bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning of the human esterase D gene, a genetic marker of retinoblastoma.
Authors: Lee E Y , Lee W H
Published: May 2006

Retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular tumor, represents one of the prototypes of inheritable cancers. To elucidate the mechanisms that give rise to this tumor, the retinoblastoma gene (RB) must be molecularly cloned. The difficulty encountered in cloning the gene is that little of its function or structure is known. The human esterase D gene, on the other hand, has been localized cytogenetically to the same sub-band of chromosome 13q14:11 as the RB gene. The esterase D gene thus provides a convenient starting point for cloning the RB gene. In this communication, we describe the isolation of the esterase D cDNA clone. Its identification is based on three lines of evidence. This cDNA encodes a protein immunologically related to the esterase D protein. The deduced amino acid sequences of this clone contain sequences identical to the three CNBr-cleaved peptides of the esterase D protein. This clone is mapped to the chromosome 13q14 region by Southern genomic blotting using different deletion mutants. The availability of this clone should allow for the cloning of the RB gene by chromosome walking; the diagnosis of genetic defects such as retinoblastomas and Wilson disease, whose genes are closely linked to the esterase D gene; and the exploration of the large family of human esterase genes.
Nucleic acid sequence of an internal image-bearing monoclonal anti-idiotype and its comparison to the sequence of the external antigen.
Authors: Bruck C , Co M S , Slaoui M , Gaulton G N , Smith T , Fields B N , Mullins J I , Greene M I
Published: May 2006

The monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody (mAb2) 87.92.6 directed against the 9B.G5 antibody specific for the virus neutralizing epitope on the mammalian reovirus type 3 hemagglutinin was previously demonstrated to express an internal image of the receptor binding epitope of the reovirus type 3. Furthermore, this mAb2 has autoimmune reactivity to the cell surface receptor of the reovirus. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the 87.92.6 mAb2 heavy and light chains are described in this report. The sequence analysis reveals that the same heavy chain variable and joining (VH and JH) gene segments are used by the 87.92.6 anti-idiotypic mAb2 and by the dominant idiotypes of the BALB/c anti-GAT (cGAT) and anti-NP (NPa) responses. [GAT; random polymer that is 60% glutamic acid, 30% alanine, and 10% tyrosine. NP; (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)-acetyl.] Despite extensive homology at the level of the heavy chain variable regions, the NPa positive BALB/c anti-NP monoclonal antibody 17.2.25 binds neither 9B.G5 nor the cellular receptor for the hemagglutinin. Amino acid sequence comparison between the viral hemagglutinin and the 87.92.6 mAb2 light chain "internal image," reveals an area of significant homology indicating that antigen mimicry by antibodies may be achieved by sharing primary structure.
Diversity and structure of human T-cell receptor beta-chain variable region genes.
Authors: Concannon P , Pickering L A , Kung P , Hood L
Published: May 2006

The nucleotide sequences of 27 T-cell receptor beta cDNA clones isolated from a human peripheral lymphocyte library were determined and compared to five additional published sequences. These cDNA clones represent 22 distinct T-cell receptor beta-chain variable region (V beta) gene segment sequences, which fall into 15 different V beta gene subfamilies, each containing six or fewer members. From this analysis, we estimate that the repertoire of expressed human V beta genes is less than 59, apparently much smaller than the immunoglobulin heavy chain and light chain variable region (VH and VL) repertoires. Variability plots comparing these human V beta regions with each other and with published mouse V beta regions provide evidence for only four hypervariable regions homologous to those seen in comparisons of immunoglobulin V regions. Somatic hypermutation appears to be used infrequently, if at all, in these V beta genes.
Interferon gamma and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor inhibit growth and induce antigens characteristic of myeloid differentiation in small-cell lung cancer cell lines.
Authors: Ruff M R , Farrar W L , Pert C B
Published: May 2006

The expression of several macrophage and hemopoietic cell surface markers recently described on small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines was studied by use of flow cytometry. The antigens Leu-M3, Leu-7, and HLA-DR were examined for their modulation by human interferon gamma and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Both of these lymphokines generally induced enhanced expression of hemopoietic markers in several SCLC lines. A differential response to these two hormones was observed, in that qualitative and quantitative differences in marker modulation among the tested cell lines were apparent. In addition to regulating the antigenic phenotype of these cells, both interferon gamma and GM-CSF had antiproliferative effects on SCLC lines as determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation and clonal growth in agar. These results suggest that interferon gamma and GM-CSF promote a differentiation process in SCLC cell lines that has characteristics in common with myeloid differentiation. These findings support the theory that SCLC tumors are hemopoietic cells that arise from macrophages or their precursors and suggest new therapeutic modalities for the treatment of lung cancer.
Isolation and sequence of the cDNA for human protein S, a regulator of blood coagulation.
Authors: Lundwall A , Dackowski W , Cohen E , Shaffer M , Mahr A , Dahlbäck B , Stenflo J , Wydro R
Published: May 2006

Protein S is a cofactor of activated protein C; together they function as a regulator of blood coagulation. A human liver cDNA library constructed in bacteriophage lambda gt11 was screened with DNA fragments from a full-length bovine cDNA clone encoding protein S. Several cDNA clones were isolated and sequenced. The combined cDNA sequences encoded the mature protein and 15 residues of the leader sequence when compared to bovine protein S. Human protein S is a single-chain protein consisting of 635 amino acids with 82% homology to bovine protein S. After an NH2-terminal gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing region, there is a short region with thrombin-sensitive bond(s), followed by a region with four repeat sequences that are homologous to the precursor of mouse epidermal growth factor. In contrast to the other vitamin K-dependent plasma proteins, the COOH-terminal portion of human protein S does not show any resemblance to serine proteases.
Requirement of the nickel tetrapyrrole F430 for in vitro methanogenesis: reconstitution of methylreductase component C from its dissociated subunits.
Authors: Hartzell P L , Wolfe R S
Published: May 2006

The subunits and the nickel tetrapyrrole factor F430 of the methylreductase component C from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum have been separated from one another and reassociated to form an intact, active enzyme. The individual subunits were extracted from polyacrylamide gels after NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reassociated with F430 under a H2 atmosphere at 55 degrees C. When these components were reassociated in the presence of the substrate 2-(methylthio)ethanesulfonic acid, 72% of the original activity was recovered. When F430 was omitted, no activity was detected in the reconstituted methylreductase reaction. Individual subunits were inactive, when incubated in the presence of factor F430, 2-(methylthio)ethanesulfonic acid, magnesium acetate, and ATP. Evidence suggests that F430 binds to the large Mr 68,000 subunit of component C.
A single nucleotide change in the E2 glycoprotein gene of Sindbis virus affects penetration rate in cell culture and virulence in neonatal mice.
Authors: Davis N L , Fuller F J , Dougherty W G , Olmsted R A , Johnston R E
Published: May 2006

The nucleotide sequence of the glycoprotein genes of fully virulent Sindbis virus and derived mutants that have reduced neurovirulence for neonatal mice (attenuated mutants) has been determined. A single amino acid difference, arginine instead of serine at position 114 of the mature E2 glycoprotein, distinguished the prototype attenuated mutant from its virulent wild-type parent. Virulent revertants of the attenuated mutant showed same-site reversion to the wild-type sequence. An identical single amino acid substitution, an arginine for the serine at E2 position 114, was found in a second independently selected attenuated mutant. The strains are characterized by genetic linkage between attenuation, accelerated penetration of baby hamster kidney cells, and efficient neutralization by the E2-specific monoclonal antibodies R6 and R13; selection for change in one property simultaneously selected for change in the other two (Olmsted, R. A., Baric, R. S., Sawyer, B. A. & Johnston, R. E. (1984) Science 225, 424-427 and Olmsted, R. A., Meyer, W. J. & Johnston, R. E. (1986) Virology 148, 1-10). The nucleotide sequence data suggest that a single mutation in the E2 gene is sufficient to cause these coordinate phenotypic changes. These findings identify a single locus in a Sindbis virus surface glycoprotein gene that determines both efficiency of interaction with cultured baby hamster kidney cells and degree of virulence in neonatal mice.
Recombinant murine retroviruses containing avian v-myc induce a wide spectrum of neoplasms in newborn mice.
Authors: Morse H C , Hartley J W , Fredrickson T N , Yetter R A , Majumdar C , Cleveland J L , Rapp U R
Published: May 2006

NFS/N mice were infected within 48 hr of birth with pseudotypes of recombinant murine leukemia viruses containing avian v-myc developed T-cell, pre-B-cell, and B-cell lymphomas and epithelial tumors including pancreatic and mammary adenocarcinomas. Primary hematopoietic and epithelial tumors and continuous in vitro cell lines derived from some of these tumors, established in the absence of added growth factors, exhibited clonal integrations of v-myc and expressed v-myc RNA. These results show that deregulated expression of the myc oncogene in mammalian cells can initiate a wide variety of neoplasms.
Identification of a paternal developmental effect on the cytoplasm of one-cell-stage mouse embryos.
Authors: Renard J P , Babinet C
Published: May 2006

Matings of female DDK mice with males of the BALB/c strain are sterile, whereas reciprocal crosses are normally fertile. We used nuclear transplantation between the hybrid eggs of these two strains to investigate the basis of this effect. We demonstrate that the observed sterility results from early embryonic mortality, that the mortality is due to a modification of the egg cytoplasm, and that the modification is mediated by the male pronucleus. Once established, this modification may affect female pronuclei of unrelated genotype such as C57BL/6. These results support the notion that a product derived from the male genome acts at the pronuclear stage and can affect later stages of embryonic development.
Complementation of
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
tumor-inducing
aux
mutants by genes from the T
R
-region of the Ri plasmid of
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
Authors: Offringa I. A. , Melchers L. S. , Regensburg-Tuink A. J. G. , Costantino P. , Schilperoort R. A. , Hooykaas P. J. J.
Published: May 2006

In this paper we provide information indicating that the agropine-type root-inducing (Ri) plasmid pRi1855 of
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
contains functional genes for auxin production (
aux
) in the right transferred DNA (T-DNA) region (T
R
-region). These genes were cloned and introduced into the T-region of the tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmids of mutants of
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
carrying an
aux
mutation. Depending on the Ri
aux
gene present, the oncogenicity of the Ti
aux-1
and/or
aux-2
mutations was restored, showing that the Ri
aux
genes are able to complement the Ti
aux
genes.
Agrobacterium
strains with an agropine-type Ri plasmid not only cause hairy root on certain plant species, but they also induce tumors on other plant species. In this paper it is shown that a mutation in either of the
aux
genes in the Ri plasmid leads to a total loss of tumorigenicity and a strongly diminished rhizogenicity of the host bacterium, revealing that the
aux
genes are important for tumor and root induction.
Agrobacterium
strains containing the T
R
-region but not the T
L
(left)-region of the Ri plasmid are still tumorigenic on certain plant species but are no longer capable of hairy-root induction.
IgD-binding factors from mouse T lymphocytes.
Authors: Adachi M , Ishizaka K
Published: May 2006

Incubation of normal mouse splenic lymphocytes with dimeric mouse IgD results in the formation of T-cell factors that selectively inhibit rosette formation of Fc delta receptor-positive lymphocytes with IgD-coated erythrocytes. The rosette-inhibiting factors bound to IgD-Sepharose and were recovered by elution at acid pH. The results indicate that the rosette-inhibiting factors are IgD-binding factors. Neither IgE-binding factors nor IgG-binding factors inhibited IgD rosettes. The IgD-binding factors induced by IgD consist of two species of molecular weight 78,000 and 37,000, respectively. The source of IgD-binding factors is Lyt-1+ T cells bearing Fc delta receptors. It appears that the binding of IgD to the receptors on the T cells induces the formation of IgD-binding factors.
Initial events in the formation of neuromuscular synapse: rapid induction of acetylcholine release from embryonic neuron.
Authors: Xie Z P , Poo M M
Published: May 2006

We have studied the electrical events during the initial phase of nerve-muscle contact in embryonic Xenopus culture. Using a G omega-seal, whole-cell recording method, we monitored the membrane current of a muscle cell continuously while it was manipulated into close proximity of the growth cone of a cocultured spinal neuron. We found a rapid appearance of pulsatile inward currents at the muscle cell after the neurite-muscle contact. These currents were abolished by d-tubocurarine and alpha-bungarotoxin but were unaffected by tetrodotoxin. Both the drug sensitivity and the time course of these currents are similar to that of the spontaneous miniature end-plate currents (MEPCs) resulting from spontaneous release of pulses of acetylcholine (AcCho) from the nerve terminal. Unlike the MEPCs at the mature neuromuscular synapse, these early MEPCs varied greatly in their amplitudes, and there was a gradual increase in the frequency of the MEPCs of larger amplitudes during the first 20 min after the contact. Independent measurement of AcCho concentration near the growth cone by an excised patch of AcCho-sensitive muscle membrane showed that very little AcCho is released from the isolated growth cone, and marked release can be triggered by the contact with a muscle cell or with the excised membrane itself. The induction of release is relatively specific: contact with a neuron or the tip of a clean glass pipette was capable of inducing only a transient release, while persistent release was induced by contacts made with muscle membrane. This contact-dependent AcCho release may be responsible for an early induction of muscle activity and serve as a signal for the establishment of synaptic contact.
Extraurophyseal distribution of urotensin II immunoreactive neuronal perikarya and their processes
Authors: Yulis C. R. , Lederis K.
Published: May 2006

The use of the unlabeled antibody enzyme method on serially adjacent sections permitted the demonstration of urotensin II (UII) and urotensin I (UI) immunoreactivities colocalized in most of the cells of the caudal neurosecretory system of
Catostomus commersoni
. The study of the upper regions of the central nervous system from the spinal cord anterior to the fifth preterminal vertebral region up to and including the brain stem revealed the presence of UII immunoreactivity in cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons, located ventral to the central canal along the entire length of the spinal cord and medulla. Beaded nerve fibers were observed projecting to the ventrolateral surface of the spinal cord and also forming a seemingly ascending immunoreactive-UII longitudinal bundle directed toward the brain. The presence of this “extraurophyseal” system of immunoreactive-UII cells and fibers suggests that the UII peptide may be released in upper regions of the central nervous system in response to stimuli conveyed via the cerebral spinal fluid. Thus, separate functions may be postulated for the urophyseal and the cerebral spinal fluid-contacting urotensin II systems.
Isolation and subunit composition of tuftsin receptor.
Authors: Bump N J , Lee J , Wleklik M , Reichler J , Najjar V A
Published: May 2006

Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) receptor was purified to apparent homogeneity by affinity chromatography, using a pentapeptide analog (Thr-Lys-Pro-Pro-Arg) that binds the receptor more than 4 times as avidly as tuftsin. The analog was covalently linked to a solid support (Affi-Gel 10). Rabbit peritoneal granulocyte membrane solubilized with 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate was applied to the affinity column, the column was washed with 0.1 M ammonium carbonate (pH 7.9) and 0.1 M ammonium acetate (pH 5), and bound material was eluted with 20 nM tuftsin or pentapeptide. The eluate was concentrated and subjected to gel filtration; this yielded one major peak of [3H]tuftsin binding activity corresponding to approximately 500 kDa and a minor peak at approximately 250 kDa. Rechromatography of either peak resulted in the appearance of the same major and minor peaks. NaDodSO4/PAGE of the affinity-purified material under nonreducing conditions showed only two silver-staining bands. Electroblotting followed by [3H]tuftsin overlay and fluorography showed two adjacent radioactive bands corresponding in mobility to the silver-stained bands. Under reducing conditions, NaDodSO4/PAGE yielded molecular mass values 62 kDa and 52 kDa for the two tuftsin receptor subunits. Electron microscopy revealed a homogeneous population of spherical molecules with diameters of 104 A.
Expression of the complete human T-cell leukemia virus type I pX coding sequence as a functional protein in Escherichia coli.
Authors: Giam C Z , Nerenberg M , Khoury G , Jay G
Published: May 2006

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I), a virus associated with adult T-cell leukemia, contains a long open reading frame (LOR) in the 3' end of its genome between the env region and the 3' long terminal repeat (LTR). This open reading frame encodes a 40-kDa protein (designated p40x) that has been implicated as a positive control element for transcription from the HTLV-I LTR in a phenomenon known as trans-activation. We now report the expression of the complete p40x coding sequence as a 40-kDa protein in Escherichia coli. The p40x protein produced in bacteria is shown, using the protoplast fusion technique, to possess biological activity by its ability to trans-activate a HTLV-I LTR-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase plasmid that is stably integrated into the genome of mouse L cells. This stimulatory activity could be detected within 2 hr after fusion, suggesting the possibility of a direct role for p40x in trans-activation of the HTLV-I LTR. The production of p40x in large quantities in E. coli, together with the rapid protoplast fusion assay for its biological activity, should facilitate the analysis of p40x mutants and the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of trans-activation.
Cloning and sequence analysis of cDNA for human argininosuccinate lyase.
Authors: O'Brien W E , McInnes R , Kalumuck K , Adcock M
Published: May 2006

Using antibodies specific for argininosuccinate lyase (EC 4.3.2.1), we isolated two cDNA clones by screening a human liver cDNA library constructed in the lambda gt11 expression vector. The identity of these isolates was confirmed by in vitro translation of plasmid-selected mRNA. One of these isolates was used to rescreen the cDNA library and a 1565-base-pair (bp) clone was identified. The entire nucleotide sequence of this clone was determined. An open reading frame was identified which encoded a protein of 463 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 51,663. The clone included 115 bp of 5' untranslated sequence and 46 bp of 3' untranslated sequence. A canonical poly(A) addition site was present in the 3' end, 16 bp from the beginning of the poly(A) tract. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of the human enzyme with that of the yeast enzyme revealed a 56% homology, when conservative amino acid changes were taken into consideration. The yeast protein is also 463 amino acids long, with a molecular weight of 51,944. By use of a genomic DNA panel from human-Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids, the human gene was mapped to chromosome 7. Another hybridizing region, corresponding to a portion of the 5' end of the cDNA, was found on chromosome 22.
Cloning, characterization, expression, and chromosomal localization of a human ferritin heavy-chain gene.
Authors: Hentze M W , Keim S , Papadopoulos P , O'Brien S , Modi W , Drysdale J , Leonard W J , Harford J B , Klausner R D
Published: May 2006

A genomic phage clone containing a full-length copy of a functional human gene for ferritin heavy chain has been isolated. The gene consists of four exons spanning approximately 3 kilobases and has been localized to chromosome 11. The functionality of the gene was demonstrated by the fact that both transient transfectants and stable transformants of murine fibroblasts actively transcribe human ferritin heavy-chain mRNA.
A low-molecular-weight RNA from mouse ascites cells that hybridizes to both 18S rRNA and mRNA sequences.
Authors: Maxwell E S , Martin T E
Published: May 2006

A low-molecular-weight RNA species from mouse ascites cells has been selected and purified by its intermolecular RNA X RNA hybridization capabilities. This 4.5S RNA is able to base pair with poly(A)+ mRNA sequences and with 18S rRNA. Melting experiments have shown that the intermolecular hybrids formed with this complementary low-molecular-weight RNA are of comparable stability to other RNA X RNA interactions. Analysis has shown that this hybridizing RNA is 87 nucleotides long and has an unusual sequence structure. Located near the 3' terminus is an alternating pyrimidine dinucleotide region of UUCCUUCCUU. This region along with the 3'-adjacent nucleotides form a 14-nucleotide sequence that exhibits perfect complementarity with 18S rRNA. An additional region of 10 nucleotides at the 3' terminus is perfectly homologous to a similarly located sequence in 5.8S rRNA. An obvious RNA polymerase III binding site is not found internally in this low-molecular-weight RNA sequence. The complementary and homologous character of hybridizing RNA with respect to rRNA and mRNA sequences suggests a potential regulatory role for this RNA in the coupling of ribosome and mRNA functions.
Retinol-binding protein and transthyretin mRNA levels in visceral yolk sac and liver during fetal development in the rat.
Authors: Soprano D R , Soprano K J , Goodman D S
Published: May 2006

Studies were conducted to explore the synthesis of retinol-binding protein and transthyretin by embryonic and extraembryonic tissues during fetal development in the rat. The levels of retinol-binding protein mRNA and transthyretin mRNA were measured in fetal liver and in extraembryonic tissues by RNA gel blot analysis and hybridization with specific cDNA probes. Retinol-binding protein mRNA and transthyretin mRNA were both detected in the liver of fetuses at 14 days of gestation. The relative levels of these two transcripts increased during later fetal development; by the 20th day of gestation retinol-binding protein mRNA levels were comparable to those of the adult liver, while the levels of transthyretin mRNA were only 46% of those of the adult liver. Examination of the extraembryonic membranes for retinol-binding protein mRNA and transthyretin mRNA showed that these two transcripts were present specifically and only in the visceral yolk sac. The relative levels of retinol-binding protein mRNA and transthyretin mRNA in visceral yolk sac were constant from 14 to 20 days of gestation, averaging 58% and 51%, respectively, of the adult liver levels of these two transcripts. Both retinol-binding protein mRNA and transthyretin mRNA in the visceral yolk sac were found to be specifically localized in the endodermal layer. Finally, both immunoprecipitable retinol-binding protein and transthyretin were found to be synthesized and secreted by explant cultures of visceral yolk sac tissue. These data show that the visceral yolk sac is a major source of both retinol-binding protein and transthyretin in the developing fetus. Since the visceral yolk sac is a site of true placentation and nutrient transfer in the rodent, this raises the possibility that visceral yolk sac-derived retinol-binding protein and transthyretin may play important roles in the transport and delivery of retinol from the maternal blood to the developing fetus.
Beta 2-microglobulin is not required for cell surface expression of the murine class I histocompatibility antigen H-2Db or of a truncated H-2Db.
Authors: Allen H , Fraser J , Flyer D , Calvin S , Flavell R
Published: May 2006

beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2m) has been thought essential for transport of all major histocompatibility complex class I antigens to the cell surface. Here, we show that the mouse class I antigen H-2Db is expressed at the cell surface even when there is no beta 2m present within the cell. This was established by transfecting the H-2Db gene into the R1E cell line, which lacks beta 2m. The conformation of the Db antigen expressed by the R1E transfectant is very different from that of the native molecule. This Db antigen is not recognized by Db-allospecific and Db-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes or by most monoclonal antibodies to the native Db. We show further that a deletion construct of the Db gene, which consists of exon 1 linked to exons 4-8, expresses a truncated Db antigen lacking domains 1 and 2 [Db-(1 + 2)] at the cell surface after transfection into the R1E line. Previous biochemical and crystallographic data have indicated that domain 3 is associated with beta 2m; unexpectedly, Db-(1 + 2) does not associate with beta 2m when the mouse beta 2mb gene is transfected into the R1E transfectant expressing the truncated Db. This suggests that interactions with domains 1 and 2 are important for the paired association of domain 3 and beta 2m in the native Db antigen.
Tyrosine hydroxylase is expressed by neocortical neurons after transplantation.
Authors: Park J K , Joh T H , Ebner F F
Published: May 2006

Tyrosine hydroxylase [TyrOHase; L-tyrosine, tetrahydropteridine:oxygen oxidoreductase (3-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.16.2], an essential enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamines, is expressed normally by neurons in the brainstem but not by those in mature neocortex. When embryonic neocortex is transplanted into adult neocortex, TyrOHase-immunoreactive cells develop and continue to be present in the transplants for the life of the host animal. The percentage of transplant neurons that express TyrOHase is highly correlated with the age of the embryonic donor tissue at the time of transplantation. Many TyrOHase-immunoreactive cells are present in transplants from embryonic day 12 (E12) embryos. The labeled cells are frequently arrayed in striking clusters of cell bodies and their processes, which ramify densely within the transplants. Moderate numbers of cells are found scattered throughout transplants from E14 donors, while E17 donors consistently develop small numbers of TyrOHase-containing cells. Tissue removed for transplantation on the day before birth (E19) never contains cells that express TyrOHase. The TyrOHase-positive cells are mostly bipolar and stellate in shape and show neither immunoreactivity for other catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes nor catecholamine fluorescence. These results provide a demonstration of continued TyrOHase synthesis in central nervous system cells that normally do not express this enzyme. Because of these and similar results with other neurotransmitter enzymes, the transplantation paradigm is particularly useful as a technique for studying the factors that regulate enzyme induction and activity during development of the nervous system.
Epidermal growth factor (urogastrone)-mediated phosphorylation of a 35-kDa substrate in human placental membranes: relationship to the beta subunit of the guanine nucleotide regulatory complex.
Authors: Valentine-Braun K A , Northup J K , Hollenberg M D
Published: May 2006

We have identified a component of about 35 kDa (pp35), present in human placental membrane preparations, that is a substrate for epidermal growth factor (urogastrone) [EGF(Uro)]-mediated phosphorylation. The EGF(Uro)-stimulated phosphorylation of pp35 was calcium-dependent and was markedly enhanced in membranes prepared in the presence (but not in the absence) of calcium. The phosphate incorporated into pp35 in the presence of EGF(Uro) was alkali-stable and was present as O4-phosphotyrosine. Under identical conditions, insulin did not stimulate pp35 phosphorylation. Either in its native or in its phosphorylated form, pp35 could be released from the membranes in the presence of calcium-chelating agents (EDTA/EGTA); and EGF(Uro)-stimulated phosphorylation was reconstituted by adding back EDTA/EGTA eluates to EDTA/EGTA-washed membranes in the presence of calcium. The properties of pp35 were similar if not identical to those of beta-35, a 35-kDa polypeptide similar to the beta subunit of the guanine nucleotide-binding oligomers that stimulate (Gs) or inhibit (Gi) the adenylate cyclase system. As with pp35, EGF(Uro)-stimulated phosphorylation of isolated rabbit liver beta-35 was observed in a reconstituted system using either EDTA/EGTA-washed placental membranes or solubilized EGF(Uro) receptor immobilized on concanavalin A-agarose. In contrast, the addition of beta subunits derived from rabbit liver Gi or bovine transducin did not result in phosphorylation of a 35-kDa substrate in the reconstituted system. Further, a 35-kDa protein released from placental membranes crossreacted with an anti-transducin antibody that can recognize the beta subunit isolated from a variety of sources. We conclude that the human placental pp35 substrate likely represents the placental equivalent of the beta-35 protein. Our data point to a possible link between those receptors involved in growth-factor action and the regulatory systems that utilize GTP-binding proteins as transducing elements.
Ankyrin is fatty acid acylated in erythrocytes.
Authors: Staufenbiel M , Lazarides E
Published: May 2006

Ankyrin is a peripheral membrane protein that mediates the attachment of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton to the plasma membrane. We show that [3H]palmitic acid is incorporated into ankyrin in vivo. The majority of the 3H-labeled fatty acid is covalently bound to the polypeptide, as it cannot be removed by strong detergents or by chloroform/methanol extraction but is labile to alkaline hydrolysis. The binding of fatty acid occurs predominantly after the assembly of ankyrin onto the membrane skeleton, since it continues when protein synthesis is inhibited with emetine. Fatty acid acylation of ankyrin is constitutive in erythroid cells throughout chicken embryo development. It also occurs in mature avian and mammalian erythrocytes suggesting that the fatty acid bound to ankyrin turns over more rapidly than the polypeptide. Fatty acid acylation of assembled ankyrin may modulate the interaction of ankyrin with the plasma membrane. It may also provide a mechanism by which the membrane skeleton influences the organization of the lipid bilayer.
The complete structure of the rat thyroglobulin gene.
Authors: Musti A M , Avvedimento E V , Polistina C , Ursini V M , Obici S , Nitsch L , Cocozza S , Di Lauro R
Published: May 2006

We have isolated the entire gene for rat thyroglobulin, the precursor for thyroid hormone biosynthesis. The gene is at least 170,000 base pairs (bp) long; 9000 bp of coding information are distributed in 42 exons of homogeneous size (150-200 bp) except for two exons of 1100 and 620 bp. The sequences coding for two major thyroxine-forming sites are localized in exons 2 and 39. These two sequences do not show any homology either at the DNA or at the protein-sequence level, even though they code for sites highly specialized for the same function. Furthermore, both the 3' and the 5' end of the thyroglobulin structural gene appear to be made of repetitive units, which again do not show any homology. On the basis of these observations, we propose that the thyroglobulin gene arose by shuffling of at least two segments, with different evolutionary histories, each of which already contained introns.
Insulin action is blocked by a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the insulin receptor kinase.
Authors: Morgan D O , Ho L , Korn L J , Roth R A
Published: May 2006

Thirty-six monoclonal antibodies to the human insulin receptor were produced. Thirty-four bound the intracellular domain of the receptor beta subunit, the domain containing the tyrosine-specific kinase activity. Of these 34 antibodies, 33 recognized the rat receptor and 1 was shown to precipitate the receptors from mice, chickens, and frogs with high affinity. Another of the antibodies inhibited the kinase activities of the human and frog receptors with equal potencies. This antibody inhibited the kinase activities of these receptors by more than 90%, whereas others had no effect on either kinase activity. Microinjection of the inhibiting antibody into Xenopus oocytes blocked the ability of insulin to stimulate oocyte maturation. In contrast, this inhibiting antibody did not block the ability of progesterone to stimulate the same response. Furthermore, control immunoglobulin and a noninhibiting antibody to the receptor beta subunit did not block this response to insulin. These results strongly support a role for the tyrosine-specific kinase activity of the insulin receptor in mediating this biological effect of insulin.
Use of a reconstituted basement membrane to measure cell invasiveness and select for highly invasive tumor cells.
Authors: Terranova V P , Hujanen E S , Loeb D M , Martin G R , Thornburg L , Glushko V
Published: May 2006

Malignant cells must traverse basement membranes during their migration to sites distant from the primary tumor. Since basement membranes are thought to be a critical barrier to the passage of tumor cells, we have constructed a model basement membrane-stromal matrix consisting of laminin and type IV collagen reconstituted onto a disk of type I collagen for use in an in vitro assay of invasiveness. Metastatic tumor cells and leukocytes are able to cross this barrier, whereas nonmetastatic tumor cells, fibroblasts, and epidermal cells cannot penetrate it. Those tumor cells that penetrate the barriers were found, when isolated and subcultured, to be more invasive and to produce more metastases than the parental population. This assay system should be useful for studying the invasiveness of tumor cells and for isolating highly invasive variants.
Voltage-dependent activation in purified reconstituted sodium channels from rabbit T-tubular membranes.
Authors: Furman R E , Tanaka J C , Mueller P , Barchi R L
Published: May 2006

We have examined the voltage-dependent gating of batrachotoxin-modified sodium channels purified from rabbit T-tubular membranes in two ways. First, purified channels were reconstituted into planar bilayers and single-channel properties were measured. Batrachotoxin-activated channels showed steep voltage-dependent activation with half-maximal opening probabilities at potentials between -95 and -116 mV. The single-channel conductance (500 mM Na+ cis, 200 mM Na+ trans) averaged 20 pS and was independent of membrane potential. Channels usually inserted with their extracellular faces on the trans side of the bilayer; addition of tetrodotoxin to the cis side had no effect, whereas addition to the trans side blocked greater than 95% of channel openings at -77 mV. A second approach was used to establish that this voltage dependence was a characteristic of the entire population of purified channels and not just those few channels observed in planar bilayers. Channels reconstituted into egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles were functionally oriented by inclusion of internal saxitoxin; vesicle membrane potentials were then generated by K+ gradients in the presence of valinomycin. After batrachotoxin activation, Vm was altered by shifts of K+o. All of the specific 22Na+ influx activated by batrachotoxin and blocked by saxitoxin was found to be voltage sensitive, activating between predicted membrane potentials of -100 and -50 mV. The single-channel properties of the purified T-tubular sodium channel correspond closely to those seen with native sodium channels from rat sarcolemma. The voltage-dependent activation of the batrachotoxin-modified reconstituted channel is the same as that seen with native channels in situ or in bilayers after exposure to this toxin. Most importantly, this voltage-dependent gating is a property of all of the purified channels capable of specific pharmacological activation.
X-ray diffraction from intraneuronal paired helical filaments and extraneuronal amyloid fibers in Alzheimer disease indicates cross-beta conformation.
Authors: Kirschner D A , Abraham C , Selkoe D J
Published: May 2006

Information about the structure of the paired helical filaments (PHF) that accumulate within human neurons and the amyloid fibers that accumulate in the extracellular spaces between neurons in Alzheimer disease has so far depended on electron microscopy of thin-sectioned or negatively stained material. To determine the protein conformation of these abnormal fibers, we have obtained x-ray diffraction patterns from unfixed human brain fractions highly enriched in PHF and from purified amyloid cores isolated from senile plaques. The predominant x-ray scatter evident from both types of samples, either wet or dry, is a sharp reflection at 4.76-A spacing and a diffuse one at about 10.6-A spacing. These features are characteristic of a beta-pleated sheet type of protein conformation. In doubly oriented dried pellets of PHF fractions, the two reflections are accentuated at right angles to each other and the arc at 4.76-A spacing is in the fiber direction indicating a cross-beta conformation. From the integral widths of the reflections we estimate the cross-beta crystallite to be about 80 A long in the fiber direction and about 40 A thick. These dimensions correspond to approximately four pleated sheets, each of which consists of approximately 16 hydrogen-bonded polypeptide chains running normal to the fiber direction. The cross-beta conformation of PHF and amyloid fibers that we have found from x-ray diffraction is in contrast to the predominant alpha-helical coiled-coil conformation of the neurofilaments with which they share epitopes and from which they have been postulated to derive.
Nucleotide sequence of the mRNA encoding the cytosolic form of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) from the chicken.
Authors: Cook J S , Weldon S L , Garcia-Ruiz J P , Hod Y , Hanson R W
Published: May 2006

We have determined the sequence of the mRNA encoding cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) [GTP:oxaloacetate carboxy-lyase (transphosphorylating), EC 4.1.1.32] from the chicken and have deduced the primary structure of the protein. The message for the enzyme is 2762 bases long and encodes a protein of 622 amino acids with a molecular mass of 69,522 daltons. The 5' untranslated region is 246 nucleotides long and contains two nonfunctional AUG initiator codons. The 3' untranslated sequence is 649 bases long and contains multiple polyadenylylation signals. There are regions of dyad symmetry and an A + U-rich region within the 3' translated and untranslated sequences of the message. Such regions are also present in the mRNA for the enzyme from the rat and may be of functional significance. Conserved regions of the enzyme, that may interact with substrates, were identified by comparing the amino acid sequence of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase with that of other proteins that use guanine nucleotides and phosphoenolpyruvate as substrates.
Primary structure of an extracellular matrix proteoglycan core protein deduced from cloned cDNA.
Authors: Krusius T , Ruoslahti E
Published: May 2006

The core protein of a small chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycan expressed by human fibroblasts and present in extracellular matrices in association with collagen has been cloned from a lambda gt11 fibroblast cDNA library. cDNA clones were isolated by use of antibodies specific for the intact proteoglycan and antibodies against a peptide synthesized on the basis of the amino-terminal sequence of the core protein. A 1.8-kilobase cDNA was found to code for a prepro core protein composed of a signal peptide, a propeptide, and a mature core protein of 329 amino acids. The amino-terminal amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA sequence was identical to that previously obtained by protein sequencing. The core protein contains three Ser-Gly dipeptide sequences, of which one is substituted with glycosaminoglycan. A protein data base homology search established the core protein sequence is a unique sequence distinct from published amino acid sequences. RNA blot hybridizations, performed using the cloned cDNA as a probe, revealed two related transcripts of 1.6 and 1.9 kilobases in RNA from both human fibroblast and placental tissue. Hybridization of genomic DNA restriction fragments suggested that there is one gene for the core protein of this proteoglycan and possibly one other closely related gene. Availability of the cloned cDNA for the proteoglycan now makes it possible to apply methods of molecular biology to study the collagen-binding and cell attachment-inhibiting properties of this proteoglycan.
Amino acid sequence of the plasma membrane ATPase of Neurospora crassa: deduction from genomic and cDNA sequences.
Authors: Hager K M , Mandala S M , Davenport J W , Speicher D W , Benz E J , Slayman C W
Published: May 2006

The plasma membrane of Neurospora crassa contains an electrogenic H+-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.35), for which we have isolated and sequenced both genomic and cDNA clones. The ATPase gene is interrupted by four small introns (58-124 base pairs). It encodes a protein of 920 amino acids (Mr, 99,886) possessing as many as eight transmembrane segments. The Neurospora ATPase shows significant amino acid sequence homology with the Na+,K+- and Ca2+-transporting ATPases of animal cells, particularly in regions that appear to be involved in ATP binding and hydrolysis.
Complete amino acid sequence of human thyroxine-binding globulin deduced from cloned DNA: close homology to the serine antiproteases.
Authors: Flink I L , Bailey T J , Gustafson T A , Markham B E , Morkin E
Published: May 2006

Antibodies directed against thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) have been used to screen a human liver lambda gt11 expression library. A 1.46-kilobase clone was identified which encodes nearly the complete amino acid sequence, beginning at amino acid 17 of the mature protein. To complete the protein sequence, the cDNA clone was used to identify a genomic clone coding for TBG in a human X chromosome library. The overlapping recombinant clones contained an open reading frame coding for 415 amino acids followed by a polyadenylylation signal (AATAAA) located 275 nucleotides from a TAG termination codon. Beginning at residue 21, the deduced amino acid sequence agrees closely with the known NH2-terminal sequence of the mature peptide. The preceding 20 amino acid residues are hydrophobic in character and presumably represent a leader sequence. Four glycosylation sites were identified, corresponding to the number determined for the purified protein. DNA blot hybridization revealed a single-copy gene, which by chromosomal analysis was found to be located on the long arm of the X chromosome. Unexpectedly, the nucleotide sequence of TBG is closely homologous to those encoding the plasma serine antiproteases alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and alpha 1-antitrypsin. However, there is little overall homology between TBG and transthyretin (prealbumin), the other major thyroxine-binding protein of human plasma.
Small deletions of the short arm of the Y chromosome in 46,XY females.
Authors: Disteche C M , Casanova M , Saal H , Friedman C , Sybert V , Graham J , Thuline H , Page D C , Fellous M
Published: May 2006

Structural anomalies of the sex chromosomes provide a means to study the location of genes responsible for sex determination. Recently, a type of sex reversal in humans, the 46,XX male, was shown to result in some cases from translocation of Y chromosome material to the X chromosome. In the present report, another type of sex reversal, the 46,XY female, is shown to result, in two cases, from small deletions of the short arm of the Y chromosome. Prometaphase chromosome analysis showed a 46,X,Yp- karyotype. Several Y chromosome-specific DNA probes were found to be deleted in the two female patients. DNA analysis showed that the two deletions were different but included a common overlapping region likely to be essential for male determination.
T-cell antigen-receptor genes in autoimmune mice.
Authors: Hashimoto Y , Maxam A M , Greene M I
Published: May 2006

The developmental patterns of rearrangement and expression of the T-cell antigen-receptor genes are precisely regulated during T-cell differentiation and education. The beta- and gamma-subunit RNAs of the T-cell receptor are abundantly expressed in immature thymocytes. In mature thymocytes the alpha- and beta-subunit RNAs are preferentially expressed, whereas there is minimal expression of the gamma RNA. Although aspects of the pattern of known organization and rearrangement of the T-cell receptor gene in the thymus have been studied and the concept of a thymus selection process generally has been accepted, the cellular and molecular basis of thymus education remains obscure. Certain strains of mice with predilections for autoimmunity demonstrate T-cell developmental abnormalities. This is especially true for the lpr/lpr or gld/gld genotypes, in which the major population of peripheral T cells is developmentally disturbed. We have studied the development, expression, and rearrangement of T-cell receptor genes in the C3H/HeJ gld/gld mouse. Our results indicate a high level of expression of the beta and alpha RNAs in C3H/HeJ gld/gld T cells residing in the periphery. In addition, the beta-subunit gene of gld/gld peripheral T cells undergoes more rearrangements than does its normal C3H/HeJ T-cell counterparts. We speculate that this rearrangement pattern and high level of T-cell receptor mRNA reflects an abnormality or deficit in a thymus selection process that permits emigration of T cells with nonfunctionally rearranged T-cell receptor genes to secondary lymphoid organs. However, the normal level of gamma-subunit RNA expression argues that gamma-subunit gene rearrangements are distinct from processes related to alpha- and beta-subunit selection.