bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and identification of a cDNA clone coding for rat uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase.
Authors: Romeo P H , Dubart A , Grandchamp B , de Verneuil H , Rosa J , Nordmann Y , Goossens M
Published: May 2006

We have cloned and identified a DNA sequence complementary to the mRNA of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase ( UroDCase ) from rat. This mRNA is a minor species (0.1%) of the total mRNA from anemic rat spleen. Poly(A)+ mRNA was enriched for UroDCase mRNA to 20% purity by a very efficient procedure involving two successive steps of preparative gel electrophoresis under various denaturing conditions. cDNA prepared from partially purified UroDCase mRNA (1% purity) was cloned in the Pst I site of pBR322 by using the homopolymeric G-C tailing method. Primary screening of 500 clones from this cDNA library was performed with a cDNA probe complementary to highly purified mRNA for UroDCase (20% purity) and UroDCase cDNA clones were finally identified by hybrid-selected translation. The rat cDNA clones obtained hybridize to human UroDCase mRNA. This will permit the isolation of the corresponding human gene and molecular analysis of porphyria cutanea tarda, the commonest type of porphyria.
Minichromosomal repetitive DNA in Trypanosoma cruzi: its use in a high-sensitivity parasite detection assay.
Authors: Gonzalez A , Prediger E , Huecas M E , Nogueira N , Lizardi P M
Published: May 2006

We have isolated genomic clones containing members of a tandemly repeated DNA family from Trypanosoma cruzi. This family, which contains a 195-base pair (bp) repeating unit, is the most abundant repetitive DNA in this organism. DNA sequencing analysis of three adjacent tandem repeats as well as two independent nonadjacent repeats showed relatively little sequence heterogeneity. Surprisingly, the three tandem elements contained a 585-bp open reading frame. However, blot hybridization of RNA from epimastigotes as well as blood-form trypomastigotes failed to show evidence for transcription of these sequences. Fractionation of whole T. cruzi DNA in sucrose gradients or in agarose gels followed by hybridization with appropriate radioactive probes showed that the size distribution of DNA bearing the 195-bp repetitive element is distinct from that of kinetoplast DNA as well as from that of DNA bearing tubulin genes. Hybridization of the 195-bp element probe with DNA from six different T. cruzi strains was positive; hybridization with DNA of other protozoa was negative with the single exception of Leptomonas collosoma , which displayed a weak cross-hybridization signal. Clones bearing this repetitive element are shown to be useful as probes for identification and counting of T. cruzi cells by dot-blot hybridization. The sensitivity of this assay permits detection of the DNA of 30 parasites in blood samples.
Induction of the metastatic phenotype in a mouse tumor model by 5-azacytidine, and characterization of an antigen associated with metastatic activity.
Authors: Olsson L , Forchhammer J
Published: May 2006

The murine Lewis lung carcinoma is a long-term grafted tumor that, after subcutaneous inoculation, forms metastases to the lungs. Forty-two cell lines were established from a primary tumor site and 40 were established from lung metastatic foci. Cloned sublines were established from the original 82 lines, and 2 sublines among 405 were found to be tumorigenic but not metastatic (T+/M-), whereas the remaining 403 sublines were both tumorigenic and metastatic (T+/M+). The T+/M- phenotype was shown to be stable for greater than 2 yr. However, treatment of the T+/M- cell lines for 3 days with 3 microM 5-azacytidine resulted in reexpression of the metastatic phenotype in otherwise stable T+/M- lines. Also, 5-azacytidine treatment could result in loss of the metastatic phenotype in lines that had been stable T+/M+. The changes in tumorigenic and metastatic phenotypes were not associated with altered immunogenicity of the cells. Monoclonal antibodies were generated against T+/M+ cells, and one antibody ( M36D3 ) was found to bind only to T+/M+ cells. Reactivity of the antibody was found to co-vary with expression of the metastatic phenotype. The antigen recognized by M36D3 antibody thus seems to be associated with metastatic capability. The antigen was found by two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis to be a cellular protein of Mr approximately equal to 45,000 and pI approximately equal to 6.7.
Interaction between endotoxin and human monocytes: characteristics of the binding of 3H-labeled lipopolysaccharide and 51Cr-labeled lipid A before and after the induction of endotoxin tolerance.
Authors: Larsen N E , Sullivan R
Published: May 2006

Salmonella typhi endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) was labeled with tritium and purified by gel filtration. Using this preparation, we found that binding of 3H-labeled LPS (3H-LPS) to isolated human monocytes consisted of a rapid (t1/2 less than 5 min), reversible, temperature-independent phase of surface adsorption that was followed by a slower (t1/2 greater than 20 min) period of binding that was irreversible and temperature-dependent. The interactions between 3H-LPS and monocytes that we measured were dependent both on the concentration of LPS and the cell number. We observed an apparent decrease in 3H-LPS surface binding after initial treatment of the cells with LPS, which was most likely due to an acquired reduction in the number of sites on the monocyte membrane available for the binding of LPS. Estimates of the parameters of the binding of 3H-LPS were calculated from a double-reciprocal plot (1/bound vs. 1/free) of the surface binding data and suggest that the relative binding affinity (Kd) for 3H-LPS was unchanged after pretreatment of the monocytes with LPS; however, the total number of LPS binding sites appeared to be reduced by this manipulation. The results of competition binding experiments also suggest that the binding affinity for 3H-LPS was the same before and after incubation of the cells with LPS. Lipid A, which we extracted from LPS and labeled with chromium-51, exhibited a binding affinity similar to that of 3H-LPS and, like 3H-LPS, could be displaced from the cells by competing concentrations of unfractionated LPS; however, the kinetics of binding of the two labeled ligands differed considerably. Our results suggest that exposure of monocytes to LPS may alter the ability of these cells to interact with, and consequently respond to, LPS.
Antagonism by taxol of effects of microtubule-disrupting agents on lymphocyte cAMP metabolism and cell function.
Authors: Wolberg G , Stopford C R , Zimmerman T P
Published: May 2006

Several microtubule-disrupting agents (colchicine, demecolcine, vinblastine, vincristine, podophyllotoxin, and nocodazole) have been shown to inhibit lymphocyte-mediated cytolysis. These agents also enhanced the prostaglandin E1-induced rise in cAMP levels in these cytolytic lymphocytes. Taxol, a natural product alkaloid that has been shown to enhance microtubule polymerization and to stabilize microtubules, antagonized both of these effects of the microtubule-disrupting agents in the cytolytic lymphocytes. Taxol also antagonized the enhancement of cAMP increases by colchicine in lymphocytes stimulated by 2-chloroadenosine, isoproterenol, and cholera toxin. The enhancement of the prostaglandin E1-induced cAMP response caused by treatment of the lymphocytes with either cytochalasin B or 3-deazaadenosine in the presence or absence of L-homocysteine was not antagonized by taxol. Taxol, colchicine, or the combination of these two agents did not affect ATP levels in cytolytic lymphocytes. These results support a modulatory role for microtubules in both the cytolytic process and the production of cAMP in these lymphocytes.
Evidence of extrachromosomal forms of hepatitis B viral DNA in a bone marrow culture obtained from a patient recently infected with hepatitis B virus.
Authors: Elfassi E , Romet-Lemonne J L , Essex M , Frances-McLane M , Haseltine W A
Published: May 2006

A cell culture that produces Dane-like particles was initiated from a bone marrow aspirate of an acute hepatitis B patient. By using Southern blot analysis and a recombinant hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA plasmid probe, extrachromosomal forms of HBV DNA were detected. The two forms of HBV DNA migrate as a closed circular 2.2-kb form and an open circular 3.9-kb form. There was no evidence of HBV DNA integration into the host genome.
Induction of plasmacytoid differentiation by phorbol ester in B-cell lymphoma cell lines bearing 8;14 translocations.
Authors: Benjamin D , Magrath I T , Triche T J , Schroff R W , Jensen J P , Korsmeyer S J
Published: May 2006

At nanomolar concentrations, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced differentiation in a human Epstein-Barr virus-negative B-cell line, JD 38, derived from an undifferentiated lymphoma and containing an 8;14 translocation. The changes induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were consistent with differentiation towards plasma cells and included (i) a marked increase (30-fold) in IgM secretion; (ii) a decrease in the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio associated with the development of a single prominent nucleolus instead of multiple nucleoli; (iii) the development of parallel arrays of rough endoplasmic reticulum, eccentric nuclei, and marginated heterochromatin; (iv) a reduction in the expression of surface markers, including common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen, IgM, and C3 receptors. Essentially all cells showed plasmacytoid differentiation, although the degree varied. Rare cells (less than 1%) appeared to be terminally differentiated into plasma cells. The increase in secreted IgM was preceded by a small increase in mu-chain RNA, with an increase in the ratio of secreted to membrane form. A small increase in c-myc RNA was also detected with differentiation. This might reflect coordinate regulation of the transcription of immunoglobulin and the translocated c-myc gene. Thus, the maturational arrest of this lymphoma cell line can be overcome with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, indicating that translocation of the c-myc gene does not permanently block the capacity for differentiation. Further, this gene continues to be expressed to at least the same level during cell maturation. Similar ultrastructural changes were induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in four of seven additional lines studied.
Peptides from the regenerating central nervous system of goldfish stimulate glia.
Authors: Giulian D
Published: May 2006

Severed ganglion cell axons of the goldfish retina regrow and form new synaptic connections within their primary target tissue, the optic tectum. During axonal regeneration, optic tract glia show increased incorporation of both thymidine and amino acids. Ablation of the tectum reduces the biosynthetic activity of cells in the optic tract, suggesting that humoral factors released from the tectum may stimulate neighboring glia. A soluble fraction isolated from denervated tecta increases glial incorporation of both thymidine and amino acids by 2- to 3-fold when compared to control cells treated with soluble material from intact tecta. One glial promoting factor, designated GPF -1, is a trypsin-sensitive peptide of about 14,000 daltons. Peptides released from target tissues may help to regulate growth of glial cells during neuronal regeneration.
Changes in rat adrenal catecholamines and proenkephalin metabolism after denervation.
Authors: Fleminger G , Lahm H W , Udenfriend S
Published: May 2006

Adrenal enkephalin-containing peptides are known to increase 10- to 15-fold in the rat after surgical denervation of the gland. In this report we show that the increase is preceded by a lag of several hours, which is indicative of stimulation of protein synthesis at the transcriptional level. The major species of newly appearing enkephalin-containing peptide appears to be the intact precursor, proenkephalin. Processing of proenkephalin to smaller enkephalin-containing peptides in the denervated glands is slow and limited. The only product that accumulates in the process is a peptide of 3-4 kilodaltons that is derived from the carboxyl terminus of proenkephalin. An interesting observation was the dissociation between the effects of denervation on enkephalin-containing peptides and catecholamines. This is surprising because both are localized in the chromaffin granules of the gland.
Glycine N-methyltransferase is a folate binding protein of rat liver cytosol.
Authors: Cook R J , Wagner C
Published: May 2006

A comparison of the amino acid compositions of one of the folate-binding proteins of rat liver cytosol, folate-binding protein-cytosol II, and that of glycine N-methyltransferase (S-adenosyl-L-methionine:glycine methyltransferase, EC 2.1.1.20) from the same source indicated a great deal of structural homology between the two proteins. Antiserum prepared against the purified folate-binding protein almost completely inactivated the enzyme activity in crude liver cytosol. Purification of glycine N-methyltransferase resulted in the separation of two enzyme species, one that contained bound folate and one that did not. Each species was homogeneous, as judged by NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and they migrated identically.
Mechanism of activation of an N-ras oncogene of SW-1271 human lung carcinoma cells.
Authors: Yuasa Y , Gol R A , Chang A , Chiu I M , Reddy E P , Tronick S R , Aaronson S A
Published: May 2006

An N-ras-related transforming gene was detected in the human lung carcinoma cell line SW-1271 and molecularly cloned. The lesion responsible for its acquisition of transforming activity was localized to a single nucleotide transition from A to G in codon 61 of the predicted protein. This lesion in the second exon results in the substitution of arginine for glutamine at this position. These findings, together with previous studies, indicate that the activation of ras oncogenes in human tumors is most commonly due to point mutations at one of two major "hot spots" in the ras coding sequence.
Identification and expression in Escherichia coli of merozoite stage-specific genes of the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
Authors: McGarvey M J , Sheybani E , Loche M P , Perrin L , Mach B
Published: May 2006

The key steps in the development of a malaria vaccine through gene cloning are the identification of the proteins involved in host protective immunity and the cloning, identification, and expression of the genes coding for these proteins. Recent data have indicated that certain proteins synthesized at the late schizont-merozoite stage of Plasmodium falciparum play a major role in malaria immunity. This paper reports the identification, in a cDNA library, of recombinant clones corresponding to genes expressed specifically during the late schizont-merozoite stage of P. falciparum development. The 132 cDNA clones thus identified out of 10,000 were found to correspond to only 12 different genes, probably representing most of the major schizont-merozoite specific genes. The stage-specific cDNAs can be efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The protein products of some of these clones are recognized by monoclonal antibodies specific for late schizont-merozoite proteins. We conclude that only a small set of genes is specifically induced in the schizont-merozoite stage and that the stage-specific cDNA clones we have isolated are very likely to include the genes coding for the immunologically relevant proteins of P. falciparum.
Amino acid sequence of porcine spleen cathepsin D.
Authors: Shewale J G , Tang J
Published: May 2006

The amino acid sequence of porcine spleen cathepsin D heavy chain has been determined and, hence, the complete structure of this enzyme is now known. The sequence of heavy chain was constructed by aligning the structures of peptides generated by cyanogen bromide, trypsin, and endo-proteinase Lys C cleavages. The structure of the light chain has been published previously. The cathepsin D molecule contains 339 amino acid residues in two polypeptide chains: a 97-residue light chain and a 242-residue heavy chain, with a combined Mr of 36,779 (without carbohydrate). There are two carbohydrate units linked to asparagine residues 70 and 192. The disulfide bond arrangement in cathepsin D is probably similar to that of pepsin, because the positions of six half-cystine residues are conserved. The active site aspartyl residues, corresponding to aspartic acid-32 and -215 of pepsin, are located at residues 33 and 224 in the cathepsin D molecule. The amino acid sequence around these aspartyl residues is strongly conserved. Cathepsin D shows a strong homology with other acid proteases. When the sequence of cathepsin D, renin, and pepsin are aligned, 32.7% of the residues are identical. The homology is observed throughout the length of the molecules, indicating that three-dimensional structures of all three molecules are similar.
Invasive behavior of mouse sarcoma cells is inhibited by blocking a 37,000-dalton plasma membrane glycoprotein with Fab fragments.
Authors: Steinemann C , Fenner M , Binz H , Parish R W
Published: May 2006

Abercrombie 's confronted explant technique was used to study the role of tumor surface antigens in malignant invasion. Plasma membranes were isolated from mouse sarcoma cells ( FS9 ) and a mouse cell line (L929) of the same H-2 haplotype. FS9 cells are highly invasive when confronted with chicken heart fibroblasts, whereas the L929 cells are not [ Abercrombie , M. (1979) Nature (London) 281, 259-262]. The FS9 plasma membranes contained significantly higher concentrations of a 37,000-dalton glycoprotein. When antiserum directed against FS9 plasma membranes was preabsorbed with L929 cells, the antibodies remaining reacted predominantly with the 37,000-dalton antigen. Fab fragment prepared from the preabsorbed antiserum inhibited the invasion of chicken heart fibroblasts by FS9 cells. Fab prepared from a monoclonal antibody directed against the 37,000-dalton antigen also inhibited invasivity , whereas monoclonal antibodies reacting with two other FS9 cell surface antigens did not. The results imply a relationship between the increased concentration of the 37,000-dalton glycoprotein on the surface of the FS9 cells and their invasivity .
Visualization of opiate receptor upregulation by light microscopy autoradiography.
Authors: Tempel A , Gardner E L , Zukin R S
Published: May 2006

Light microscopy autoradiography has been used to visualize neuroanatomical patterns of brain opiate receptor upregulation in response to chronic naltrexone administration. Slide-mounted brain sections of frozen rat brain were labeled in vitro with dihydro[3H]morphine, a relatively selective mu opioid ligand. The greatest relative increases in opiate receptor density were observed in the nucleus accumbens, the amygdala, striatal patches, nuclei of the thalamus and hypothalamus, layers I and III of neocortex, substantia nigra compacta, midbrain periaqueductal gray regions, and the parabrachial nuclei of the brainstem. The substantia nigra reticulata, surrounding areas of striatal patches, and the locus ceruleus, were not affected by this drug treatment. These findings demonstrate that chronically administered naltrexone differentially regulates opiate receptors throughout the brain. In particular, three brain systems appear to be target areas of receptor upregulation : (i) the dopamine A9/A10 systems, (ii) the limbic system, and (iii) structures that receive input from afferent sensory pathways. Two possible mechanisms to account for this finding are (i) that the drug does not have uniform effects throughout the brain or (ii) that the receptors themselves may be associated with different functional systems. Receptor density changes are paralleled by increases in methionine-enkephalin content in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, periaqueductal gray, and hypothalamic areas of chronic naltrexone-treated rats relative to control rats. Thus opiate receptors and opioid peptides appear to be subject to regulatory mechanisms similar to those that modulate other neurotransmitters and their receptors. These results document in a visual manner brain patterns of opiate receptor upregulation .
Spontaneous openings of the acetylcholine receptor channel.
Authors: Jackson M B
Published: May 2006

Patch clamp recordings from embryonic mouse muscle cells in culture revealed spontaneous openings of the acetylcholine receptor channel in the absence of exogenously applied cholinergic agent. The conductance of the spontaneous channel currents was, within experimental error, identical with the conductance of suberyldicholine-activated channel currents. The comparison of channel conductance was made with sodium and with cesium, each at two concentrations, with the same result. Treatment of the cells with alpha-bungarotoxin blocked the spontaneous channel currents. To determine whether the spontaneous openings were caused by an endogenous agent with cholinergic activity a reactive disulfide bond near the receptor binding site was reduced with dithiothreitol and alkylated with N-ethylmaleimide. This chemical modification reduced the effectiveness with which suberyldicholine and curare activated channel currents but did not reduce the frequency of spontaneous openings. These experiments indicate that the acetylcholine receptor briefly and infrequently fluctuates into an active state in the absence of agonist. Agonist activation of the receptor presumably accelerates this spontaneously occurring process.
Cloning and structure determination of cDNA for cutinase, an enzyme involved in fungal penetration of plants
Authors: Soliday C. L. , Flurkey W. H. , Okita T. W. , Kolattukudy P. E.
Published: May 2006

The primary structure of cutinase, an extracellular fungal enzyme involved in the penetration of plants by pathogenic fungi, has been determined from the nucleotide sequence of cloned cDNA. Clones containing cDNA made from poly(A)
+
RNA isolated from fungal cultures induced to synthesize cutinase were screened for their ability to hybridize with the [
32
P]cDNA for mRNA unique to the induced culture. The 75 cDNA clones thus identified were screened for the cutinase genetic code by hybrid-selected translation and examination of products with anti-cutinase IgG. This method yielded 15 clones containing cDNA for cutinase, and Southern blots showed that the size of the cDNA inserts ranged from 279 to 950 nucleotides. Blot analysis showed that cutinase mRNA contained 1050 nucleotides, indicating that the clone containing 950 nucleotides represented nearly the entire mRNA. This near-full-length cDNA and the restriction fragments subcloned from it were sequenced by a combination of the Maxam-Gilbert and the phage M13-dideoxy techniques. cDNAs from two other clones, containing the bulk of the coding region for cutinase, were also completely sequenced, and the results confirmed the sequence obtained with the first clone. A peptide isolated from a trypsin digest of cutinase was sequenced and the amino acid sequence as well as the initiation and termination codons were used to identify the coding region of the cDNA. The primary structure of the enzyme so far determined by amino acid sequencing (≈40% of the total) agreed completely with the nucleotide sequencing results. Thus, the complete primary structure of the mature enzyme and that of the signal peptide region were ascertained.
Intracellular targeting and import of an F1-ATPase beta-subunit-beta-galactosidase hybrid protein into yeast mitochondria.
Authors: Douglas M G , Geller B L , Emr S D
Published: May 2006

The gene coding for the yeast mitochondrial F1-ATPase beta subunit (ATP2) has been fused to the Escherichia coli lacZ gene. The chimeric ATP2-lacZ gene codes for a hybrid protein consisting of some 350 amino acids of the F1-ATPase beta subunit at its amino terminus and a large enzymatically active portion of the lacZ gene product, beta-galactosidase (beta-D-galactoside galactohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.23), at its carboxyl terminus. The beta-subunit-beta-galactosidase hybrid protein is expressed in both E. coli and yeast. In yeast, this hybrid molecule is targeted to the mitochondrion and is protected in isolated mitochondria from added protease under conditions in which an outer membrane enzymatic marker is digested. Yeast cells carrying the ATP2-lacZ gene fusion on plasmid p beta Z1 are unable to grow on a nonfermentable carbon source. Upon loss of the p beta Z1 plasmid, growth of the cured host strain on the nonfermentable substrate is restored. In the presence of the beta-subunit-beta-galactosidase hybrid protein, the energy-transducing capacity of the mitochondrial membrane as measured by the 32Pi-ATP exchange reaction is only 9% of that measured in the absence of the gene fusion product. The results indicate that it is the presence of the beta-subunit-beta-galactosidase hybrid protein within mitochondria that interferes with function(s) essential for respiratory growth. These observations open up the prospect of genetic characterization of the signals and cellular machinery responsible for mitochondrial protein delivery.
DNA insertion in the first intron of maize Adh1 affects message levels: cloning of progenitor and mutant Adh1 alleles.
Authors: Bennetzen J L , Swanson J , Taylor W C , Freeling M
Published: May 2006

A genetically unstable mutant allele of maize alcohol dehydrogenase-1 (Adh1) causes reduced levels of messenger RNA. This mutant was derived from a Robertson's mutator genetic background and previously was shown to be associated with an approximately 1.5-kilobase insertion. This report compares a genomic clone of the allele, Adh1-S3034, with a clone of its progenitor nonmutant allele, Adh1-S. No rearrangements of either recombinant molecule occurred during the cloning process. The mutant differs from its progenitor allele by the insertion of 1.4 kilobases of new DNA. Sequence determination of the insertion borders localized it to intron-1, 73 base pairs downstream from the 5' exon/intron junction in the Adh1-S gene. Insertion of the 1.4-kilobase element was associated with a 9-base-pair direct duplication of intron sequence. We suspect that this insertion, Mu1, affects message levels by depressing RNA processing or transcription.
Alteration of the retinotectal map in Xenopus by antibodies to neural cell adhesion molecules.
Authors: Fraser S E , Murray B A , Chuong C M , Edelman G M
Published: May 2006

The neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) mediates neuron-neuron adhesion, is ubiquitous in the nervous system of developing and mature vertebrates, and undergoes major alterations in both amount and distribution during development. Perturbation of homophilic (N-CAM to N-CAM) binding by univalent fragments of specific anti-N-CAM antibodies has previously been found to alter neural tissue patterns in vitro. To show that significant alterations can also occur in vivo, antibodies to Xenopus N-CAM were embedded in agarose microcylinders and implanted in the tecta of juvenile Xenopus laevis frogs that were undergoing regeneration of their retinotectal projections; 1 week later, the effects of implantation on the projection pattern from the optic nerve were determined. Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to N-CAM distorted the retinotectal projection pattern and greatly decreased the precision of the projection; these alterations recovered to near normal after an additional 3 weeks. Similar but smaller effects were obtained when normally developing froglets received tectal implants. In control animals, implants of immunoglobulins from preimmune serum and monoclonal antibodies not directed against N-CAM had little or no effect on the pattern. The results suggest that neuronal adhesion mediated by N-CAM is important in establishing and maintaining the precision and topography of neural patterns.
Functional history of two motor neurons and the morphometry of their neuromuscular junctions in the gill of Aplysia: evidence for differential aging.
Authors: Peretz B , Romanenko A , Markesbery W
Published: May 2006

Because the viability of the gill withdrawal reflex is dependent on age in Aplysia, we examined physiologic and morphometric properties of two motor neurons, L7 and LDG1, involved in the reflex in three postmetamorphic age groups: young, mature, and old. L7's capability to elicit pinnule contraction, a major component of the reflex, was reduced markedly in old gills; facilitation at old L7 terminals, upon which contraction is dependent, was significantly reduced. The morphology of the pinnule neuromuscular junctions changed with increased age. In contrast, LDG1's capability to elicit efferent vessel contraction, a major component of respiratory movements, was not significantly altered by age; facilitation also was relatively unaffected; and morphologic changes at neuromuscular junctions were poorly correlated with age. Aging occurs differentially in two motor neurons innervating the gill. The dissimilarity in function and in frequency of activation of L7 and LDG1 may help explain the greater vulnerability of L7 to the effects of aging. The possibility that disuse is involved in the aging process is discussed.
Use of riboflavin-binding protein to investigate steric and electronic relationships in flavin analogs and models.
Authors: Wessiak A , Schopfer L M , Yuan L C , Bruice T C , Massey V
Published: May 2006

We have examined the affinity of two recently synthesized flavin analogs for the isoalloxazine binding site of riboflavin-binding protein (RBP). The results showed that pyrimidopteridines could bind to RBP (Kd 160-250 microM). This suggested that, at the FMN or FAD level, these analogs might also bind to other apoflavoproteins, thereby providing a high potential probe for flavin enzymology. In contrast, 4a,5-ring-opened isoalloxazines did not bind to RBP. However, 1,10a-ring-opened flavins bind with considerable avidity (Kd about 40 nM). Evidence is presented which indicates that the 4a,5-ring-opened species adopted a nonplanar configuration which, in turn, was responsible for the lack of affinity to RBP. Steric and electronic consequences of a 4a,5 ring opening are discussed in relation to flavin-dependent phenolic hydroxylases.
Occupancy of the iron binding sites of human transferrin.
Authors: Huebers H A , Josephson B , Huebers E , Csiba E , Finch C A
Published: May 2006

The in vivo distribution of iron between the binding sites of transferrin was examined. Plasma was obtained from normal subjects under basal conditions and after in vitro and in vivo iron loading. Independent methods, including measurement of the transferrin profile after isoelectric focusing and cross immunoelectrophoresis, and determination of the iron content in the separated fractions were in agreement that there was a random distribution of iron on binding sites. This held true with in vitro loading, when iron was increased by intestinal absorption and with loading from the reticuloendothelial system. The data indicate that the distribution of apo-, monoferric, and diferric transferrins is predictable on the basis of the plasma transferrin saturation and negate the concept that iron loading of transferrin in vitro is a selective process with possible functional consequences in tissue iron delivery.
Direct arterial vascularization of estrogen-induced prolactin-secreting anterior pituitary tumors.
Authors: Elias K A , Weiner R I
Published: May 2006

The rat anterior pituitary gland (AP) receives all of its blood supply via the hypophyseal portal circulation. We now report, in rats with estradiol (E2)-induced prolactin-secreting tumors, that newly formed arteries directly supply the AP and that this arteriogenesis is closely correlated with the sensitivity of two strains of rats to the tumorigenic action of E2. Fischer 344 rats, a strain extremely sensitive to E2, and Sprague-Dawley rats, a less sensitive strain, were ovariectomized and implanted with E2-filled or empty Silastic capsules. Ten to 63 days later, microspheres (15 microns) were injected into the heart. Normally microspheres do not reach the AP because they are trapped in the primary portal capillary plexus. Some animals were also perfused with vascular cast material. In Fischer rats, after 63 days of E2, the pituitary weight, serum prolactin, and number of microspheres in the AP were 5-, 42-, and 18-fold greater than control values, respectively. The same parameters in E2-treated Sprague-Dawley rats were 2-, 27-, and 7-fold greater than control values. Vascular casts from E2-treated Fischer rats revealed numerous arteries entering the AP. No arteries to the AP were observed in Sprague-Dawley controls. These results show that E2-induced tumorigenesis of the AP is associated with the development of a direct arterial blood supply. We hypothesize that the regions supplied by these new arteries would receive systemic blood containing subphysiological concentrations of dopamine. The loss of dopaminergic inhibition in concert with E2 stimulation may lead to tumor formation.
Macrophage-derived growth factor for osteoblast-like cells and chondrocytes.
Authors: Rifas L , Shen V , Mitchell K , Peck W A
Published: May 2006

Rat resident peritoneal macrophages in primary culture were found to elaborate a mitogenic factor (or factors) for rat osteoblast-like cells and chondrocytes but not for skin fibroblasts. Growth-promoting activity appeared in the incubation medium within the first 20 hr of macrophage culture and was released in amounts that paralleled the number of macrophages per culture. After their proliferative response, as judged by increases in DNA synthesis and cell number, the osteoblast-like cells became enriched in alkaline phosphatase, an index of osteoblast specialization. The macrophage-derived activity was nondialyzable and heat-stable, and it was eliminated by exposure to trypsin. Inhibition of prostaglandin cyclooxygenase failed to modify its generation. Partial purification (Amicon filter concentration, gel filtration) disclosed principal peaks of activity corresponding to Mr of 43,000 and 10,000. The crude conditioned medium and the Mr 43,000-peak, but not the low-molecular-weight peak, exhibited interleukin 1 activity, as judged by the ability to stimulate the proliferation of mouse thymic lymphocytes. The macrophage-derived growth factor described herein may participate in bone remodeling and repair and in primary bone and cartilage growth.
Structural analysis of the gene encoding human gastrin: the large intron contains an Alu sequence.
Authors: Ito R , Sato K , Helmer T , Jay G , Agarwal K
Published: May 2006

We have isolated a human gastrin gene from a genomic library by employing a human gastrin cDNA clone as a hybridization probe. The total length of the gene is approximately 4.0 kilobase pairs, and the gene is separated into three exons and two introns. A 130-base-pair intron interrupts the coding region and a 3.0-kilobase-pair intron is located in the 5' untranslated region. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that all of the exon-intron boundaries follow the A-G/G-T consensus sequences. A putative transcription initiation site is assigned to the adenine 60 nucleotides upstream from the exon-intron junction on the basis of S1 nuclease protection mapping. A possible "TATA" equivalent sequence T-T-A-T-A-A is located 28 base pairs upstream from the transcription initiation site. A "CAT box" sequence, C-A-T-T, is located 99 nucleotides upstream of the transcription initiation site. A poly(A)-addition signal, A-A-U-A-A-A, is located 80 base pairs downstream from the termination codon. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the human cDNA and the genomic clone revealed that the aspartic acid codon at position 71 of preprogastrin is interrupted by the small intron (130 base pairs). The 3' region of the large intron contains a sequence of 300 nucleotides that is flanked by 15-nucleotide direct repeats. This sequence exhibits a striking homology to the human Alu-type sequence.
Small fragments of herpesvirus DNA with transforming activity contain insertion sequence-like structures.
Authors: Galloway D A , Nelson J A , McDougall J K
Published: May 2006

A 737-base-pair fragment of herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA with morphological-transforming ability was identified by transfecting into rodent cells deleted fragments of the left-hand end of the Bgl II N fragment region (map position 0.58-0.625), which were constructed in vitro. The transforming sequences lie within the coding region for a Mr 61,000 protein, but the fragment itself does not appear to specify a viral polypeptide. Contained within the transforming fragment are sequences that can be drawn as a stem-loop structure flanked by direct repeats, similar to an insertion sequence-like element. An insertion sequence-like structure was also found in a small fragment of human cytomegalovirus DNA that has transforming activity. Possible mechanisms of herpesvirus transformation are discussed.
Induction of replicative DNA synthesis in quiescent human fibroblasts by DNA damaging agents.
Authors: Cohn S M , Krawisz B R , Dresler S L , Lieberman M W
Published: May 2006

A marked induction of DNA replication was observed in confluent human diploid fibroblast cultures treated with low relatively nontoxic doses of UV radiation, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), and N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (AAAF). Isopycnic CsCl density gradient analysis of newly synthesized DNA labeled with BrdUrd indicated that most of the synthesis was semiconservative. The rate of semiconservative DNA synthesis was maximal 24 hr after damage. This induction of DNA replication was greatest at approximately equal to 3 J/m2 UV, 0.5 mM MNU, or 1.0 microM AAAF; was inhibited by hydroxyurea and aphidicolin; and also occurred in repair-deficient xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts. Autoradiographic examination of both confluent cultures and serum-arrested cultures showed a large increase in the fraction of densely labeled (S phase) cells after UV treatment. These densely labeled cells retain the capacity for cell division and subsequent proliferation. We conclude that low doses of at least three different DNA damaging agents are capable of recruiting quiescent cells into a state of DNA replication similar to that observed in the normal cell cycle.
Induction of glucose-regulated proteins during anaerobic exposure and of heat-shock proteins after reoxygenation.
Authors: Sciandra J J , Subjeck J R , Hughes C S
Published: May 2006

In this report we examine the effects of chronic anaerobic exposure and subsequent reoxygenation on protein synthesis patterns in Chinese hamster ovary cells. It is observed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (isoelectric focusing/NaDodSO4/PAGE) that the transition from an atmospheric environment to an anaerobic state transiently induces the major heat-shock proteins (at 68 and 89 kDa). As the period of anaerobiosis increases, this heat-shock induction disappears and a new set of proteins (at 76 and 97 kDa) is induced. By two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and partial proteolytic mapping, these new proteins, which are induced by anaerobic exposures exceeding 12 hr, are identical to 76 and 97 kDa (p76 and p97, respectively) proteins induced by extended periods of glucose deprivation (greater than 14 hr) when oxygen is present. Furthermore, the induction of these proteins under anoxia occurs in the presence of glucose, and increasing the glucose content of the starting media does not affect the induction. When anaerobic p76 and p97 induced cells are returned to atmospheric oxygen, p76 and p97 are repressed, while the heat-shock proteins are again transiently induced. This work further suggests the importance of deprivation and release environments in controlling the expression of these two stress protein systems. It is suggested that their natural expression may be determined by comparable circumstances.
Protein differentiation: a comparison of aspartate transcarbamoylase and ornithine transcarbamoylase from Escherichia coli K-12.
Authors: Houghton J E , Bencini D A , O'Donovan G A , Wild J R
Published: May 2006

The amino acid sequence of aspartate transcarbamoylase (carbamoylphosphate:L-aspartate carbamoyltransferase, EC 2.1.3.2) has been compared with that of ornithine transcarbamoylase (carbamoylphosphate:L-ornithine carbamoyltransferase, EC 2.1.3.3). The primary sequence homology is 25-40%, depending upon the alignment of homologous residues. The homologies are incorporated into discrete clusters and are interrupted by regions of length polymorphism. The most striking homologies correspond to regions putatively involved in the binding of the common substrate, carbamoyl phosphate. Chou-Fasman predictive analysis [Chou, P. Y. & Fasman, G. D. (1974) Biochemistry 13, 211-222; 222-245] indicates substantial conservation of secondary structural elements within the two enzymes, even in regions whose primary sequence is quite divergent. The results reported herein demonstrate that the two enzymes, aspartate transcarbamoylase and ornithine transcarbamoylase, share a common evolutionary origin and appear to have retained similar structural conformations throughout their evolutionary development.
Leukotriene E4-induced airway hyperresponsiveness of guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle to histamine and evidence for three separate sulfidopeptide leukotriene receptors.
Authors: Lee T H , Austen K F , Corey E J , Drazen J M
Published: May 2006

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness to contractile agonists and nonspecific irritants is a characteristic feature of bronchial asthma. The mechanisms causing this hyperirritability are unknown. The existence of separate receptors for leukotrienes C4 and D4 (LTC4 and LTD4) has been demonstrated previously by physiologic and radioligand binding studies. The rank order of potency of the sulfidopeptide leukotrienes for contracting tracheal spirals [leukotriene E4 (LTE4) greater than LTD4 = LTC4] is different from that for contracting parenchymal strips (LTD4 greater than LTE4 greater than LTC4), thereby suggesting the existence of a separate receptor for LTE4. We now report that LTE4, the most stable of the leukotrienes comprising slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis, enhances the contractile response of guinea pig tracheal spirals but not of parenchymal strips to histamine in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. The ability of LTE4 to increase histamine responsiveness occurred after removal of the free agonist and recovery of the tissues to baseline tensions and was not produced by leukotrienes C4 and D4, which elicited the same magnitude of contraction of tracheal smooth muscle as LTE4. These findings suggest that LTE4-induced airway hyperirritability is not mediated by the contractile response per se and may be mediated through a receptor distinct from those for leukotrienes C4 and D4.
Abnormal collagen metabolism in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Authors: Rodemann H P , Bayreuther K
Published: May 2006

Total collagen synthesis is decreased by about 29% (P less than 0.01) in skin fibroblasts established in vitro from male patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as compared with that in normal male skin fibroblasts in vitro. The reduction in collagen synthesis is associated with an approximately 2-fold increase in collagen degradation in DMD fibroblasts. Correlated to these alterations in the metabolism of collagen, DMD fibroblasts express a significantly higher hydroxyproline/proline ratio (DMD: 1.36-1.45; P less than 0.01) than do normal fibroblasts (controls: 0.86-0.89). The increased hydroxylation of proline residues of collagen (composed of type I and type III) could be the cause for the enhanced degradation of collagen in DMD fibroblasts.
Accumulation of coated vesicles bearing mannose 6-phosphate receptors for lysosomal enzymes in the Golgi region of I-cell fibroblasts.
Authors: Brown W J , Farquhar M G
Published: May 2006

The distribution of mannose 6-phosphate (Man6P) receptors for lysosomal enzymes was investigated in human normal and mucolipidosis II (I-cell) disease fibroblasts by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. In normal fibroblasts whose lysosomal enzymes contain Man6P recognition markers required for binding to the receptor, intracellular immunoreactive receptors were concentrated in one or two cisternae located on one side of the Golgi stack, in coated vesicles, and in lysosomes and endosomes. Presumably, this distribution delineates the Man6P-dependent transport pathway for newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes. In I-cell fibroblasts whose lysosomal enzymes lack the Man6P recognition marker, intracellular receptors were found almost exclusively in one or two Golgi cisternae and in numerous coated vesicles located near the immunoreactive cisternae but were rarely detected in lysosomes and endosomes. The results obtained on I-cell fibroblasts suggest that in the absence of endogenous ligands (lysosomal enzymes bearing Man6P residues), Man6P receptors do not constitutively shuttle-via coated vesicles-between the Golgi complex and lysosomes or endosomes. Rather, they accumulate in coated vesicles concentrated at the presumptive sorting site in the Golgi complex. The findings suggest that a specific subpopulation of coated vesicles (primary lysosomes) is involved in Man6P receptor transport of lysosomal enzymes from the Golgi complex to lysosomes and that their relocation is triggered by ligand binding.
Cytoskeletal involvement in cAMP-induced sensitization of chromatin to nuclease digestion in transformed Chinese hamster ovary K1 cells.
Authors: Ashall F , Puck T T
Published: May 2006

The cAMP-induced reverse transformation of CHO-K1 cells, which restores fibroblastic morphology, normal nuclear structure, specific membrane structures and biochemical activities, and cell growth regulation, also restores the sensitivity of nuclear chromatin digestion by DNase I to that resembling the normal fibroblast. All of these aspects of the reverse-transformation reaction require integrity of the cytoskeleton. The nuclease-sensitivity effect is achieved only when the entire cell rather than the isolated nucleus is incubated with cAMP derivatives, indicating linkage between the cytoskeleton and nuclear components. Evidence is presented to show that the DNA sensitization to digestion involves interaction between DNA and other chromatin components and affects different regions of the genome in specific ways. Normal fibroblasts display greater endogenous nuclease activity than the transformed cell. The data are interpreted in terms of a genetic regulatory system extending from the membrane to the nucleus and utilizing the cAMP-induced cytoskeleton.
Sharpening radiographs.
Authors: Smith K T , Wagner S L , Bottema M J
Published: May 2006

This article describes a method for clarifying and sharpening radiographs. The method uses convolution with a computed tomography reconstruction kernel and a noise elimination procedure to control the noise amplification of the convolution. The effect is to flatten global variations and to sharpen and magnify local variations. Examples from industry and medicine are included.
On finite subgroups of SU(2), simple Lie algebras, and the McKay correspondence
Authors: Kostant Bertram
Published: May 2006

The question is considered of how the restriction π

n

ǀΓ, where π

n

is irreducible for all
n
and Γ is a finite subgroup of SU(2), decomposes into Γ-irreducibles for any arbitrary
n
∈ [unk]
+
. It is announced that, using the McKay correspondence, the problem has an elegant solution in terms of the Coxeter element for the associated Lie algebra and that the numbers involved come in a beautiful way from the root structure.
Expression of a biologically active fragment of human IgE epsilon chain in Escherichia coli.
Authors: Liu F T , Albrandt K A , Bry C G , Ishizaka T
Published: May 2006

cDNA corresponding to human IgE heavy (epsilon) chain mRNA was cloned from human IgE-secreting myeloma U266 cells. Partial nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated that the cloned cDNA contained the coding region for about two-thirds of the CH2 and all of the CH3 and CH4 domains as well as the 3'-untranslated region. This epsilon cDNA was inserted into expression vector pUC7 and expression of an epsilon-chain fragment in Escherichia coli was demonstrated by protein blot analysis using 125I-labeled goat anti-human IgE as probe. The expression product was purified on a column of goat anti-human IgE-conjugated Sepharose 4B and the polypeptide was found to retain binding activity to human basophils.