden hamster cells. All the tested phenols, 4,5-diols, trans-9,10-diol, 6-methyl, and 6-hydroxymethyl derivatives of benzo[a]pyrene showed little or no mutagenicity for both genetic markers. The (+/-)7alpha,8beta-dihydroxy-9alpha,10alpha-epoxy-7,8;9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene and K-region 4,5-epoxide exhibited similar and moderate mutagenicity in the absence of benzo[a]pyrene-metabolizing cells, but the (+/-)7alpha,8beta-dihydroxy-9beta,10beta-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]-pyrene showed a 2000- and 270-fold higher mutation frequency for ouabain and 8-azaguanine resistance, respectively, than did the K-region 4,5-epoxide. The trans-7,8-diol which was not mutagenic in the absence of benzo[a]pyrene-metabolizing cells was more mutagenic than benzo[a]pyrene after metabolism and mutagenesis by trans-7,8-diol in these cells was inhibited by 7,8-benzoflavone, an inhibitor of mixed-function oxidases. Metabolically formed trans-7,8-diol was isolated and incubated with rat liver microsomes in the presence of co-factors. High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis indicated that the major metabolite of trans-7,8-diol is 7alpha,8beta-dihydroxy-9beta,10beta-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene. The results indicate that the latter compound is metabolically formed and the major mutagenic intermediate of benzo[a]yrene metabolism.
Deletions of lambda phage locating a prm mutation within the rightward operator.
Authors: Smith G R , Eisen H , Reichardt L , Hedgepeth J
Published: May 2006

Two deletion-substitution mutations of phage lambda, spi-113 and spi-274, are shown to remove about half of the rightward operator OR. Physiological studies show that spi-113 is still repressible. Thus, the 50 or so nucleotides of OR deleted in this mutant are not absolutely essential for repression. prm-116, which inactivates the promoter essential for the maintenance of lambda repressor synthesis, is located within OR between the endpoints of spi-113 and spi-274.
Large subunit ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase messenger RNA from Euglena chloroplasts.
Authors: Sagher D , Grosfeld H , Edelman M
Published: May 2006

RNA from wild-type Euglena, aplastidic mutant cells, and purified chloroplasts was chromatographed on oligo(dT)-cellulose at 4 degrees. The poly(A)-containing and poly(A)-lacking fractions from each were then tested in a cell-free protein-synthesizing system from wheat germ for their abilities to specifically stimulate synthesis of large subunit ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase [EC 4.1.1.39; 3-phospho-D-glycerate carboxy-lyase (dimerizing)]. The large subunit polypeptide (59,000 molecular weight) was identified in the in vitro reaction by two-dimensional electrophoresis involving isoelectric focusing and size filtration on polyacrylamide gels. Template activity for the large subunit was detected in wild-type cells but not in aplastidic mutant strains; it was highly enriched in the isolated chloroplasts. This messenger was present only in the poly(A)-lacking RNA fraction, where it constituted the most prominent template species of chloroplast RNA. The large subunit message was freed of considerable non-messenger RNA contamination and localized to the 10-20S fraction by sucrose gradient centrifugation.
Enhanced labeling of a retinal protein during regeneration of optic nerve in goldfish.
Authors: Heacock A M , Agranoff B W
Published: May 2006

Goldfish retinas were examined for changes in the labeling pattern of protein during regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons following unilateral optic nerve crush. At various times after optic nerve crush the normal retinas were incubated in vitro with [3H] methionine and retinas from the opposite side of the treated fish were inculbated with [35S] methionine. The incubated retinas were combined and a soluble protein fraction was isolated and separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A band on the gel showing an elevated 35S to 3H ratio appeared at 5 days following optic nerve crush, increased to a maximum at 15 days, and was barely detectable at 45 days, during which time vision is known to return. On the basis of several criteria, the protein fraction showing the increased incorporation of methionine in retina after optic nerve crush appears to be of the tubulin class.
Thyrotropin-ganglioside interactions and their relationship to the structure and function of thyrotropin receptors.
Authors: Mullin B R , Fishman P H , Lee G , Aloj S M , Ledley F D , Winand R J , Kohn L D , Brady R O
Published: May 2006

Gangliosides inhibit 125I-labeled thyrotropin binding to the thyrotropin receptors on bovine thyroid plasma membranes, on guinea pig retro-orbital tissue plasma membranes, and on human adipocyte membranes. This inhibition by gangliosides is critically altered by the number and location of the sialic acid residues within the ganglioside structure, the efficacy of inhibition having the following order: GD1b greater than GT1 greater than GM1 greater than GM2 = GM3 greater than GD1a. The inhibition results from the interaction of thyrotropin and gangliosides, rather than the interaction of membrane and gangliosides. Fluorescence studies show that the inhibition is associated with a distinct conformational change of the thyrotropin molecule and that the progression from a "noninhibitory conformation" to an "inhibitory conformation" parallels exactly the order of effectiveness in inhibiting 125I-labeled thyrotropin binding. The ganglioside inhibition of 125I-labeled thyrotropin binding appears to be hormonally specific in that it is not affected by albumin, glucagon, insulin, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, growth hormone, or corticotropin. The possibility that a ganglioside or ganglioside-like structure is a component of the thyrotropin receptor is suggested by the finding that gangliosides more complex than N-acetylneuraminylgalactosylglucosylceramide are present in bovine thyroid membranes in much higher quantities than have been previously found in extraneural tissue. The finding that the B component of cholera toxin, which also interacts with gangliosides, has a peptide sequence in common with the beta subunit of thyrotropin, suggests that thyrotropin and cholera toxin may be analogous in their mode of action on the membrane.
Sex differences in binding of human growth hormone to isolated rat hepatocytes.
Authors: Ranke M B , Stanley C A , Rodbard D , Baker L , Bongiovanni A , Parks J S
Published: May 2006

Since liver is a target for growth hormone action, binding of 125I-labeled human growth hormone to enzymatically isolated rat hepatocytes was studied. Specific binding was shown with hepatocytes from both male and female animals. There was a single class of receptors for human growth hormone on cells from males (affinity constant, Ka = 1.16 x 10(9) liters/mole; sites per cell, q = 6200). In males, bovine growth hormone was almost as potent as human growth hormone in displacing bound 125I-labeled human growth hormone, while ovine prolactin was about 1000 times less potent. Cells from female rats bound more 125I-labeled human growth hormone than cells from males. The cells from females contained at least two classes of receptors for human growth hormone. The receptor of highest affinity had the same affinity for human growth hormone as the single receptor found in males (Ka = 0.96 x 10(9) liters/mole). However, there were three to four times as many of these receptors per cell in females (q = 21,000). In females, bovine growth hormone and ovine prolactin were both about 20 times less potent than human growth hormone. Treatment of male rats with estrone produced cells that show the same binding characteristics as females. These results indicate that human growth hormone binds to a somatogenic receptor in hepatocytes from male rats. In females and estrogen-treated males, the receptors that bind human growth hormone recognize lactogenic as well as somatogenic properties. This suggests that the lactogenic and growth-promoting effects of human growth hormone in the rat are mediated by different receptors.
Structure of HLA antigens: amino-acid and carbohydrate compositions and NH2-terminal sequences of four antigen preparations.
Authors: Terhorst C , Parham P , Mann D L , Strominger J L
Published: May 2006

Amino-acid and carbohydrate compositions in addition to limited NH2-terminal sequence data of four preparations of HLA antigens, including products of both of the major histocompatibility loci (HLA-A and HLA-B), show that the antigens have great homology in the primary structure. A striking observation is that HLA antigens also have a considerable structure homology with mouse H-2 antigens. HLA antigens appear to have one carbohydrate side chain which has the same composition in all four cases. The possible relation of the structure of the heavy chain of HLA antigens to immunoglobulins is discussed, based on the limited data which are available so far.
Localization of the papain cleavage site of H-2 glycoproteins.
Authors: Ewenstein B M , Freed J H , Mole L E , Nathenson S G
Published: May 2006

The antigenic products of the murine H-2K and H-2D genes are glycoproteins of about 45,000 molecular weight which are tightly integrated within the cell surface membrane. A glycoprotein fragment (FAg, antigenic fragment) of 37,000 daltons carrying the carbohydrate, antigenic sites, and the associated putative beta2-microglobulin of 12,000 daltons can be generated by papain cleavage either of the native molecules in the cell membrane or of immune precipitates made from the antigen solubilized by nonionic detergent. Partial NH2-terminal sequence analyses of the native H-2 glycoprotein and of the papain-cleaved glycoprotein fragment establish that the fragment is, in fact, the NH2-terminal portion of the native molecule. Thus, the cleavage by papain proteolysis is near the COOH-terminus, and removal of the COOH-terminal portion (Fm, membrane fragment) converts the glycoprotein to a water-soluble form. This observation suggests that the NH2-terminus of the native glycoprotein extends out of the hydrophobic bilayer of the cell membrane, and that the COOH-terminus contains the membrane binding region and is buried within the bilayer.
Subunit interactions in mouse myeloma proteins with anti-galactan activity.
Authors: Manjula B N , Glaudemans C P , Mushinski E B , Potter M
Published: May 2006

The interactions among the subunits of a unique set of mouse myeloma proteins having specificity for beta-D-(1,6) galactans has been studied by making homologous and heterologous recombinants of heavy and light chains. The recombinations were carried out by mixing together the desired heavy and light chains that had been separated on a Sephadex G-100 column in urea-acetic acid and renaturing the chains at near neutral pH. One homologous and six heterologous recombinants have been prepared. All the recombinants prepared possessed a four-chain native-like structure. The ligand binding activity and idiotypic specificity of the homologous recombinant were essentially indistinguishable from those of the original native protein. All the heterologous heavy-light chain combinations also led to the regeneration of functional binding sites. The affinity of the heterologous recombinants towards various galactose ligands was comparable to those of the native molecules. Furthermore, the ligand binding affinity of the recombinants was almost invariably closer to the Ka of the original protein that had a higher affinity. Idiotypic specificity of the heterologous recombinants paralleled that of the original protein that had contributed the heavy chain.
Distribution of 5-bromodeoxyuridine and thymidine in the DNA of developing chick cartilage.
Authors: Strom C M , Dorfman A
Published: May 2006

In order to study the mechanism of the irreversible effects of BrdUrd on the differentiation of limb bud mesenchyme to cartilage, the reannealing behavior of DNA obtained from such cells was examined. Cells incubated with [3H]thymidine ([3H]dThd) during days 1 and 2 of culture incorporated label into repetitive, moderately repetitive, and unique classes of DNA. In contrast, when 5-bromo-2'-[3H]deoxyuridine ([3H]Brd Urd) was added during the first 48 hr (in the presence of 32 muM BrdUrd), the label was preferentially incorporated into a late moderately repetitive region. Simultaneous incubation of unlabeled BrdUrd and [3H]dThd revealed a selective inhibition of [3H]dThd incorporation into moderately repetitive regions. Cultures incubated during days 3 and 4 with [3H]dThd incorporated label into all three classes of DNA; however, when [3H]dThd was present during days 3 and 4 in cultures previously incubated with BrdUrd during days 1 and 2, the [3H]dThd was incorporated preferentially in the late moderately repetitive region. The melting behavior of this reannealed DNA was identical with that of the reannealed 1-2 day [3H]BrdUrd-labeled, late moderately repetitive DNA. Turnover experiments revealed that whereas there was no loss of [3H]deoxycytidine or [3H]dThd, 37% of [3H]BrdUrd activity was lost from the DNA in 2 days after removal of the isotopes.
Intracellular forms of adenovirus DNA: integrated form of adenovirus DNA appears early in productive infection.
Authors: Schick J , Baczko K , Fanning E , Groneberg J , Burger H , Doerfler W
Published: May 2006

In KB cells productively infected with adenovirus type 2, alkali-stable greater than 100S and 40-100S viral DNAs are synthesized starting 2-4 hr postinfection, i.e., before unit length (34 S) viral DNA is made. The amount of greater than 100S and 40-100S viral DNA increases when 34S viral DNA synthesis begins, and at 16-18 hr postinfection, the 40-100S viral DNA represents 5-20% of the total intracellular viral DNA. The 40-100S viral DNA is synthesized throughout infection. Part of the 40-100S DNA synthesized 5-8 hr postinfection has a density in alkaline CsCl gradients intermediate between those of viral and cellular DNAs. This finding indicates that newly synthesized viral DNA is covalently linked to cellular DNA. Viral sequences can be excised from the cellular DNA of infected cells with the EcoRI restriction endonuclease. Fragments of viral DNA are detected in polyacrylamide-agarose gels by DNA-DNA hybridization, and these fragments correspond in size to most of the known EcoRI fragments of adenovirus 2 DNA. Viral DNA sequences in size-classes between the EcoRI-A and -C fragments are also found and probably represent viral DNA linked to cellular sequences.
Cancer-associated isoenzyme of serum galactosyltransferase.
Authors: Weiser M M , Podolsky D K , Iselbacher K J
Published: May 2006

Galactosyltransferase activity was assayed in sera from 58 patients with various types of cancer. On discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis a slow-moving peak of galactosyltransferase activity (isoenzyme II) was found to be present in the serum of 43 of these patients in addition to the major isoenzyme I. Isoenzyme II was found in only 2 of 39 patients with various nonmalignant disorders and was not detected in the serum of 22 normal control subjects. There was no correlation between the presence of this electrophoretically distinct isoenzyme and total serum galactosyltransferase activity, alkaline phosphatase, levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, or blood type. However, patients with widespread metastases had significantly higher isoenzyme II levels than those with no metastases or with limited local spread. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the clinical usefulness of this serum galactosyltransferase isoenzyme in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with neoplastic disease.
Pheasant virus: new class of ribodeoxyvirus.
Authors: Hanafusa T , Hanafusa H , Metroka C E , Hayward W S , Rettenmier C W , Sawyer R C , Dougherty R M , Distefano H S
Published: May 2006

Cocultivation of cells derived from embryos of golden pheasants or Amherst pheasants with chicken embryo cells infected with Bryan strain of Rous sarcoma virus resulted in the detection of viruses which appear to be endogenous in these pheasant cells. The pheasant viruses (PV) were similar to avian leukosis-sarcoma viruses (ALSV) in their gross morphology, in the size of their RNA, in the presence of a virion-associated RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (DNA nucleotidyltransferase; deoxynucleoside triphosphate: DNA deoxynucleotidyltransferase; EC 2.7.7.7), and in their growth characteristics. PV also serves as a helper for the glycoprotein-defective Rous sarcoma virus. However, PV was shown to be different from both ALSV and reticuloendotheliosis virus in the following properties: (i) PV does not have ALSV group specific antigens; (ii) the protein composition of PV is different from those of the other two groups of viruses; (iii) PV fails to complement the defective polymerase of alpha type Rous sarcoma virus; and (iv) PV RNA shows no detectable homology with nucleic acids of the other two groups of viruses. Thus, PV appears to be a new class of RNA viruses which contain RNA-dependent DNA polymerase.
Screening by negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry for environmental contamination with toxic residues: Application to human urines.
Authors: Dougherty R C , Piotrowska K
Published: May 2006

A screening procedure based on solvent extraction with minimal clean up followed by examination with negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry has been developed for organochlorine residues and related compounds with masses greater than 130 daltons. The procedure has been made quantitative for analysis of pentachlorophenol residues. A limited survey of human urines indicated extensive contamination of the subjects, studied at parts per billion and higher levels, with pentachlorophenol, 2, 4, 5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid, other polychlorophenoxy acids, and numerous unknown compounds. In an attempt to define the source of the contamination, the screening procedure was applied to samples of environmental substrates. The results suggest the food chain as one significant source of the contamination. A preliminary study of organochlorine compounds in human seminal fluid showed pentachlorophenol and other organochlorine residues in every sample, a result which suggests that this area may merit additional monitoring.
Affinity label for beta-adrenergic receptor in turkey erythrocytes.
Authors: Atlas D , Steer M L , Levitzki A
Published: May 2006

The compound N-[2-hydroxy-3-(1-naphthoxy)-propyl]-N'-bromoacetylethylenediamine (NHNP-NBE) was found to label covalently the beta-adrenergic receptor in turkey erythrocytes. The compound inhibits irreversibly 1-epinephrine-dependent adenylate cyclase activity [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] in the whole turkey erythrocyte as well as in the erythrocyte membranes possessing the beta-receptor. The affinity label blocks, also irreversibly, the specific [3H] propranolol binding, whereas other bromoacetyl compounds tested have no effect on binding, even at high concentrations, which cause enzyme inactivation. 1-Epinephrine and propranolol offer protection against the affinity label in whole turkey erythrocytes as well as in membranes prepared from these cells. The potential usefulness of an irreversible beta-antagonist is discussed.
In vitro derived mouse A9 cell clones differing in malignancy: analysis by somatic cell hybridization with YACIR lymphoma cell clones.
Authors: Clements G B , Fenyö E M , Klein G
Published: May 2006

A culture of mouse A9 cells yielded clones of both high and low malignancy. Confirmation of the differences in malignancy of the clones was obtained after their hybridization with subclones of YACIR a lymphoma induced by Moloney leukemia virus. Low malignant A9 clones suppressed the malignancy of the YACIR partner in the hybrids. Hybrids between a highly malignant A9 cline and two different clones of YACIR "complemented" to yield hybrids of reduced malignancy. No correlation was formed between the malignancy of a particular A9 clone and its ability to produce a focus-forming mouse C-type virus.
Clonal variation in albumin messenger RNA activity in hepatoma cells.
Authors: Peterson J A
Published: May 2006

The clonal variation in rate of albumin synthesis in hepatoma cells is described as a tool for the study of epigenetic control of differentiation. Previous studies have demonstrated that, from a population of hepatome cells, variant subclones can be readily isolated that produce albumin at different rates. Each clonal variant had a characteristic rate of albumin production, and the clones clustered around discrete values that formed a geometric progression. The present experiments, using a cell-free protein-synthesizing system from wheat germ; show that albumin messenger RNA activity is directly proportional to the rate of albumin synthesis in three different hepatoma clones, thus suggesting a pretranslational control of albumin production. Possible hypotheses to explain the geometric pattern of clonal variation are discussed with respect to the organization and control of the transcriptional unit.
Immunological cross-reactivity of antibodies to a synthetic undecapeptide analogous to the amino terminal segment of carcinoembryonic antigen, with the intact protein and with human sera.
Authors: Arnon R , Bustin M , Calef E , Chaitchik S , Haimovich J , Novik N , Sela M
Published: May 2006

A peptide corresponding to the 11 amino acid residues of the NH2-terminal portion in the sequence of carcinoembryonic antigen(CNTHETIC CEA(1-11) peptide was attached by means of a water-soluble carbodiimide reagent to multichain poly(DL-alanine( as well as to bovine serum albumin. Both macromolecular conjugates provoked in rabbit anti-CEA(1-11) peptide antibodies. The specificity of this immunological system and the crossreactivity between the peptide and intact CEA were investigated by two methods--passive hemagglutination and modified bacteriophage inactivation. Hemmagglutination experiments showed that not only anti-CEA(1-11) sera, but also anti-CEA sera, agglutinated CEA(1-11)-coated sheep erythrocytes, and both these reactions were inhibited with CEA(1-11) peptide. In experiments with the chemically modified bacteriophage technique CEA(1-11)-coated phase was efficiently inactivated with antisera against the CEA(1-11) conjugates, and the inactivation reaction could be totally inhibited with the free peptide. The semipure CEA, but not the pure protein, could also inhibit the phage inactivation, even though less efficiently. On the basis of the above results, sera of some cancer patients were tested for their capacity to inhibit the inactivation of CEA(1-11)-coated phage by means of anti-CEA(1-11) antiserum. The results indicate that sera from a large proportion of patients with adenocarcinomas of the digestive tract, pancreas, and breast are capable of inhibiting the above inactivation, whereas most normal sera do not inhibit.
Synthesis of extensive, possibly complete, DNA copies of poliovirus RNA in high yields and at high specific activities.
Authors: Kacian D L , Myers J C
Published: May 2006

The synthesis of large, possibly complete, complementary DNA (cDNA) copies of poliovirus RNA by avian myeloblastosis virus DNA polymerase is described. The cDNA consists of two size classes, the larger of which is approximately 7500 nucleotides. In the presence of excess deoxynucleoside triphosphates, ribonucleoside triphosphates, or sodium pyrophosphate, only the larger material is obtained. Yields of the large cDNA are 50-75% of the input RNA.
A model for cytochrome oxidase.
Authors: Palmer G , Babcock G T , Vickery L E
Published: May 2006

A model is proposed for the active center of cytochrome c oxidase (ferrocytochrome c:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.9.3.1) in which cytochrome a is a low-spin ferrihemoprotein and cytochrome a3 is a high-spin ferrihemoprotein antiferromagnetically coupled to one of the two Cu2+ ions present in the enzyme. It is further proposed that reduction is accompanied by a conformational change in the enzyme thus exposing the sixth coordination site of cytochrome a3 to ligands. With this model it is possible to account for a variety of outstanding observations including the results of magnetic circular dichroism, Mossbauer, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, as well as magnetic susceptibility measurements.
Role of 5S RNA in assembly and function of the 50S subunit from Escherichia coli.
Authors: Dohme F , Nierhaus K H
Published: May 2006

Total reconstitution experiments performed under various conditions revealed that 5S RNA plays an important role during the last assembly step in vitro leading to an active 50S particle. For the preceding steps this RNA species is dispensable. However, 50S RNA can be integrated efficiently during any of the assembly steps in vitro. The 47S particle, reconstituted in two steps and lacking 5S RNA, shows low but significant activity in many functional tests. High activity could be obtained by incubating this particle with 5S RNA alone, demonstrating the importance of the 5S RNA in generating an active ribosomal conformation. In particular, the activity of the peptidyltransferase (peptidyl-tRNA:aminoacyl-tRNA N-peptidyltransferase; EC 2.3.2.12) center is drastically influenced by 5S RNA. No significant factor-dependent tRNA binding to the A-site was observed with the 47S particle, in contrast to the corresponding P-site binding. The elongation factor G dependent GTPase activity was not affected by the lack of 5S RNA.
Isolation of inverted repeat sequences, including IS1, IS2, and IS3, in Escherichia coli plasmids.
Authors: Ohtsubo H , Ohtsubo E
Published: May 2006

A method is described for isolation of inverted repeat DNA sequences that occur in E. coli plasmids. The procedures of the isolation involved: (a) denaturation of intact plasmid DNA, (b) a rapid, 30 sec, renaturation of inverted-repeat sequences in the genome, (c) digestion of the single-stranded portion by S1 nuclease to recover duplex DNA, and (d) detection and purification of the duplexes using 1.4% agarose gel electrophoresis. If a plasmid DNA carried inverted repeats of either one type or two different types of special DNA sequences, these procedures enabled us to observe either one or two characteristic DNA bands, respectively, in the agarose gels. If a plasmid DNA did not carry any inverted repeats, or if the plasmid DNA only carried direct repeat sequences, no characteristic DNA bands were recovered. Cleavage of the spacer DNA between inverted repeat sequences generated no gel bands. This indicated that the inverted repeat sequences must be in the same strand. Using this method, we isolated and purified several repeated sequences, including IS1, IS2, and IS3, from derivatives of F and R plasmids.
Localization of low density lipoprotein receptors on plasma membrane of normal human fibroblasts and their absence in cells from a familial hypercholesterolemia homozygote.
Authors: Anderson R G , Goldstein J L , Brown M S
Published: May 2006

Monolayers of normal human fibroblasts were observed to bind ferritin-labeled low density lipoprotein (LDL-ferritin) at specific receptor sites on the cell surface membrane. When fibroblasts were incubated with LDL-ferritin at 4 degrees, more than 70% of the surface-bound ferritin cores were localized by electron microscopy to short segments of the plasma membrane where the membrane appeared indented and coated on both of its sides by a fuzzy material. These membrane segments corresponded to "coated regions" previously described in other cell types. Unver the conditions of these experiments, an average of 55 LDL-ferritin particles were bound to each millimeter of plasma membrane in normal cells. In the presence of a 15-fold excess of native LDL, the number of bound ferritin cores was reduced by 75%, suggesting that the LDL-ferritin was binding to specific LDL receptor sites. Although fibroblasts from a patient with the homozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia contained the same number of indented, coated membrane regions per millimeter of cell surface as did normal cells, no LDL-ferritin was observed to bind to the cell membrane in these mutant cells. The present ultrastructural data are consistent with previous biochemical and genetic evidence indicating that LDL exerts its regulatory action on cellular cholesterol metabolism in fibroblasts through an interaction with a specific cell surface receptor and that this receptor is defective in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia fibroblasts. Moreover, the data suggest that the LDL receptor is localized to indented, coated regions of the plasma membrane that appear to participate in the adsorptive endocytosis of proteins.
Hybridization of potato spindle tuber viroid to cellular DNA of normal plants
Authors: Hadidi A. , Jones D. M. , Gillespie D. H. , Wong-Staal F. , Diener T. O.
Published: May 2006

Molecular hybridization experiments of
125
I-labeled potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTV) with DNA from uninfected or PSTV-infected tomato plants showed that infrequent DNA sequences complementary to PSTV exist in both uninfected and infected cells. DNA titration experiments revealed that at least 60% of PSTV is represented by sequences in DNA of several normal solanaceous host species. Phylogenetically diverse plants contain sequences related to less of the PSTV. PSTV-infected tomato or
Gynura aurantiaca
plants did not possess new PSTV sequences at detectable levels. These results support the hypothesis that PSTV may have originated from genes in normal solanaceous plants.
Chemo-anemotaxis: a behavioral response to sex pheromone in nonflying insects.
Authors: Rust M K , Bell W J
Published: May 2006

The cockroach, Periplaneta americana, running on a Y-ring globe, moves downwind if an air current is directed toward the head. However, if the air current carries sex pheromone, then upwind movement is elicited. This orientation behavior is apparently a mechanism to facilitate the orientation of males searching for pheromone-secreting females.
Extended x-ray-absorption fine structure—Auger process for surface structure analysis: Theoretical considerations of a proposed experiment
Authors: Landman Uzi , Adams David L.
Published: May 2006

A method for surface structure analysis is proposed. The proposed process combines x-ray photoabsorption and Auger electron emission. The extended x-ray-absorption fine structure, occurring for photon energies above an atomic absorption edge, contains structural information of the microscopic environment due to the coupling of the photoelectron final state with the atomic initial state. Measurement of the variations in the intensity of particular Auger lines, as a function of the incident radiation energy, provides a surface sensitive measure of the photoabsorption cross section in the media. Theoretical considerations of the physical processes underlying the proposed experiment and its feasibility, and a discussion of background contributions are presented.
Mechanisms for the involvement of high molecular weight kininogen in surface-dependent reactions of Hageman factor.
Authors: Griffin J H , Cochrane C G
Published: May 2006

The mechanisms by which human high molecular weight kininogen (HMKrK) contributes to the surface-dependent activation of the Hageman factor systems have been studied. The ability of various mixtures of purified human Hageman factor (coagulation factor XII), HMrK, prekallikrein, and kaolin to activate coagulation factor XI was determined with factor XIa (activated factor XI) clotting assays. Hageman factor, HMrK and prekallikrein were required for maximal rates of activation of factor XI. A certain optimal mixture of purified Hageman factor, HMrK, prekallikrein, and kaolin gave the same rapid initial rate of activation of purified factor XI as an equivalent aliquot of factor XI-deficient plasma. This suggests that potent, surface-mediated activation of factor XI in plasma is explicable in terms of Hageman factor, HMrK, and prekallikrein. By studying separately some of the surface-dependent reactions involving Hageman factor, it was found that HMrK accelerated by at least an order of magnitude the following reactions: (i) the activation of factor XI by activated Hageman factor; (ii) the activation of prekallikrein by activated Hageman factor; and (iii) the activation of Hageman factor by kallikrein. Stoichiometric rather than catalytic amounts of HMrK gave optimal activation of factor XI. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that HMrK and Hageman factor form a complex on kaolin which renders Hageman factor more susceptible to proteolytic activation by kallikrein and which facilitates the action of activated Hageman factor on its substrate proteins, factor XI and prekallikrein.
Interrelationship of hexosaminidases A and B: conformation of the common and the unique subunit theory.
Authors: Srivastava S K , Wiktorowicz J E , Awasthi Y C
Published: May 2006

Human kidney hexosaminidase A (beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase; 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucoside acetamidodeoxyglucohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.30) is a heteropolymer of two immunologically distinct subunits designated as alpha and beta. Hexosaminidase B, however, is a homopolymer comprised entirely of beta subunits. When human kidney hexosaminidase A was dissociated into its subunits by p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, three distinct proteins having isoelectric points of pH 7.2.5.4, and 4.3 were isolated. The fraction having an isoelectric point of pH 7.2, designated as beta fraction, was electrophoretically and immunologically identical to hexosaminidase B and was enzymatically active. The proteins having isoelectric points of pH 5.4 and 4.3, designated as hexosaminidase Ai and alpha fractions, respectively, were enzymatically inactive and crossreacted with antiserum against hexosaminidase A and not with antiserum against hexosaminidase B. Upon incubation of p-hydroxymercuribenzoate-treated hexosaminidase A with dithiothreitol,, hexosaminidase A activity, as well as antigenicity, was regenerated, indicating that alpha and beta subunits hybridize to form hexosaminidase A. Antibodies raised in rabbits against beta fractions reacted with both hexosaminidase A and B, whereas the antibodies against alpha and hexosaminidase Ai fractions reacted only against hexosaminidase A. This would indicate that both fractions are composed only of subunits unique to hexosaminidase A. The molecular weights of alpha,beta, and hexosaminidase Ai fractions were estimated to be 47,000, 120,000, and 180,000 respectively, by Sephadex gel filtration. Upon urea-sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis, each of the three fractions dissociated into a single polypeptide having a molecular weight of approximately 18,000. It is concluded that p-hydroxymercuribenzoate dissociates hexosaminidase A, (alphabeta)3, into its subunits, and the beta subunits can reassociate to form relatively stable hexosaminidase B, (betabeta)3, while the alpha subunits reassociate in both the dimeric state, alpha2, and a polymeric state, alpha8.
Radiation-induced mutations at mouse hemoglobin loci.
Authors: Russell L B , Russell W L , Popp R A , Vaughan C , Jacobson K B
Published: May 2006

In experiments designed to detect new mutations affecting hemoglobin, we irradiated the male or female parent in reciprocal crosses of two mouse strains that differ in alleles at the hemoglobin (Hba, Hbb) loci as well as at five other specific loci. Offspring were analyzed for hemoglobin properties (electrophoretic pattern, solubility, crystal pattern), serum albumin differences, erythrocyte lysis, reticulocyte count, and external appearance. Five hemoglobin variants were found among the mutants. In three, the genetic contribution from the irradiated father was not expressed with regard to the alpha-chain; one carried a tandem deuplication (the first known case in the mouse) involving Hbb; and one probably resulted from double nondisjunction of chromosome 7. The finding that major chromosome aberrations can mimic hemoglobin mutations indicates the need, in similar experiments, to follow F1 screening with thorough cytogenetic analysis. The variants in which there is nonexpression of the alpha chain may be the result of small deficiencies or of faults in transcription or translation. Mutation rates based on these three variants are not out of line with earlier specific-locus results, although confidence limits are still wide.
Determinants of antigenic molecules responsible for genetically controlled regulation of immune responses.
Authors: Schwartz M , Waltenbaugh C , Dorf M , Cesla R , Sela M , Benacerraf B
Published: May 2006

The ability of mice bearing the H-2S haplotype to develop helper responses to the random copolymer of Glu,Ala while they developed suppressor responses to the terpolymer of Glu,Ala,Tyr suggested the crucial role of tyrosine in these peptides. On the basis of various considerations, it was postulated that many of the tyrosine residues in Glu,Ala,Tyr would be localized at the NH2-terminal end of the molecule. To verify this hypothesis, a block terpolymer composed of a short sequence of homopolymer tyrosine covalently bound to the random copolymer of Glu,Ala was synthesized. The present studies, using this block terpolymer, demonstrated that the chemical determinants stimulating helper and suppressor responses are distinct and can be present simultaneously in the same molecule. Thus, addition of COOH-terminal tyrosine residues to the Glu,Ala polypeptide converted this immunogenic molecule to an immunosuppressive molecule in mice bearing the H-2S haplotype. The mechanism by which these short sequences of tyrosine influence H-2-linked immune responses remains to be determined.