bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of the role of coenzyme Q in free radical generation and as an antioxidant
Authors: Beyer Robert E.
Published: December 2009

The vital role of coenzyme Q in mitochondrial electron transfer and its regulation, and in energy conservation, is well established. However, the role of coenzyme Q in free oxyradical formation and as an antioxidant remains controversial. Demonstration of the existence of the semiquinone form of coenzyme Q during electron transport, coupled with recent evidence that hydrogen peroxide (but not molecular oxygen) may act as an oxidant of the semiquinone, suggests that the highly reactive OH∙ radical may be formed from the semiquinone. On the other hand, data exist implicating the Fe–S species as the source of electron transfer chain, free radical production. Additional data exist suggesting instead that the unpaired electron of the coenzyme Q semiquinone most likely dismutates superoxide radicals. These concepts and those arising from observations at several levels of organization including subcellular systems, intact animals, and human subjects in the clinical setting, supporting the concept of reduced coenzyme Q as an antioxidant, will be presented. The results of recent studies on the interaction between the two-electron quinone reductase – DT diaphorase and coenzyme Q10 will be presented. The possibility that superoxide dismutase may interact with reduced coenzyme Q, in conjunction with DT diaphorase inhibiting its autoxidation, will be described. The regulation of cellular coenzyme Q concentrations during oxidative stress accompanying aerobic exercise, resulting in increased protection from free radical damage, will also be presented.Key words: coenzyme Q, ubiquinone, free radicals, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, DT diaphorase, superoxide dismutase, review.
Studies on the activation by dolichol-P-mannose of the biosynthesis of GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol and the topography of the GlcNAc-transferases concerned with the synthesis of GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol and (GlcNAc)2-P-P-dolichol: a review
Authors: Kean Edward L.
Published: December 2009

A review is presented of research carried out in this laboratory on two aspects of the dolichol pathway that may have regulatory influences on these events. (i) The validity of the phenomenon of the activation of the biosynthesis of GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol and (GlcNAc)2-P-P-dolichol by dolichol-P-mannose is supported by experiments carried out on the Thy-1-negative mouse lymphoma cell. While this cell cannot synthesize the activating compound, this capacity was retained and revealed upon the addition of exogenous dolichol-P-mannose. (ii) The topographical orientation of the GlcNAc-transferases that catalyze the biosynthesis of GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol and (GlcNAc)2-P-P-dolichol was investigated in microsomes from the liver of the embryonic chick using dolichol phosphate liposomes as an exogenous substrate. The formation of GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol and (GlcNAc)2-P-P-dolichol was inhibited by trypsinization under conditions where the native orientation of the microsome was maintained, as indicated by the latency of mannose-6-phosphatase. Both GlcNAc-lipids were detected on free liposomes after incubation with intact microsomes, and in the same proportions as found on the microsome. From these and other studies, evidence was obtained indicating the cytoplasmic orientation of the GlcNAc-transferases that catalyze the synthesis of the first two intermediates of the dolichol pathway.Key words: dolichol pathway, GlcNAc-lipids, topography, liposomes, Thy-1, dolichol-P-mannose.
Ubiquinone, dolichol, and cholesterol metabolism in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Edlund Conny , Söderberg Magnus , Kristensson Krister , Dallner Gustav
Published: December 2009

The lipid compositions of various regions of the human brain were investigated during aging and in Alzheimer's disease. The phospholipid amounts and compositions remained unchanged during aging. There were, however, considerable differences both in phospholipid composition and amount when the various regions were compared. The level of dolichol increased severalfold in all regions up to the age of 70, but there was no further elevation thereafter. The ubiquinone level decreased significantly in all parts of the brain upon aging. In Alzheimer's disease, the dolichol level was decreased in all regions, and particularly, in those affected by the disease. In contrast, the dolichyl-P concentration increased in those regions that exhibited morphological changes. There was no modification in cholesterol distribution, but a significant elevation in ubiquinone content was observed in most regions. The only phospholipid whose level was elevated was phosphatidylinositol, and only in those parts of the brain that were affected. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in phosphatidylethanolamine was greatly decreased in connection with the disease, with a parallel increase in the saturated portion. The results indicate that Alzheimer's disease results in specific and significant changes in the levels of lipid products of the mevalonate pathway in the brain.Key words: ubiquinone, dolichol, cholesterol, aging, Alzheimer's disease.
Rat liver lysosome membranes are enriched in α-tocopherol
Authors: Rupar C. Anthony , Albo Susan , Whitehall Jeffery D.
Published: December 2009

The subcellular distribution of α-tocopherol has been studied in rat liver. Lysosomal membranes were found to be considerably enriched in α-tocopherol with 6300 pmol/mg membrane protein, whereas mitochondrial membranes and microsomes contained 530 and 200 pmol/mg membrane protein, respectively. The 37-fold higher specific content of α-tocopherol in lysosomal membranes relative to homogenate indicates that lysosomes could be a target of cellular pathology in vitamin E deficiency states.Key words: α-tocopherol, lysosomes, mitochondria, membrane.
Localization and preferred orientations of ubiquinone homologs in model bilayers
Authors: Lenaz Giorgio , Samori Bruno , Fato Romana , Battino Maurizio , Castelli Giovanna Parenti , Domini Ida
Published: December 2009

The localization of ubiquinone has been investigated in phospholipid bilayer vesicles in studies of fluorescence quenching of membrane-bound probes by ubiquinone homologs (Qn, where n is the number of the isoprenoid units of the chain). Fluorescence-quenching data obtained by using a set of anthroylstearate probes, having the fluorophore located at different depths, revealed that ubiquinone-3 is located throughout the whole bilayer thickness. From the bimolecular quenching constants in the membrane, lateral diffusion coefficients in two dimensions were calculated to span values of 10−7–10−6 cm2∙s−1. This suggests that ubiquinones laterally diffuse in a very fluid environment. On this basis, it is proposed that their translational diffusion in the bilayer takes place in two dimensions, with the quinone ring oscillating between the two bilayer surfaces within a hydrophobic environment not extending beyond the glycerol region. This model implies that the quinonic head is both settled near the polar surface of the bilayer and buried into the host hydrocarbon interior. This two-site distribution was confirmed for all Qn, except Q0, by their linear dichroism spectra in the bilayers provided by disc-like lyotropic nematic liquid crystals. These spectra also provided detailed information on the preferential orientations of the quinonic head of the different derivatives within the two sites. The mechanism by which the localization and orientation of Qn guest molecules inside the host bilayer is modulated by the isoprenoid chain length is discussed on a thermodynamical basis. Being that Qn is expected to be also widely contained in the highly curved cristae of the mitochondrial inner membrane, by using rod-like lyotropic nematic liquid crystals we searched out effects of the curvature of the host bilayer on those Qn distributions. The linear dichroism measurements reveal that Qn guest molecules are no longer obliged to find a partition between two different types of localizations when the host bilayer is highly curved. In this case all Qn, even the longest Q10, were found to stay parallel to the amphiphilic chains with a single site localization of the head near the polar interface. By the same linear dichroism technique, the local ordering of all Qn derivatives was also evaluated. The order parameters were found to be basically the same for all derivatives. This result is justified on the basis of the relaxation, caused by the surface curvature, of the lateral compression of the host chains.Key words: coenzyme Q (ubiquinone), fluorescence quenching, lateral diffusion, linear dichroism, model bilayers.
Partition of free dolichol in human urine
Authors: Sakakihara Yoichi , Kamoshita Shigehiko
Published: December 2009

We have demonstrated that dolichol is present in the urinary supernatant. Most of the dolichol present in the supernatant seems to be associated with cellular debris or membrane fragments. The amount of sediment in healthy subjects correlate well with the volume of urine. Although it is illogical to express urinary dolichol relative to urine volume, a good correlation between the amount of sediment and urine volume has made its use justifiable. Because of the presence of a substantial amount of dolichol in the supernatant, it seems better to use uncentrifuged whole urine as the sample for measurement of dolichol.Key words: dolichol, urine, sediment, supernatant.
Development of T7 phage and T7 phage containing apurinic sites in an exonuclease III, endonuclease IV double mutant of Escherichia coli
Authors: Sanchez Giselle , Mamet-Bratley Margaret D.
Published: December 2009

The development of bacteriophage T7 was examined in an Escherichia coli double mutant defective for the two major apurinic, apyrimidinic endonucleases (exonuclease III and endonuclease IV, xth nfo). In cells infected with phages containing apurinic sites, the defect in repair enzymes led to a decrease of phage survival and a total absence of bacterial DNA degradation and of phage DNA synthesis. These results directly demonstrate the toxic action of apurinic sites on bacteriophage T7 at the intracellular level and its alleviation by DNA repair. In addition, untreated T7 phage unexpectedly displayed reduced plating efficiency and decreased DNA synthesis in the xth nfo double mutant.Key words: apurinic sites, DNA repair, T7 phage.
Transport of Ca2+ by diltiazem across the lipid bilayer in model liposomes
Authors: Ananthanarayanan Vettai S. , Taylor Lorne B. , Pirritano Samuel
Published: December 2009

The calcium channel antagonist diltiazem was examined for its ability to translocate Ca2+ from an aqueous medium to the nonpolar lipid milieu. We monitored the spectral changes caused by the drug-mediated cation transport at 37 °C in unilamellar vesicles made of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and containing the calcium-sensitive dye arsenazo III trapped inside. Vesicle leakage or membrane fusion caused by diltiazem was assessed by the use of vesicles containing fluorescent indicators. These effects were, however, found to be insignificant compared with ion transport. The transport was negligible at temperatures below the liquid crystalline to gel transition temperature of DMPC indicating a carrier mechanism of ion transport. A quantitative analysis of the transport kinetics indicated that a 1:2 Ca +-drug complex is formed inside the lipid. The calcium ionophoretic ability of diltiazem, combined with other related data, suggests a possible role for Ca2+ in the conformation of the drug in the lipid membrane milieu and in its interaction with the calcium channel.Key words: calcium channel antagonists, diltiazem, Ca2+ ionophore, liposomes, drug-Ca2+ complex.
Two squid skin proteoglycans each containing chondroitin sulfates with different sulfation patterns
Authors: Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: December 2009

Two chondroitin sulfate containing proteoglycans, amounting to approximately 6% of the tissue proteoglycans, were isolated from the skin of the squid. They were almost completely extracted by 4 M guanidine hydrochloride in the presence of proteinase inhibitors, and then they were separated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography and isolated by further chromatography on Sepharose CL-4B. Each proteoglycan contained two types of chondroitin sulfates that differed in their sulfation patterns. One proteoglycan (molecular mass (Mr) 5.6 × 105) contained, on the average, four chondroitins (Mr 8.4 × 104) and five chondroitin sulfates (Mr 3.4 × 104), whereas the other proteoglycan (Mr × 105) contained three chondroitin sulfates (Mr 1.1 × 105) and five oversulfated chondroitin sulfates (Mr × 104). The glycosaminoglycans were released from the proteoglycans by treatment with alkaline borohydride, separated from the oligosaccharides by chromatography on Bio-Gel P-30, and isolated by chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel and Sepharose CL-6B. Chondroitin sulfates were degraded by chondroitinase AC to an extent of 70% and consisted of significant amounts of disaccharides sulfated at C-4 of the galactosamine, disulfated disaccharides, and small amounts of nonsulfated disaccharides, as well as disaccharides that bore sulfates at C-6. Oversulfated chondroitin sulfate was degraded by chondroitinase AC to only 40% and contained appreciable amounts of disulfated and trisulfated disaccharides. The glycosaminoglycans also contained neutral monosaccharides; glucose was the predominant neutral sugar. A part of the oligosaccharides of both proteoglycans was of identical structure to that of chondroitin sulfate.Key words: chondroitin sulfates, proteoglycans, squid skin.
Rhodamine-labelled phalloidin stains components in the chromosomal spindle fibres of crane-fly spermatocytes and Haemanthus endosperm cells
Authors: Czaban B. Barbara , Forer Arthur
Published: December 2009

In crane-fly spermatocytes and Haemanthus endosperm, all metaphase and anaphase chromosomal spindle fibres were stained with rhodamine-labelled phalloidin. In crane-fly spermatocytes, each kinetochore was stained with rhodamine-labelled phalloidin at diakinesis of prophase and after colcemid caused metaphase spindles to depolymerize. Since phalloidin stains actin filaments, the distributions of rhodamine-labelled phalloidin-stained material in crane-fly spermatocytes and Haemanthus endosperm suggest that actin filaments might interact with microtubules to produce forces that move chromosomes during cell division, either directly or via an intermediate motor molecule.Key words: phalloidin, chromosomal spindle fibres, kinetochores.
Amino acid pools in developing Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: vegetative cells, gametes, and mature zygotes
Authors: Thomas James E. , Goertzen Christine A. , Nakamura Kazuo
Published: December 2009

Free amino acid pools were examined for cultures of vegetative cells, gametes, and mature zygotes of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Dangeard). The total pool of amino acids found in premature gametes of strains 137c+ (10.0 pmol∙μg protein−1) and 137c− (10.8 pmol∙μg protein−1) decreased to levels about half that seen in vegetative 137c− cells (19.8 pmol∙μg protein−1). Following light activation, amino acid pools in these gametes increased to 18.7 pmol∙μg protein−1 in 137c+ cells and 20.0 pmol∙μg protein−1 in 137c− cells. With the exception of cystine, individual amino acid pools in these cells had increased once more to levels similar to those seen in vegetative cells grown in liquid medium. Levels of cystine remained one to two orders of magnitude lower than that seen in vegetative cells. Mature 137c + and 137c− gametes mixed in solutions of either 2 mM cystine or 2 mM cysteine (half-cystine) suffered a 52–64% reduction, respectively, in the number of vis-à-vis conjugative pairs formed. This suggests that pools of endogenous cystine may play a role in the onset of mating. In zygotes levels of all amino acid pools, except histidine, were depressed; levels of cystine, valine, and phenylalanine were nondetectable in these cells.Key words: Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, amino acid pools, gametes, zygotes, cystine.
The Dictyostelium ribosome: biochemistry, molecular biology, and developmental regulation
Authors: Ramagopal S.
Published: December 2009

This is the first comprehensive review of ribosomes in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. The physicochemical, biochemical, cellular, molecular, and developmental properties are reviewed. Several features demonstrate that a unique class of ribosomes exists in this organism, and a study of these ribosomes will be important to decipher special features of translational regulation, and evolution of the organelle in the eukaryotic kingdom.Key words: cellular slime molds, development, ribosome heterogeneity, protein synthesis, evolution.
Translation of poly(A)-binding protein mRNA is regulated by growth conditions
Authors: Berger Lloyd C. , Bag Jnanankur , Sells Bruce H.
Published: December 2009

Translational efficiency of a minor group of mRNAs is regulated by serum levels in 3T6 fibroblasts. Included within this group is the poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) mRNA. We analyzed the distribution of PABP mRNA in polysome profiles and found a large percentage of this mRNA to be translationally repressed in both actively growing (~ 60%) and resting cells (~ 70%). Elevated serum levels induced a distinct bimodal distribution of this mRNA between actively translated and repressed fractions. Similarly, treatment of cells with low doses of cycloheximide also generated a partial shift of repressed PABP mRNA into the actively translated fraction. In an attempt to characterize the factors which regulate PABP mRNA translation we have identified the proteins which bind to this mRNA in vitro. Sequences within the 5′ untranslated region were found to be sufficient for binding of all proteins to this mRNA. We suggest that this region and the proteins associated with it may be essential for translation control of PABP mRNA.Key words: translation, mRNP, poly(A) binding protein.
Heat shock protein HSP90 and its association with the cytoskeleton: a morphological study
Authors: Fostinis Yannis , Theodoropoulos Panayotis A. , Gravanis Achille , Stournaras Christos
Published: December 2009

To investigate the cellular localization of the 90-kilodalton heat shock protein (HSP90) and its interaction with the cytoskeleton, we performed single- and double-staining immunofluorescence microscopy of cytoskeletal proteins and HSP90 in the absence and presence of cytoskeletal inhibitors. As a model, we used a human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line (Ishikawa cells), which expresses HSP90. We confirmed the recently reported colocalization of HSP90 with microtubules. However, Ishikawa cells treated with 10−5 M of the antimicrotubule agents colchicine or triethyl lead showed residual filamentous structures stained with anti-HSP90 antibodies, while no microtubules were visualized with anti-tubulin antibodies. In the presence of 10−5 M cytochalasin B, the microfilament staining of the cells disappeared, while residual filamentous structures were labeled with anti-HSP90 antibodies. Furthermore, Ishikawa cells treated with 10−5 M triethyl lead and stained with anti-HSP90 antibodies demonstrated residual filamentous structures, clearly different from those of reorganized vimentin intermediate filaments. Conversely, similar reorganized morphology of filamentous structures stained with both anti-HSP90 and anti-cytokeratins antibodies were observed when Ishikawa cells were treated with 2 × 10−5 M cytochalasin B and 2 × 10−5 M colchicine. HSP90 was also present in Ishikawa cell preparations of the Triton X-100 insoluble cytoskeleton. In addition, Triton-insoluble cytoskeleton treated with 10−5 M triethyl lead and double stained with anti-HSP90 and anti-vimentin antibodies demonstrated clearly different filamentous patterns, when exposed on the same photographic plaque. However, after combined treatment of those preparations with 2 × 10−5 M cytochalasin B and 2 × 10−5 M colchicine, the filamentous structures double labeled with anti-HSP90 and anti-cytokeratins antibodies appeared to be similarly reorganized, showing comparable rearrangement characteristics, the later suggesting a possible association of HSP90 with keratin cytoskeleton. It is important to note that there is no in vitro cross-reaction of anti-HSP90 antibodies with any of the studied cytoskeletal proteins in Western blotting analysis.Key words: heat shock protein HSP90, cytoskeleton, immunofluorescence microscopy.
Purpurogallin protects both ventricular myocytes and aortic endothelial cells of rats against oxyradical damage
Authors: Wu Tai-Wing , Wu Jun , Carey Doug , Zeng Ling-Hua
Published: December 2009

Rat ventricular myocytes have been isolated and cultured by two separate procedures. Using phase-contrast and electron microscopies, we illustrate that (a) definitive cell damage is produced when myocytes are exposed to xanthine oxidase – hypoxanthine and (b) purpurogallin between 0.25 and 1.0 mM prolongs survival of both myocyte preparations in a dose-dependent manner. The cytoprotection produced by 1 mM purpurogallin exceeds that given by 2 mM each of ascorbate, Trolox, and mannitol, or 24 200 IU superoxide dismutase/L and (or) 92 000 IU catalase/L. Furthermore, we noted, for the first time, that purpurogallin markedly protects rat aortic endothelial cells, a key target of free radical generation and attack. In contrast, Trolox has a negligible effect here. Mechanistically, we showed that purpurogallin inhibits urate formation by xanthine oxidase more potently than allopurinol. Also, the compound diminishes formation of superoxide-reduced cytochrome c. Therefore, purpurogallin is a potent protector of ventricular myocytes and aortic endothelial cells, both of which are important cells in the cardiovascular system.Key words: purpurogallin, endothelial cells, myocytes.
Fatty-acyl esters of retinol (vitamin A) in the liver of the harp seal (Phoca groenlandica), hooded seal (Cystophora cristata), and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: Ball Mark D. , Nizzi Christopher P. , Furr Harold C. , Olson James A. , Oftedal Olav T.
Published: December 2009

The fatty-acid composition of retinyl esters in the livers of two species of phocid seal, the harp seal (Phoca groenlandica, n = 20) and the hooded seal (Cystophora cristata, n = 15), and one species of otariid seal, the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus, n = 6), was determined. Vitamin A ranged in concentration from 4 to 1024 nmol retinol/g liver for the phocids and from 381 to 979 nmol/g liver for the otariids. In most of the livers, retinyl palmitate was not the principal ester, and the palmitate + stearate + oleate trio of retinyl esters represented less than 50% of the total. In all samples, the retinyl esters contained 20:1, 20:4, 20:5, and 22:6 in unusually large amounts. Retinyl esters tended to be richer than whole-liver lipids in 20:5 + 22:6, whereas whole-liver lipids were richer in 18:0 and 18:2. Therefore, the pool of acyl donors used for the esterification of retinol may be distinct from that used for other lipids. Birth-to-weaning changes were seen only in the harp seals. In the pups, the hepatic vitamin-A concentration increased 454%, while the proportion of 18:0 and 20:1 in the retinyl esters rose and that of 14:0 + 16:1 and 20:4 fell. Concomitantly, in their mothers, the proportion of 20:4 increased but that of 16:0 and 18:0 decreased.Key words: fatty-acid composition, pinniped liver, retinyl esters, vitamin A.
Mechanisms of placental invasion of the uterus and their control
Authors: Graham Charles H. , Lala Peeyush K.
Published: December 2009

Trophoblast cells of the placenta in many species have acquired mechanisms to invade the uterus, inclusive of its blood vessels, to establish efficient fetomaternal exchange of molecules. This invasion is strictly controlled both spatially and temporally and, in humans, usually continues until midgestation. Key mechanisms underlying various steps in trophoblast invasion are (i) the attachment to the basement membrane, most likely by binding to laminin; (ii) the detachment from the basement membrane matrix, a process requiring the presence of complex-type oligosaccharides on the cell surface; and (iii) the breakdown of basement membrane components, mediated by secretion of metalloproteases (such as type IV collagenases) and serine proteases (plasminogen activator). Activation of trophoblast-derived metalloproteases appears to be plasmin dependent. Trophoblast invasiveness in situ is controlled by the microenvironment, owing to local production of anti-invasive factors by the decidual tissue of the uterus. One of these factors is TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases), which neutralizes metalloproteases in an equimolar ratio. Another is TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β), which has a dual effect: it induces TIMP-1 secretion by the trophoblast and decidual cells and promotes differentiation of invasive trophoblast cells into multinucleated giant cells, which are presumably noninvasive. Thus, TGF-β provides the key control of trophoblast invasiveness in situ. This control is lost in certain choriocarcinomas. In contrast to the response shown by the normal trophoblast, JAR and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell invasiveness does not seem to be inhibited by TGF-β. In fact, in preliminary studies, JAR cells responded to TGF-β by increased invasiveness. The reasons for the differential effects of TGF-β on normal versus malignant trophoblast cell invasiveness are currently under study.Key words: trophoblast, invasion, control, choriocarcinoma, transforming growth factor-β.
Patterning of development in Dictyostelium discoideum: factors regulating growth, differentiation, spore dormancy, and germination
Authors: Cotter David A. , Sands Todd W. , Virdy Kiran J. , North Michael J. , Klein Gérard , Satre Michel
Published: December 2009

Cellular communication dictates all stages of growth and development in the cellular slime molds. Dictyostelium discoideum utilizes a number of signal molecules for cell-to-cell communication, including growth and density factors, cAMP, ammonia, differentiation-inducing factor, discadenine, and spore autoactivator. A source and sink model is presented in which the assimilation of ammonia plays a major role in determining cell fate and pattern formation. This model emphasizes a recycling of ammonia by prespore cells, the accumulation of free hydrophilic and neutral amino acids, and their incorporation into proteins associated with sporulation and (or) germination. If spore cAMP signalling is regulated by the relative concentrations of discadenine and autoactivator, and its disruption triggers the initiation of the spore germination cascade, then the accumulation of intracellular cAMP may be necessary for both sporulation and dormancy maintenance.Key words: Dictyostelium, development, ammonia, cAMP, discadenine, spore autoactivator, differentiation-inducing factor, glutamine, amino acids.
Regulation of gene expression in oncogenically transformed cells
Authors: Dehbi Mohammed , Bédard Pierre-André
Published: December 2009

Several genes expressed in response to growth factors are also regulated aberrantly in oncogenically transformed cells. The constitutive expression of genes encoding extracellular proteases, transcription factors, and cytokines is often correlated with cell transformation. In several instances, the uncontrolled expression of these genes is the result of transcriptional activation. Therefore, much attention has been devoted to the study of promoter function in transformed cells. We now review the results of recent investigations on transformation-dependent gene expression. The activation of several transcription factors in oncogenically- transformed cells is described. Results regarding the regulation of promoters through PRD II/κB are presented for cells transformed by a variety of oncogenes. Finally, we discuss the significance of transcription factor activation in the process of cell transformation.Key words: oncogenes, transcription factors, transformation, pp60v-src.
Examination of the DNA sequence-specific binding properties of heat shock transcription factor in Xenopus laevis embryos
Authors: Karn Heather , Ovsenek Nick , Heikkila John J.
Published: December 2009

The binding of heat shock transcription factor (HSF) to the heat shock element (HSE) is necessary for transcriptional activation of eukaryotic heat shock protein (HSP) genes. The properties of Xenopus embryo HSF were examined by DNA mobility shift analysis employing a synthetic oligonucleotide corresponding to the proximal HSE in the promoter of the Xenopus HSP70B gene. Heat shock induced activation of HSF binding in Xenopus neurulae was not affected by an inhibition of protein synthesis, indicating that the mode of activation may be posttranslational. Also, while HSF binding was activated in control Drosophila cell extracts by in vitro heat shock or other chemical treatments, HSF binding in Xenopus embryo or somatic cell extract was not. Thus, the activation of Xenopus HSE–HSF binding may occur via a different mechanism compared with Drosophila. Furthermore, we determined that the native size of heat-induced HSF in pre- and post-midblastula stage Xenopus embryos is approximately 530 kilodaltons (kDa), which corresponds to a hexamer made up of 88 kDa monomers. Finally, the slower accumulation of HSP70 mRNA to peak levels found at lower heat shock temperatures was not correlated with HSE–HSF binding activity.Key words: Xenopus, heat shock, transcription, midblastula, heat shock factor.
A novel 49-kilodalton protein from Artemia cross-links microtubules in vitro
Authors: Zhang Jianshe , MacRae Thomas H.
Published: December 2009

A 49 kilodalton (kDa) protein, previously proposed to cross-link microtubules, was purified to apparent homogeneity from cell-free extracts of the brine shrimp Artemia. When incubated with tubulin under assembly conditions, the purified 49-kDa protein cross-linked the resulting microtubules. Preformed microtubules were also cross-linked when incubated with the 49-kDa protein. Upon centrifugation through sucrose cushions the 49-kDa protein cosedimented with microtubules, suggesting a stable association between the cross-linking protein and tubulin. Such microtubules were interconnected by particles which were circular, bilobed, or elongated in shape. Disruption of microtubule cross-linking and dissociation of the 49-kDa protein from microtubules occurred in the presence of ATP and 5′-adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMP–PNP), a nonhydrolyzable analogue of ATP. The 49-kDa protein was moderately resistant to heat, it did not stimulate tubulin assembly, and it did not react with antibodies to neural microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and kinesin. These observations indicate that the 49-kDa protein is different from many known MAPs, a conclusion strengthened by the inability of antibodies raised to the 49-kDa protein to recognize these proteins. The amino terminal 15 amino acid residues of the 49-kDa protein were determined by Edman digestion and an antibody raised to this peptide reacted with the 49-kDa protein on Western blots. Microtubule cross-linking was unaffected by the synthetic amino-terminal peptide, even when it was present at a fivefold molar excess over the 49-kDa protein. A search of three protein databanks revealed that the amino terminus of the 49-kDa protein is unique among published sequences. The findings verify our earlier proposal that Artemia contains a 49-kDa microtubule cross-linking protein and demonstrate that it has a novel set of characteristics. The 49-kDa protein has the potential to play an important role in microtubule organization and function.Key words: microtubule cross-linking, microtubule-associated proteins, Artemia.
Regulation of p105weel and p34cdc2 during meiosis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Daya-Makin Maleki , Szankasi Philippe , Tang Liren , MacRae Diana , Pelech Steven L.
Published: December 2009

Temperature-sensitive pat1 mutants of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe can be induced to undergo meiosis at the restrictive temperature, irrespective of the mat1 configuration and the nutritional conditions. Using a combination of exit from stationary phase and thermal inactivation of the 52-kilodalton protein kinase that is encoded by the pat1 (also called ran1) gene, highly synchronous meiotic cultures were obtained. Synthesis and tyrosyl phosphorylation of p34cdc2 was evident during meiotic G1 and S phases. During this period there was increased expression of p105wee1, a protein kinase implicated in the tyrosyl phosphorylation of p34cdc2. Following a relatively brief G2 period, during which a reduction in the steady-state level of p105wee1 occurred, there was an approximately 19-fold increase in the histone H1 phosphotransferase activity of p34cdc2. Only a single peak of histone H1 kinase activation was observed, which implies that unlike meiosis in amphibians and echinoderms, p34cdc2 is functional only during one of the meiotic divisions in S. pombe, presumably meiosis II. Stimulation of the kinase activity of p34cdc2 was associated with its tyrosyl dephosphorylation. This is analogous to mitotic M phase and suggests parallels in the mechanism of activation of p34cdc2 during mitosis and one of the meiotic divisions in S. pombe.Key words: wee1, cdc2, ran1, cell cycle, meiosis.
MSA-35: a protein identified by human autoantibodies that colocalizes with microtubules
Authors: Rattner J. B. , Wang T. , Mack G. , Martin L. , Fritzler M. J.
Published: December 2009

We have identified a putative 35-kilodalton protein that colocalizes with microtubules and displays a unique spatial and temporal distribution during the cell cycle of HeLa cells. This protein has been given the designation MSA-35. MSA-35 first appears in association with microtubules and centrosomes of interphase cells exhibiting centrosome separation as a prelude to cell division. This protein is found in conjunction with kinetochore microtubules throughout their appearance. MSA-35 transiently associates with interpolar microtubules following anaphase and the pattern of MSA-35 reactivity in telophase cells suggests that there are at least seven domains within the intercellular bridge. The distribution of MSA-35 during and following recovery from mitotic arrest with nocodazole suggest that it is also present at low levels in interphase cells, can associate with interphase centrosomes, and colocalizes with nascent microtubules. The complex spatial and temporal distribution of MSA-35 indicates that it may be necessary for a series of events in the mitotic process such as the bundling of microtubules.Key words: mitosis, autoantibodies, spindle.
Functional analysis of the promoter of a sea urchin metallothionein gene
Authors: Cserjesi Peter , Fairley Peter , Brandhorst Bruce P.
Published: December 2009

The 5′-flanking region of the metallothionein (MT) gene LpMT1 of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus includes three copies of a conserved sequence that includes the metal-responsive element (MRE) consensus core sequence required for heavy metal induction of other MT genes, a GC box, a G box of a putative basal level enhancer element which includes another MRE core element, and a poly(C) tract. A fragment of LpMT1 DNA from nucleotides + 31 to −309 fused to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene was inducible with cadmium after injecton into L. pictus embryos. This induced activity was greatly reduced in a deletion mutant which retained only 195 base pairs of 5′-flanking sequence, including the proximal pair of MREs and the G box, but excluding the poly(C) tract, GC box, and distal MRE. A potent human hMT-IIA gene promoter is marginally functional in L. pictus embryos. In contrast, the LpMT1 promoter is active in HeLa cells and in embryos of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. The hMT-IIA gene may lack a cis-acting sequence element required for expression of MT genes in L. pictus embryos. The LpMT1 promoter is a powerful, inducible, promiscuous promoter useful for driving the expression of heterologous genes in sea urchin embryos.Key words: metallothionein, sea urchin, transcriptional regulation, induction by heavy metals, metal regulatory element.
Interrelationships of endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, intermediate filaments, and microtubules—a quadruple fluorescence labeling study
Authors: Soltys Bohdan J. , Gupta Radhey S.
Published: December 2009

To study the interrelationships of endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, we have developed a quadruple fluorescence labeling procedure to visualize all four structures in the same cell. We applied this approach to study cellular organization in control cells and in cells treated with the microtubule drugs vinblastine or taxol. Endoplasmic reticulum was visualized by staining glutaraldehyde-fixed cells with the dye 3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide. After detergent permeabilization, triple immunofluorescence was carried out to specifically visualize mitochondria, vimentin intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Mitochondria in human fibroblasts were found to be highly elongated tubular structures (lengths up to greater than 50 μm), which in many cases were apparently fused to each other. Mitochondria were always observed to be associated with endoplasmic reticulum, although endoplasmic reticulum also existed independently. Intermediate filament distribution could not completely account for endoplasmic reticulum or mitochondrial distributions. Microtubules, however, always codistributed with these organelles. Microtubule depolymerization in vinblastine treated cells resulted in coaggregation of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and in the collapse of intermediate filaments. The spatial distributions of organelles compared with, intermediate filaments were not identical, indicating that attachment of organelles to intermediate filaments was not responsible for organelle aggregation. Mitochondrial associations with endoplasmic reticulum, on the other hand, were retained, indicating this association was stable regardless of endoplasmic reticulum form or microtubules. In taxol-treated cells, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and intermediate filaments were all associated with taxol- stabilized microtubule bundles.Key words: endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, intermediate filaments, microtubules.
The effects of expression of an activated rasG mutation on the differentiation of Dictyostelium
Authors: Thiery Richard , Robbins Steve , Khosla Meenal , Spiegelman George B. , Weeks Gerald
Published: December 2009

Dictyostelium discoideum contains two ras genes, rasG and rasD, that are expressed during growth and differentiation, respectively. It was shown previously that Dictyostelium transformants expressing an activated rasD gene (a mutation producing a change in amino acid 12 from glycine to threonine) developed abnormally. When developed on filters these transformants formed multitipped aggregates, which did not go on to produce final fruiting bodies, but in a submerged culture assay on a plastic surface they either formed small aggregates or did not aggregate. In this study we transformed cells with the rasG gene, mutated to change amino acid 12 from glycine to threonine. The resulting transformants developed normally on filters, but aggregation under other conditions was impaired. In particular, in submerged culture on a plastic surface they either produced very small aggregates or did not aggregate, one of the phenotypes exhibited by the activated rasD transformants. Molecular analysis of the transformants revealed the presence of high copy numbers of the mutated rasG gene, but the level of expression of the mutant gene never exceeded the level of expression of the endogenous gene. These results indicate a powerful dominant effect of a relatively small amount of the activated RasG protein in Dictyostelium.Key words: Dictyostelium, ras genes, activated mutations, growth control.
Toxin resistance and reduced secretion in a mouse L-cell mutant defective in herpes virus propagation
Authors: Michaelis Christine , Banfield Bruce W. , Gruenheid Samantha , Tsang Yvonne , Lippe Roger , Jefferies Wilfred A. , Wattenberg Binks W. , Tufaro Frank
Published: December 2009

The mouse L-cell mutant gro29 was selected originally for its inability to propagate herpes simplex virus; it shows severe defects in virus egress and the transport and processing of viral glycoproteins after infection. In this report, we show that uninfected gro29 cells display pleiotropic changes in protein secretion, oligosaccharide processing, and sensitivity to the toxins ricin and modeccin. Specifically, the rate of secretion of a nonglycosylated protein, human growth hormone, was reduced 70% in gro29 cells compared with the parental L cells. A direct measurement of the transport capacity of Golgi membranes in a cell-free assay suggests that gro29 cells contain less functional Golgi than parental cells. Despite this deficiency, N-linked oligosaccharides were processed efficiently in mutant cells, although there were differences in the structure of the mature forms. Lectin intoxication assays revealed that gro29 cells were cross-resistant to killing by the cytotoxic lectins ricin and modeccin, but not to wheat germ agglutinin, Ricinus communis agglutinin RCA120, or leucoagglutinin. Fluorescence labeling using fluorescein-conjugated lectins showed that uninfected gro29 cells expressed relatively few ricin-binding molecules, suggesting a possible mechanism for toxin resistance. These studies provide evidence that the processes of protein secretion, lectin intoxication, and herpes virus maturation and egress may share a common cellular component.Key words: ricin, modeccin, herpes, secretion, glycoproteins.
Ras modulates commitment and maturation of 10T½ fibroblasts to adipocytes
Authors: Lu Ying , Anderson Steve , Corbley Michael J. , Zhou Yu-Chun , Pross Hugh , Haliotis Tina
Published: December 2009

The positive association of the ras oncogene with human cancer and the recognition that malignancy may, in part, represent the imbalance between cell proliferation and differentiation have generated intense interest in the potential role of ras in cell differentiation. We investigated this possibility utilizing as a model system the differentiation of the mesenchymal cell line C3H 10T½ (10T½) to adipocytes, and a series of transfectants of 10T½ cells in which the level of the ras gene product (p21ras; Ras) can be effectively up- or down-modulated. In agreement with previous reports, we found that 10T½ cultures, propagated in the resting state for several weeks, spontaneously convert to fat cells at a very low frequency. Downmodulation of endogenous p21ras levels, as a consequence of expression of antisense ras, markedly increased the rapidity and frequency of adipose conversion (6- to 10-fold), which was equivalent in magnitude to that effected by the potent differentiating agent 5-azacytidine. Conversely, overexpression of ras completely inhibited cell differentiation. In addition, adipocytes derived from antisense-ras expressing lines were characterized by a decrease in hormone responsiveness, as well as an apparent deficiency in attaining the terminally differentiated state. These findings suggest that Ras may be a negative regulator of the decision-making step of fibroblast differentiation to adipocytes. In addition, Ras may play an essential positive role in the transduction of hormonal signals necessary for full adipocytic maturation during later progression along the differentiation pathway.Key words: ras protooncogene, cell differentiation, signal transduction, insulin, adipocytes.
hsp80 of Neurospora crassa: cDNA cloning, gene mapping, and studies of mRNA accumulation under stress
Authors: Roychowdhury H. S. , Wong D. , Kapoor M.
Published: December 2009

Using mRNA isolated from Neurospora crassa mycelium, grown for 14 h at normal growth temperature of 28 °C, and heat shocked for 1 h at 48 °C, a cDNA library was prepared in the expression vector λgt11. Following immunoscreening of this library with a polyclonal antiserum raised against a 80-kilodalton heat-shock protein (HSP80), cDNA clones containing 1.1- and 1.4-kilobase inserts were selected. Analysis of the partial nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA clones revealed a remarkable extent of homology with other eukaryotic stress-90 family proteins; 85% identity of the amino acid sequence with that of yeast HSP90(82) was seen. The C-terminal end of the sequence contained the MEEVD motif, characteristic of eukaryotic stress proteins with a predominantly cytosolic localization. The gene for N. crassa HSP80 was mapped to the right arm of linkage group V, using restriction fragment length polymorphism mapping. Its expression during heat shock and recovery was monitored by probing Northern blots of RNA isolated from mycelium grown under various stress conditions.Key words: stress-90, Neurospora, cDNA, restriction fragment length polymorphisms.
Overexpression of SPARC in stably transfected F9 cells mediates attachment and spreading in Ca2+-deficient medium
Authors: Everitt Elizabeth A. , Sage E. Helene
Published: December 2009

The Ca2+-binding protein SPARC is one of a group of proteins that function in vitro to promote the rounding of cells. To assess whether the modulation of cell shape by SPARC is affected by extracellular Ca2+, we used F9 cell lines that had been stably transfected with sense or antisense SPARC DNA. Sense-transfected (S) lines that overexpress SPARC are aggregated and rounded, whereas antisense (AS) lines that express low levels of the protein are flat and spread. We tested whether the cell lines would exhibit these altered morphologies in Ca2+ -deficient media. When cultured under these conditions, S lines attached and spread, whereas AS lines attached but remained round, with no subsequent spreading. Addition of CaCl2 or purified SPARC to the Ca2+-deficient medium resulted in spreading of the AS and control lines and a reappearance of the altered morphologies. Expression of the Ca2+-binding cadherin uvomorulin by the cell lines correlated with neither their morphology nor their level of SPARC expression. We conclude that the altered phenotypes of the transected lines reflect, in part, the concentration of extracellular Ca2+ and that the spreading exhibited by the S lines under Ca2+-deficient conditions is directly related to their enhanced expression of SPARC. SPARC might, therefore, mediate interactions between cells and matrix that are permissive for adhesion when levels of extracellular Ca2+ are diminished.Key words: adhesion, cell shape, extracellular matrix, SPARC.
Protein synthesis in different cell lines infected with orthoreovirus serotype 3: inhibition of host-cell protein synthesis correlates with accelerated viral multiplication and cell killing
Authors: Danis Carole , Lemay Guy
Published: December 2009

In this study, we examined the viral multiplication of human reovirus serotype 3 in mammalian cell lines of different species and tissue origins. All cell lines supported viral multiplication to a similar extent, although the kinetics was significantly different in some of these lines. The appearance of infectious virus was delayed in few cell lines. These cell lines also exhibited a much slower rate of cell killing, and in contrast to the others, did not exhibit an inhibition of the synthesis of host-cell proteins. We conclude that the inhibition correlates with rapid cell killing and viral multiplication, while being unrelated to efficient total viral production.Key words: reovirus, protein synthesis inhibition, viral multiplication, cytopathic effects.