bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient retrovirus-mediated transfer and expression of a human adenosine deaminase gene in diploid skin fibroblasts from an adenosine deaminase-deficient human.
Authors: Palmer T D , Hock R A , Osborne W R , Miller A D
Published: May 2006

Skin fibroblasts might be considered suitable recipients for therapeutic genes to cure several human genetic diseases; however, these cells are resistant to gene transfer by most methods. We have studied the ability of retroviral vectors to transfer genes into normal human diploid skin fibroblasts. Retroviruses carrying genes for neomycin or hygromycin B resistance conferred drug resistance to greater than 50% of the human fibroblasts after a single exposure to virus-containing medium. This represents at least a 500-fold increase in efficiency over other methods. Transfer was achieved in the absence of helper virus by using amphotropic retrovirus-packaging cells. A retrovirus vector containing a human adenosine deaminase (ADA) cDNA was constructed and used to infect ADA-fibroblasts from a patient with ADA deficiency. The infected cells produced 12-fold more ADA enzyme than fibroblasts from normal individuals and were able to rapidly metabolize exogenous deoxyadenosine and adenosine, metabolites that accumulate in plasma in ADA-deficient patients and are responsible for the severe combined immunodeficiency in these patients. These experiments indicate the potential of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer into human fibroblasts for gene therapy.
On the lognormality of rain rate
Authors: Kedem Benjamin , Chiu Long S.
Published: May 2006

A stochastic regression model is used in modeling rain rate. Under some conditions on the model parameters, it is shown that rain rate is asymptotically lognormal. An application of the model to the GATE (global atmospheric research program, Atlantic tropical experiment) data shows a remarkable agreement between the assumed and estimated model parameters for rain rate averaged over sufficiently large area and a sampling interval of 15 min.
Cloning and purification of a unique lysozyme produced by Bacillus phage phi 29.
Authors: Saedi M S , Garvey K J , Ito J
Published: May 2006

A DNA fragment of the bacteriophage phi 29 chromosome, encoding the entire sequence of phi 29 gene 15, has been cloned into the Escherichia coli expression vector pPLc245 under the control of the phage lambda major leftward promoter, PL. Upon heat induction, a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 26 kDa was overproduced. The molecular mass of this protein corresponds to the 28 kDa predicted for the product of gene 15 from its nucleotide sequence. The overproduced protein has been purified to near homogeneity and confirmed to be the product of gene 15 by amino acid sequence analysis of its N terminus. The purified product of gene 15 has a lysozyme activity similar to other phage-type lysozymes: products of phage T4 gene e and of phage P22 gene 19. However, to our knowledge phi 29 lysozyme is structurally unique among the phage-type lysozymes.
Developmental acquisition of DNase I sensitivity of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) gene in rat liver.
Authors: Benvenisty N , Reshef L
Published: May 2006

The sensitivity to DNase I digestion of the gene encoding rat phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) (EC 4.1.1.32) was assessed during development and prior to the onset of expression. This gene is resistant to DNase I digestion in nuclei isolated from livers of 19-day rat fetuses. Gradual acquisition of sensitivity of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene, which starts later than the 19th day of gestation and is completed by the 21st day, occurs before initiation of gene expression. As transcription of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene is not detected until birth, the events observed may represent a shift from a dormant to an active gene. Injection of N6,O2-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate into fetuses on the 19th day of gestation induces gene expression and sensitivity to DNase I digestion within 3 hr of treatment. While this short treatment does not affect the methylation pattern of the gene, longer treatment of fetuses (2 days) with dibutyryl-cAMP results in premature hypomethylation of the gene. A hierarchy of modifications of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene during development is discussed.
Hepatitis B surface antigen gene expression is regulated by sex steroids and glucocorticoids in transgenic mice.
Authors: Farza H , Salmon A M , Hadchouel M , Moreau J L , Babinet C , Tiollais P , Pourcel C
Published: May 2006

We have investigated the basis for liver-specific and sex-linked expression of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) gene in transgenic mice by monitoring the level of liver HBsAg mRNA and serum HBsAg at different stages of development and in response to sex-hormone regulation. Transcription of the HBsAg gene starts at day 15 of development, together with that of the albumin gene, and reaches a comparable level at birth. HBsAg mRNA level and HBsAg production are parallel in males and females during prenatal development and until the first month of life, but HBsAg gene expression increases 5-10 times in males at puberty. After castration, the level of expression decreases dramatically in both males and females and is subsequently increased by injection of testosterone or estradiol. Glucocorticoids also regulated positively expression of the HBsAg gene. Our results suggest that sex hormones play a role in hepatitis B virus gene expression during natural infection and could explain the difference in incidence of chronic carriers between men and women.
Phase transitions in sequence matches and nucleic acid structure.
Authors: Waterman M S , Gordon L , Arratia R
Published: May 2006

Analyses of phase transitions in biopolymers have previously been restricted to studies of average behavior along macromolecules. Extremal properties, such as longest helical region, can now be studied with a new family of probability distributions [Arratia, R., Gordon, L. & Waterman, M. S. (1986) Ann. Stat. 14, 971-993]. Not only is such extremal behavior analyzed with great precision, but new phase transitions are determined. One phase transition occurs when behavior of the free energy of the longest helical region abruptly changes from proportional to sequence length. The annealing of two single-stranded molecules and the melting of a double helix are both considered. These results, initially suggested by studies of optimal matching of random DNA sequences [Smith, T. F., Waterman, M. S. & Burks, C. (1985) Nucleic Acids Res. 13, 645-656], also have importance for significance tests in comparison of nucleic acid or protein sequences.
Antigen-receptor interaction requirement for conjugate formation and lethal-hit triggering by cytotoxic T lymphocytes can be bypassed by protein kinase C activators and Ca2+ ionophores.
Authors: Berrebi G , Takayama H , Sitkovsky M V
Published: May 2006

We show that phorbol esters and Ca2+ ionophores can trigger the lysis of nonantigen-bearing target cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This effect obviates the requirement for antigen-receptor-mediated recognition of the antigen; the intensity of lysis is dose and Ca2+ dependent and requires contact between cytotoxic T lymphocytes and target cells. Using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter to enumerate cytotoxic T lymphocyte-target cell conjugates, we show that phorbol esters at concentrations that triggered lysis of non-antigen-bearing target cells also increased the number of stable conjugates with these target cells. The results point to the importance of the antigen-nonspecific engagements of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in immunologic surveillance. The data also show that the linkage between the T-cell receptor and antigen is not mandatory for conjugate formation, for the strengthening of conjugates, and for lysis.
Requirement for d(GATC) sequences in Escherichia coli mutHLS mismatch correction.
Authors: Lahue R S , Su S S , Modrich P
Published: May 2006

The involvement of d(GATC) sequences in Escherichia coli DNA mismatch correction was ascertained by analyzing in vitro repair efficiencies of a series of related, covalently closed circular DNA heteroduplexes that contained from zero to four d(GATC) sites. A heteroduplex with four d(GATC) sites was repaired with high efficiency by extracts of E. coli, whereas no significant correction occurred on a closely related molecule lacking such sequences. Heteroduplexes containing one or two d(GATC) sites were corrected at rates between 10% and 93% of that observed for the four-site molecule, but repair efficiency did not correlate in a simple way with the number of sites present. The methylation state at a single d(GATC) sequence was sufficient to direct strandedness of repair, and correction of heteroduplexes containing one or more d(GATC) sites required functional mutH, mutL, and mutS gene products. In addition, DNA repair synthesis dependent on mutH and mutS also required the presence of at least one d(GATC) site. Although mismatch correction was not observed on a covalently closed circular heteroduplex lacking a d(GATC) sequence, such molecules were subject to strand-specific repair if they contained a strand-specific single-strand break. However, this correction reaction did not require mutH, mutL, mutS, or uvrD gene products. Consequently, we have concluded that d(GATC) sequences are directly involved in mismatch correction mediated by the mutHLS system.
Mitotic recombination between homologous chromosomes generates H-2 somatic cell variants in vitro.
Authors: Potter T A , Zeff R A , Frankel W , Rajan T V
Published: May 2006

A spontaneously arising variant clone that does not express the H-2Dd and H-2Ld molecules was isolated by immunoselection from an (H-2b X H-2d)F1 cell line. This variant clone expresses H-2Kb, H-2Db, and H-2Kd molecules. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that the variant was heterozygous at the H-2K, I, and S loci but had lost the H-2Dd and H-2Ld genes. Karyotype analysis showed that neither of the chromosome 17s in the variant had undergone detectable deletions. Quantitative Southern blot analysis demonstrated that the variant had two copies of the H-2Db gene, whereas the parental cell line had one copy of H-2Db. The loss of the H-2Ld and H-2Dd genes, accompanied by the attainment of homozygosity at H-2Db, is consistent with a recombination between the two chromosome 17 homologues. We conclude that although mitotic recombination between homologues has been difficult to demonstrate, it may not be infrequent and may account for the development of mutant genotypes in somatic cells in vitro. Such a mechanism occurring in vivo could result in the emergence of cells that are homozygous for deleterious alleles even though the individual may be constitutionally heterozygous.
Algebraic complexities and algebraic curves over finite fields
Authors: Chudnovsky D. V. , Chudnovsky G. V.
Published: May 2006

We consider the problem of minimal (multiplicative) complexity of polynomial multiplication and multiplication in finite extensions of fields. For infinite fields minimal complexities are known [Winograd, S. (1977)
Math. Syst. Theory
10, 169-180]. We prove lower and upper bounds on minimal complexities over finite fields, both linear in the number of inputs, using the relationship with linear coding theory and algebraic curves over finite fields.
Deduced primary structure of the beta subunit of brain type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase determined by molecular cloning.
Authors: Bennett M K , Kennedy M B
Published: May 2006

cDNA clones coding for the beta subunit of rat brain type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase were isolated and sequenced. The clones, including one containing the entire coding region, hybridize at high stringency to a single band of poly(A)+ RNA of length 4.8 kilobases. The subunit coded for by the clones was identified by in vitro transcription of the cDNA followed by translation of the resulting RNA. The DNA sequence of the clones contains a single long open reading frame (1626 nucleotides) coding for a protein of 542 amino acids with a molecular weight of 60,333, the amino-terminal half of which is homologous to several other protein kinases. Potential ATP- and calmodulin-binding domains were identified. Two independent clones contain an identical 45-nucleotide deletion, relative to the clones described above, resulting in a shorter open reading frame coding for a protein of molecular weight 58,000. This suggests that the minor, 58-kDa beta' subunit of the type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase may be synthesized on a separate message.
Platelet-derived growth factor stimulates phagocytosis and blocks agonist-induced activation of the neutrophil oxidative burst: a possible cellular mechanism to protect against oxygen radical damage.
Authors: Wilson E , Laster S M , Gooding L R , Lambeth J D
Published: May 2006

The effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on agonist-induced activation of the superoxide-generating oxidative burst in human neutrophils was tested. PDGF had no effect on the resting level of superoxide generation but inhibited both the rate and the extent of fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated superoxide production in a dose-dependent manner. The concentration required to inhibit the response by 50% was 95 +/- 26 pM (n = 10). PDGF also blocked activation by other receptor-mediated agonists such as the complement protein C5a and opsonized zymosan, but not by phorbol myristate acetate or arachidonate, both of which may act at postreceptor sites. The growth factor, however, had no effect on the binding of fMet-Leu-Phe to its receptor. PDGF in concentrations that blocked the oxidative burst stimulated phagocytosis of opsonized latex particles. Thus, PDGF functions as a heterologous "down-regulator" of receptor-mediated activation of the neutrophil oxidative burst and an activator of phagocytosis. A model for a feedback regulatory loop between platelets and neutrophils is proposed.
Energy barriers in binding of carbon monoxide and oxygen to heme model compounds.
Authors: Tetreau C , Lavalette D , Momenteau M , Lhoste J M
Published: May 2006

Binding of carbon monoxide and oxygen to sterically protected heme model compounds (basket-handle porphyrins) was investigated in liquid toluene at temperatures from 180 to 300 K by laser flash photolysis. Only a single exponential rebinding process from the solvent could be seen in the time range of 20 nsec to milliseconds. The fraction of ligands that initially escaped into the solvent decreased when the temperature was lowered, and the Arrhenius plots for the rebinding rate coefficients were found to deviate significantly from linearity. These findings suggest that protected heme model compounds might react according to a double energy-barrier scheme. In contrast, the reaction of an unprotected porphyrin can be described by a single energy barrier.
Ultrastructural localization of a platelet-derived growth factor/v-sis-related protein(s) in cytoplasm and nucleus of simian sarcoma virus-transformed cells.
Authors: Yeh H J , Pierce G F , Deuel T F
Published: May 2006

The subcellular distribution of v-sis-related protein(s) was analyzed in three simian sarcoma virus (SSV)-transformed cell lines with immunofluorescence and protein A-gold labeling techniques using rabbit polyclonal anti-platelet-derived-growth factor (PDGF) antisera. Antigenically reactive proteins were recognized in subcellular organelles related to protein synthesis and processing, including polyribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus, as well as on the cytoplasmic surface of plasma membranes. Prominent immunoreactive proteins were also shown in association with nuclear chromatin in intact cells and in isolated nuclei using Lowicryl K4M resin embedding techniques. Protein A-gold labeling was markedly reduced in sections of non-SSV-transformed fibroblasts incubated with anti-PDGF and absent from SSV-transformed cells if Epon resin was substituted for Lowicryl in the embedding process or if sections were with irrelevant antisera. Nuclear localization of v-sis-related antigens was confirmed in a nitrocellulose-based immunoassay using nuclei isolated from SSV-transformed fibroblasts. Thus, polypeptides recognized antigenically as related to the v-sis gene product not only may be found in subcellular organelles associated with protein synthesis and packaging but also may be found in the nucleus of SSV-transformed cells. These results raise the possibility that v-sis- or PDGF-like proteins may function within the nucleus of SSV-transformed cells.
Cloning and characterization of a female genital complex cDNA from the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica.
Authors: Zurita M , Bieber D , Ringold G , Mansour T E
Published: May 2006

A cDNA clone whose RNA is abundant in the female genital complex of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica has been isolated from a cDNA library in lambda gt10 by differential screening. The pattern of expression in different fluke tissues and at different stages of miracidium formation suggests that this gene is expressed in the F. hepatica vitelleria. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned cDNA was determined and the primary structure of the putative protein was deduced. The proposed protein is rich in glycine, lysine, and tyrosine and its overall amino acid composition agrees with that reported for the F. hepatica egg shell. The clone has homology with DNA from other trematodes; this homology is higher in organisms in which egg development is similar to that of F. hepatica and suggests that the protein is conserved in organisms in which miracidium formation occurs in fresh water.
The cytolytic protein of human lymphocytes related to the ninth component (C9) of human complement: isolation from anti-CD3-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Authors: Zalman L S , Martin D E , Jung G , Müller-Eberhard H J
Published: May 2006

A 70-kDa channel-forming protein has recently been isolated from human large granular lymphocytes maintained in interleukin-2-dependent culture. The protein was shown to be immunochemically related to the ninth component of complement (C9) and was therefore designated C9-related protein (C9RP). Using the procedure that was developed for the isolation of C9RP from large granular lymphocytes--i.e., affinity chromatography employing anti-human C9 linked to Sepharose, a cytolytic protein has now been isolated from OKT3-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Nineteen to 40 micrograms of active protein was obtained from 1 X 10(9) human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after the cells were cultured for 3 days with OKT3 (monoclonal antibody to cell surface antigen T3). During this period, a marked increment occurred in the amount of the cytotoxic protein contained per cell, indicating that OKT3 induced de novo synthesis of the protein. By NaDodSO4/PAGE the molecular mass was determined to be 70 kDa. By ELISA the isolated protein and C9RP of large granular lymphocytes reacted to the same extent with anti-C9RP. Using K-562 or M21 human melanoma cells as targets, the cytotoxic activity of the isolated protein, in the presence of 5 mM Ca2+, was comparable to that of C9RP. The same cytolytic protein was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells that were depleted of CD16+ cells prior to OKT3 activation and that consisted primarily of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. These results suggest that the cytolytic protein of OKT3-activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes is identical with C9RP of interleukin-2-stimulated large granular lymphocytes.
Effect of endotoxin-induced monokines on glucose metabolism in the muscle cell line L6.
Authors: Lee M D , Zentella A , Vine W , Pekala P H , Cerami A
Published: May 2006

Exposure of fully differentiated L6 myotubes to a crude monokine preparation from endotoxin-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells resulted in a rapid and substantial (70%) increase in fructose 2,6-bisphosphate concentration coincident with a depletion of cellular glycogen and an increased lactate production. During the time required for glycogen depletion (3 hr), stimulation of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose and 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake was initiated and observed to reach a maximum enhancement of 200% 12-15 hr later. The monokine had no effect on the Km value for 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake (1.1 mM), while Vmax was increased from 912 to 2400 pmol/min per mg of protein. The increase was cytochalasin B inhibitable and was dependent on protein synthesis. Photoaffinity labeling and equilibrium binding studies with [3H]cytochalasin B support the hypothesis that this increase in hexose transport was due to an increase in hexose transporters present in the plasma membrane. Purified recombinant interleukin-1 alpha had no effect on hexose transport, whereas purified recombinant cachetin/tumor necrosis factor did stimulate hexose uptake, with half-maximal stimulation occurring at 36 nM. Although cachetin accounts for most of the biological activity associated with the crude monokine preparations, it is not the only monokine capable of inducing glucose transport in L6 cells. Specific immunoabsorption of cachectin/tumor necrosis factor from the crude monokine preparation revealed a monokine that had a similar bioactivity at extremely low concentrations on L6 cells.
Characterization of a Na+/H+ antiporter gene of Escherichia coli.
Authors: Goldberg E B , Arbel T , Chen J , Karpel R , Mackie G A , Schuldiner S , Padan E
Published: May 2006

A mutant of Escherichia coli with increased Na+/H+ antiport activity was isolated and found by other workers to harbor two mutations [Niiya, S., Yamasaki, K., Wilson, T.H. & Tsuchiya, T. (1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 8902-8906]. The mutation that leads to increased Na+/H+ antiport (antup) has now been separated and mapped. antup maps in the vicinity of 0.5 min on the E. coli map, and the presence of this mutation alone in an isogenic pair raises antiport activity (Vmax) by approximately 4-fold. We also characterized cells hearing plasmids containing fragments of a 15-kilobase-pair segment of DNA between carA and dnaJ. A wild-type gene located within 2 kilobase pairs counterclockwise of rpsT increases the Na+/H+ antiport activity when present in multiple copies.
Effects of DNA supercoiling on the topological properties of nucleosomes.
Authors: Garner M M , Felsenfeld G , O'Dea M H , Gellert M
Published: May 2006

In the nucleosome core particle, at least 145 base pairs of DNA are bound to the histone octamer in a superhelical conformation. We have asked what effect the presence of these particles has on the ability of DNA gyrase to supercoil DNA. Synthetic minichromosomes, constructed by reconstituting complexes of core histones with the closed circular plasmid pBR322, were treated with various amounts of DNA gyrase. We have found that the maximum level of supercoiling that is attainable is nearly identical for protein-free plasmids and for plasmids half-saturated with core histones, even though supercoiling does not result in a loss of histones from the complex. It appears that, at sufficiently high levels of supercoiling, the core particle is disrupted in such a way that the DNA bound to histones is no longer constrained.
A common positive trans-acting factor binds to enhancer sequences in the promoters of mouse H-2 and beta 2-microglobulin genes.
Authors: Israël A , Kimura A , Kieran M , Yano O , Kanellopoulos J , Le Bail O , Kourilsky P
Published: May 2006

Using gel retardation and in vitro "footprinting", we have analyzed the interactions between nuclear proteins derived from various mouse cells and the enhancer and interferon response sequences of the H-2Kb gene. We have found that a protein factor binds a site in the enhancer sequence that partially overlaps the interferon response sequence. This factor also binds to a similar sequence lying in the opposite orientation in the promoter of the mouse beta 2-microglobulin gene, suggesting a common regulatory mechanism. Transfection competition experiments indicate that this factor acts as a positive element in the expression of H-2 and beta 2-microglobulin genes.
Building a multichain receptor: synthesis, degradation, and assembly of the T-cell antigen receptor.
Authors: Minami Y , Weissman A M , Samelson L E , Klausner R D
Published: May 2006

The murine T-cell antigen receptor consists of at least seven chains and six different proteins. The two clonotypic chains alpha and beta are glycoproteins of 40-45 kDa present as a disulfide-linked heterodimer. Four clonally invariant chains include delta (a 26-kDa glycoprotein), gamma (a 21-kDa glycoprotein), epsilon (a 25-kDa protein), and zeta (a 16-kDa protein). zeta is found in the complex as a disulfide-linked homodimer. The clonotypic chains and the invariant chains form a noncovalent complex on the cell surface. We have developed antibodies against each of the chains and used them to examine the assembly of the mature complex in the murine antigen-specific T-cell hybridoma 2B4. Pulse-chase studies of metabolically labeled cells demonstrate that many of the chains are synthesized in great excess over the amount assembled into the mature complex. These excess chains, either as free components or as partially assembled complexes, are rapidly degraded. This degradation most likely takes place in the lysosomes. The complete complex is quite stable with a long half-life. A specific hierarchy of partially assembled complexes can be discerned.
Replacement of the cytoplasmic domain alters sorting of a viral glycoprotein in polarized cells.
Authors: Puddington L , Woodgett C , Rose J K
Published: May 2006

The envelope glycoprotein (G protein) of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is transported to the basolateral plasma membrane of polarized epithelial cells, whereas the hemagglutinin glycoprotein (HA protein) of influenza virus is transported to the apical plasma membrane. To determine if the cytoplasmic domain of VSV G protein might be important in directing G protein to the basolateral membrane, we derived polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cell lines expressing G protein or G protein with its normal cytoplasmic domain replaced with the cytoplasmic domain from an influenza HA protein (GHA protein). Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy showed that G protein was present primarily on basolateral surfaces, whereas the GHA protein was present on the apical and basolateral membranes. These results suggest that the cytoplasmic domain can be an important determinant directing polarized expression of an integral membrane protein.
Regulation of gene expression by ethylene during Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) fruit development.
Authors: Lincoln J E , Cordes S , Read E , Fischer R L
Published: May 2006

We have investigated the regulation of gene expression by the plant hormone ethylene by cloning mRNAs that accumulate in unripe tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum) exposed to exogenous ethylene. The response to exogenous ethylene is rapid; within 30-120 min we detect an increase in the cloned mRNA concentrations. DNA sequence analysis indicates that one of the ethylene-inducible genes is related to a gene encoding wound-inducible proteinase inhibitor I. We have measured ethylene production during fruit development and detect low basal levels in unripe fruit and much higher levels in ripening fruit. Blot hybridization experiments show that expression of the cloned genes is developmentally regulated by ethylene during fruit ripening: the mRNAs produced by these genes are more abundant in ripe fruit than in unripe fruit, and this mRNA accumulation is repressed by a competitive inhibitor of ethylene action, norbornadiene. However, during fruit development some of the cloned mRNAs begin to accumulate when ethylene production is at a basal level, whereas other mRNAs begin to accumulate later when the endogenous ethylene concentration increases, suggesting that gene expression during fruit development can be activated by ethylene in two ways. In some cases gene expression is primarily activated by an increase in sensitivity to basal ethylene levels, whereas in other cases it may be regulated by an increase in ethylene concentration.
A segment of GCN4 mRNA containing the upstream AUG codons confers translational control upon a heterologous yeast transcript.
Authors: Mueller P P , Harashima S , Hinnebusch A G
Published: May 2006

GCN4 encodes a transcriptional activator in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is regulated at the translational level. We show that an approximately 240-nucleotide segment from the GCN4 mRNA leader containing four AUG codons is sufficient to confer translational control typical of GCN4 upon a GAL1-lacZ fusion transcript. Regulation of the hybrid transcript is dependent upon multiple positive (GCN) and negative (GCD) trans-acting factors shown to regulate GCN4 expression post-transcriptionally. This result limits the target sequences for these factors to a small internal segment of the GCN4 mRNA leader. The elimination of AUG codons within this segment substantially reduces the usual derepressing effect of mutations in five GCD genes upon GCN4-lacZ expression. This supports the idea that the products of these negative regulatory genes act by modulating the effects of the upstream AUG codons on translation of GCN4 mRNA.
Intracellular human gamma-interferon triggers an antiviral state in transformed murine L cells.
Authors: Sancéau J , Sondermeyer P , Béranger F , Falcoff R , Vaquero C
Published: May 2006

Interaction of human gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) with a cell-surface receptor is known to be essential for the cell to become resistant to viral infection. Here we demonstrate that IFN-gamma, when present inside the cell, is also capable of inducing a permanent antiviral state. Mouse cells transformed with a truncated human cDNA encoding a mature IFN-gamma protein lacking the signal peptide accumulate high levels of intracellular human IFN-gamma. Not only do these cells acquire a permanent resistance to viral infection, they also exhibit all the biochemical characteristics normally observed after exposure to exogenous IFN. The observed loss of species specificity normally associated with IFN-gamma suggests that this restriction is strictly dependent on the interaction of the molecule with the cell-surface receptor.
Antiviral activity of mismatched double-stranded RNA against human immunodeficiency virus in vitro.
Authors: Montefiori D C , Mitchell W M
Published: May 2006

The biological response modifier r(I)n.r(C12-U)n, referred to here as mismatched double-stranded (ds) RNA, was examined for antihuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity in vitro because of its known antiviral activity and ability to induce interferon (IFN) in other biological systems [Carter, W. A., Strayer, D. R., Hubbell, H. R. & Brodsky, I. (1985) J. Biol. Response Modif. 4, 495-502]. We found that cultures of the highly HIV-permissive T-cell line C3 were afforded significant protection from HIV infection when incubated in growth media supplemented with mismatched dsRNA at 10-50 micrograms/ml prior to virus challenge. Similar results were obtained at 50 micrograms of mismatched dsRNA per ml in cultures of the T-lymphoblastoid cell line CEM. Infections were monitored by indirect immunofluorescence of cells for viral p24 antigen expression, reverse transcriptase activity in culture fluids for virus production, and vital dye uptake for cytopathic effect. Antiviral activity was increased by the continued presence of mismatched dsRNA in cultures following virus challenge. A one-time exposure to mismatched dsRNA (50 micrograms/ml) provided greater antiviral activity than either a one-time exposure to recombinant IFN-alpha [250 international units (IU)/ml], IFN-beta (250 IU/ml), or IFN-gamma (50 IU/ml) in cultures of CEM cells, or a one-time exposure to a combination of all three IFNs (150 IU each per ml) in cultures of C3 cells. Mismatched dsRNA at 50 micrograms/ml had no effect on cell division, RNA and protein synthesis, or virus replication in all T-cell lines examined. A clear distinction between the activities of mismatched dsRNA and IFN was the ability of IFN to suppress the in vitro replication of HIV that occurred at IFN concentrations (150 IU each of alpha, beta, and gamma per ml) that provided less antiviral activity than mismatched dsRNA (50 micrograms/ml). The results of these in vitro studies suggest a potential therapeutic value for mismatched dsRNA in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Cloning and sequence analysis of cDNAs for neurohypophysial hormones vasotocin and mesotocin for the hypothalamus of toad, Bufo japonicus.
Authors: Nojiri H , Ishida I , Miyashita E , Sato M , Urano A , Deguchi T
Published: May 2006

The primary structures of the precursors of neurohypophysial hormones vasotocin (VT) and mesotocin (MT) in the hypothalamus of the toad Bufo japonicus were determined by analyzing the nucleotide sequences of the cloned cDNAs encoding them. The MT precursor consists of 125 amino acid residues containing a signal peptide followed directly by MT, which in turn is connected to the MT neurophysin by Gly-Lys-Arg, a processing and carboxyl-terminal amidation signal. In contrast, the VT precursor includes a glycoprotein of 36 amino acids following the VT neurophysin. Except for glycoprotein, the structures of MT and VT precursors are quite similar. RNA transfer blotting analysis showed that both MT and VT mRNAs are present in the brain but not in the liver, ovaries, and testes of the toad. The sequences and the structural organizations of the MT and VT precursors are highly homologous to those of their mammalian counterparts, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin precursors, respectively. This fact suggests that, in the evolutionary pathway of neurohypophysial hormones, VT is the ancestor molecule of vasopressin, while MT is that of oxytocin.
Low density lipoprotein receptor-independent hepatic uptake of a synthetic, cholesterol-scavenging lipoprotein: implications for the treatment of receptor-deficient atherosclerosis.
Authors: Williams K J , Vallabhajosula S , Rahman I U , Donnelly T M , Parker T S , Weinrauch M , Goldsmith S J
Published: May 2006

The metabolism of infused 111In-labeled phospholipid liposomes was examined in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits, which lack low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, and in normal control rabbits. The half-times (t1/2) for clearance of 111In and excess phospholipid from plasma were 20.8 +/- 0.9 hr and 20.3 +/- 4.6 hr in WHHL and 20.0 +/- 0.8 hr and 19.6 +/- 2.2 hr in the normal rabbits (means +/- SEM; n = 4). By 6 hr postinfusion, the plasma concentration of unesterified cholesterol increased by 2.2 +/- 0.23 mmol/liter in WHHL and 2.1 +/- 0.04 mmol/liter in normal rabbits, presumably reflecting mobilization of tissue stores. Disappearance of excess plasma cholesterol was greater than 90% complete in both groups of rabbits by 70 hr postinfusion. By quantitative gamma camera imaging, hepatic trapping of 111In-labeled liposomes over time was indistinguishable between the two groups. At autopsy, the liver was the major organ of clearance, acquiring 22.0% +/- 1.7% (WHHL) and 16.8% +/- 1.0% (normal of total 111In. Aortic uptake of 111In was less than 0.02%. Thus, mobilization of cholesterol and hepatic uptake of phospholipid liposomes do not require LDL receptors. Because phospholipid infusions produce rapid substantial regression of atherosclerosis in genetically normal animals, our results suggest that phospholipid liposomes or triglyceride phospholipid emulsions (e.g., Intralipid) might reduce atherosclerosis in WHHL rabbits and in humans with familial hypercholesterolemia.
Phosphorylation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor from rabbit reticulocytes regulates its activity in polypeptide chain initiation.
Authors: Dholakia J N , Wahba A J
Published: May 2006

We have demonstrated that the purified guanine nine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) may be isolated as a complex with NADPH. Complete inhibition of the GEF-catalyzed exchange of eukaryotic initiation factor 2-bound GDP for GTP was observed in the presence of either 0.5-0.75 mM NAD+ or NADP+. Incubation of GEF with ATP results in the phosphorylation of its Mr 82,000 polypeptide. This phosphorylation is strongly inhibited by heparin but is not affected by heme or H8 (N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide dihydrochloride), an inhibitor of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases and protein kinase C. The purification of GEF was modified to eliminate any contaminating kinase activity and the isolated protein appears to be homogeneous as judged by NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. The Mr 82,000 subunit of GEF is phosphorylated only upon addition of ATP and casein kinase II. The extent of phosphorylation is approximately equal to 0.55 mol of phosphate per mol of GEF, and this results in a 2.3-fold increase in the guanine nucleotide exchange activity. Following treatment of the phosphorylated GEF with alkaline phosphatase, the activity of the protein is reduced by a factor of 5. Rephosphorylation of GEF increases its specific activity to that of the phosphorylated protein. The results of this study suggest that phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of GEF plays a role in regulating polypeptide chain initiation.
Physiological importance of the heterodisulfide of coenzyme M and 7-mercaptoheptanoylthreonine phosphate in the reduction of carbon dioxide to methane in Methanobacterium.
Authors: Bobik T A , Wolfe R S
Published: May 2006

The heterodisulfide of the two coenzymes 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid (coenzyme M, HS-CoM) and N-(7-mercaptoheptanoyl)threonine O3-phosphate (HS-HTP) increased the rate of CO2 reduction to methane by cell extracts 42-fold. The stimulation resulted from activation of the initial step of methanogenesis, the production of formylmethanofuran from methanofuran and CO2. These results establish a role for this heterodisulfide (CoM-S-S-HTP) in the reduction of CO2 to formylmethanofuran. Evidence indicates that CoM-S-S-HTP is the labile intermediate that accounts for the coupling of the reduction of 2-(methylthio)ethanesulfonic acid by the methylreductase to formylmethanofuran biosynthesis, the "RPG effect." The heterodisulfide was found to be labile in cell extracts due to enzyme-catalyzed reduction and possibly thioldisulfide exchange.
Nuclear estrogen receptor molecular heterogeneity in the mouse uterus.
Authors: Golding T S , Korach K S
Published: May 2006

Holomeric estrogen receptor (ER) prepared from ovariectomized mouse uteri displays heterogeneous electrophoretic mobility when analyzed by NaDodSO4/PAGE. ER derived from nuclei (ERn) appears as a closely spaced doublet having apparent molecular masses of 66.4 and 65 kDa, while ER from the cytosolic compartment (ERc) has a single band of 65 kDa. Both partially purified ERc and the 8S form of unactivated ERc show only the 65-kDa band. The appearance of the ERn doublet is hormonally inducible, and the relative proportions of the two doublet bands are influenced by the type of hormone treatment, with weakly estrogenic compounds yielding the lower band as predominant while potent estrogens increase the proportion of the upper band. Steroid binding of the ERn doublet was determined by [3H]tamoxifen aziridine affinity labeling of both the 66.4- and the 65-kDa peptides; binding to the 65-kDa peptide was predominant. The ERn doublet displays a time dependency after estrogen administration with maximal amounts occurring in a bimodal fashion at 1 and 8 hr.
Cloning and expression of full-length cDNA encoding human vitamin D receptor.
Authors: Baker A R , McDonnell D P , Hughes M , Crisp T M , Mangelsdorf D J , Haussler M R , Pike J W , Shine J , O'Malley B W
Published: May 2006

Complementary DNA clones encoding the human vitamin D receptor have been isolated from human intestine and T47D cell cDNA libraries. The nucleotide sequence of the 4605-base pair (bp) cDNA includes a noncoding leader sequence of 115 bp, a 1281-bp open reading frame, and 3209 bp of 3' noncoding sequence. Two polyadenylylation signals, AATAAA, are present 25 and 70 bp upstream of the poly(A) tail, respectively. RNA blot hybridization indicates a single mRNA species of approximately equal to 4600 bp. Transfection of the cloned sequences into COS-1 cells results in the production of a single receptor species indistinguishable from the native receptor. Sequence comparisons demonstrate that the vitamin D receptor belongs to the steroid-receptor gene family and is closest in size and sequence to another member of this family, the thyroid hormone receptor.
Thrombin modulates and reverses neuroblastoma neurite outgrowth.
Authors: Gurwitz D , Cunningham D D
Published: May 2006

Previous studies have shown that neuroblastoma cells and several types of primary neuronal cells in culture rapidly extend neurites when switched from serum-containing to serum-free medium. The present studies on cloned neuroblastoma cells show that thrombin blocked this spontaneous differentiation at 2 nM with a half-maximal potency of 50 pM. This required the catalytic activity of thrombin and was reversed upon thrombin removal. Thrombin also caused cells in serum-free medium to retract their neurites at equally low concentrations. Two other serine proteases, urokinase and plasmin, did not block or reverse neurite extension even at 100-fold higher concentrations. A specific assay for thrombin indicated that thrombin detected in serum-containing medium from neuroblastoma cultures was derived from serum and that it was likely responsible for much of the known capacity of serum to maintain neuroblastoma cells in a nondifferentiated state. This was supported by the finding that heparin addition reduced the thrombin concentration in serum-containing medium and stimulated neurite outgrowth from neuroblastoma cells in serum-containing medium. Studies on the ability of thrombin to modulate neurite outgrowth by other agents showed that it blocked and reversed the neurite outgrowth activity of two thrombin inhibitors: protease nexin-1 (which is identical to glial-derived neurite-promoting factor) and hirudin. Thrombin, however, did not block the neurite-promoting activity of dibutyryl cAMP or prostaglandin E1. These results suggest a specific role for thrombin in control of neurite outgrowth.
Influence of 5' flanking sequences on TL and H-2 expression in transfected L cells.
Authors: Obata Y , Stockert E , Chen Y T , Takahashi T , Old L J
Published: May 2006

TL (thymus leukemia) antigens are encoded by genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the mouse. Although similar in overall structure to other class I MHC antigens (H-2, Qa), TL expression is regulated in a highly distinctive fashion. In contrast to the broad distribution of H-2 and the intermediate distribution of Qa, TL expression is restricted to cells of T-cell derivation during development in the thymus and is lost when T cells migrate to the periphery. Some mouse strains do not express TL antigens on thymocytes (TL- strains), but leukemias occurring in these mice can have a TL+ phenotype, indicating activation of normally silent TL genes. In transfection studies with H-2 or TL genes in L cells (mouse fibroblasts), H-2 is expressed at high levels, whereas TL is poorly expressed. To identify genetic elements that regulate expression in transfected L cells, chimeric genes were constructed by transposing the 5' and 3' regions of TL and H-2 genes. Antigen expression was not influenced by transposing the cytoplasmic domain and 3' untranslated region. In contrast, interchanging the 5' flanking sequences and exon 1 had a marked influence on antigen expression, with 5' sequences from the H-2 gene increasing TL expression 10- to 50-fold, and 5' sequences from the TL gene markedly decreasing H-2 expression. With both the parental TL gene (p20-TL) and the highly expressed chimeric TL gene (construct 3), levels of TL mRNA and TL antigen correlated with the number of transfected gene copies. However, in cells transfected with equal copy numbers, much higher levels of TL mRNA and TL antigen were found in construct-3 transfectants than in p20-TL transfectants. In addition, there was marked heterogeneity in TL mRNA size in L cells transfected with p20-TL, in contrast to a more homogeneous transcript size in construct-3 transfectants. These results point to regulatory sequences in the 5' flanking region of class I genes that control proper initiation and processing of TL transcripts.
Identification of murine nuclear proteins that bind to the conserved octamer sequence of the immunoglobulin promoter region.
Authors: Hanke J H , Landolfi N F , Tucker P W , Capra J D
Published: May 2006

Sequence-specific DNA-affinity chromatography was used to purify a nuclear protein from the B-cell leukemia cell line BCL1 that specifically binds to the octamer sequence ATTTGCAT, previously shown to be important in the regulation of immunoglobulin genes. This protein has a molecular mass of approximately 70 kDa and is responsible for the protein-DNA interaction specific to lymphoid cells. Other proteins of molecular mass 80-90 kDa and 50-55 kDa that specifically bind to the octamer sequence were also identified. These results demonstrate that the octamer is recognized by several biochemically distinct nuclear proteins, perhaps to differentially regulate the expression of immunoglobulin genes.
Treponema pallidum invades intercellular junctions of endothelial cell monolayers.
Authors: Thomas D D , Navab M , Haake D A , Fogelman A M , Miller J N , Lovett M A
Published: May 2006

The pathogenesis of syphilis reflects invasive properties of Treponema pallidum, but the actual mode of tissue invasion is unknown. We have found two in vitro parallels of treponemal invasiveness. We tested whether motile T. pallidum could invade host cells by determining the fate of radiolabeled motile organisms added to a HeLa cell monolayer; 26% of treponemes associated with the monolayer in a trypsin-resistant niche, presumably between the monolayer and the surface to which it adhered, but did not attain intracellularity. Attachment of T. pallidum to cultured human and rabbit aortic and human umbilical vein endothelial cells was 2-fold greater than to HeLa cells. We added T. pallidum to aortic endothelial cells grown on membrane filters under conditions in which tight intercellular junctions had formed. T. pallidum was able to pass through the endothelial cell monolayers without altering tight junctions, as measured by electrical resistance. In contrast, heat-killed T. pallidum and the nonpathogen Treponema phagedenis biotype Reiter failed to penetrate the monolayer. Transmission electron micrographs of sections of the monolayer showed T. pallidum in intercellular junctions. Our in vitro observations suggest that these highly motile spirochetes may leave the circulation by invading the junctions between endothelial cells.
Pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein mediates substance P-induced inhibition of potassium channels in brain neurons.
Authors: Nakajima Y , Nakajima S , Inoue M
Published: May 2006

Substance P excites neurons by suppressing inward rectification channels. We have investigated whether the substance P receptor interacts with the inward rectification channels through a guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein) by using dissociated cultured neurons from the nucleus basalis of newborn rats. During intracellular application of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate and 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate, hydrolysis-resistant GTP analogues that irreversibly stimulate G proteins, substance P application almost irreversibly suppressed the inward rectification channels. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin did not significantly influence substance P action. Intracellular application of cAMP and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine or of 9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl)adenine (SQ 22,536), an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, did not alter the substance P-induced response. We conclude that the inhibition of inward rectification channels by substance P is mediated through a G protein. However, the effect is not mediated through adenylate cyclase or the cAMP system. This G protein, which is insensitive to pertussis toxin, could be an unidentified G protein.