bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amino acid sequences surrounding the cAMP-dependent and calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation sites in rat and bovine synapsin I.
Authors: Czernik A J , Pang D T , Greengard P
Published: May 2006

The amino acid sequences surrounding three major phosphorylation sites in rat and bovine synapsin I have been determined by employing automated gas-phase sequencing and manual Edman degradation of purified phosphopeptide fragments. Site 1 is a serine residue phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I. The sequence around site 1 was derived from tryptic/chymotryptic phosphopeptides and overlapping cyanogen bromide cleavage fragments. This sequence, identical in rat and bovine synapsin I, is Asn-Tyr-Leu-Arg-Arg-Arg-Leu-Ser(P)-Asp-Ser-Asn-Phe-Met. Site 1 is located at the NH2 terminus of the protein, within the collagenase-resistant head region. Sites 2 and 3 are serine residues phosphorylated by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. The sequences surrounding bovine site 2 and site 3 were derived from tryptic phosphopeptides and overlapping fragments generated by cleavage with chymotrypsin, collagenase, and endoproteinase Lys-C. The sequence around bovine site 2 is Thr-Arg-Gln-Thr-Ser(P)-Val-Ser-Gly-Gln-Ala-Pro-Pro-Lys, and the sequence around bovine site 3 is Thr-Arg-Gln-Ala-Ser(P)-Gln-Ala-Gly-Pro-Met-Pro-Arg. Sites 2 and 3 are located within the COOH-terminal, collagenase-sensitive tail region of the molecule, separated by 36 amino acids. The sequences surrounding rat site 2 and site 3 were derived from tryptic phosphopeptides. The sequence around rat site 2 is Gln-Ala-Ser(P)-Ile-Ser-Gly-Pro-Ala-Pro-Pro-Lys, and the sequence around rat site 3 is Gln-Ala-Ser(P)-Gln-Ala-Gly-Pro-Gly-Pro-Arg. Thus, the sequences surrounding the four sites that are phosphorylated by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, namely sites 2 and 3 in rat and bovine synapsin I, exhibit a high degree of homology.
Molecular analysis of X chromosome dosage compensation in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Authors: Donahue L M , Quarantillo B A , Wood W B
Published: May 2006

We used a convenient quantitative dot blot assay to measure transcript levels for two X chromosome-linked genes, myo-2 and act-4, in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that there is dosage compensation of transcript levels for these two genes between XX hermaphrodites and X0 males and that a mutation in the dpy-21 gene, postulated from genetic analysis to be involved in control of X chromosome expression, can affect these transcript levels in the manner predicted. However, we observe the dpy-21 effects only at some stages of the life cycle and not at others. These results are generally consistent with earlier genetic and molecular evidence.
B-cell-stimulatory factor 2 (beta 2 interferon) functions as a second signal for interleukin 2 production by mature murine T cells.
Authors: Garman R D , Jacobs K A , Clark S C , Raulet D H
Published: May 2006

Purified peripheral murine T cells, in the presence of concanavalin A, can be activated to produce interleukin 2 (IL-2) through stimulation either with a previously described murine lymphokine designated T cell-activating factor (TAF) or with a cloned human lymphokine that has been called beta 2 interferon, B-cell-stimulatory factor 2, hybridoma growth factor, inducible 26-kDa protein, or hematopoietic colony-stimulating factor 309 by different investigators. We and others propose the designation interleukin 6 (IL-6) for the latter molecule. Our experiments demonstrate that either murine TAF or human IL-6 can restore the ability of purified T cells to proliferate in response to Con A or antibodies against the T-cell antigen receptor. Most if not all of the proliferation can be blocked by antibodies against the alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor. Furthermore, highly purified CD8- T cells can be activated by IL-6 in the presence of Con A to secrete IL-2. We propose that IL-6 and murine TAF are important "second signals" in primary antigen-receptor-dependent T-cell activation. Whether or not murine TAF is a homologue of human IL-6 remains to be determined.
Evolutionary relationship between the T3 chains of the T-cell receptor complex and the immunoglobulin supergene family.
Authors: Gold D P , Clevers H , Alarcon B , Dunlap S , Novotny J , Williams A F , Terhorst C
Published: May 2006

Antigen receptors on the surface of the thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes are associated with small integral membrane proteins called the T3 (CD3) gamma, delta, epsilon, and zeta chains. After interaction of the T-cell receptor with antigen, the T3 proteins are believed to transfer an activation signal to the intracellular compartment. In previous studies, the human gamma, epsilon, and delta chains have been cloned along with the mouse delta chain, but a relationship between these sequences and known molecular families has not been established. We now report the molecular cloning and characterization of the murine T3-epsilon protein and a sequence and structural analysis of the relationships between all the T3 chains and the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is established that the T3 chains are immunoglobulin-related and a particular relationship to the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) is noted. This sequence relationship adds interest to previous findings that the T3 chains are genetically linked to N-CAM and Thy-1 antigen on band q23 of human chromosome 11.
Neuroblastoma cells contain a trophic factor sharing biological and molecular properties with ciliary neurotrophic factor.
Authors: Heymanns J , Unsicker K
Published: May 2006

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a protein supporting the in vitro survival of a characteristic spectrum of embryonic chicken and rat peripheral neurons. High-speed supernatants of extracts from two neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines--the mouse C 1300 N2a and the human IMR 32--mimic the effects of CNTF on identical target neurons. Promotion of survival is dose-dependent with an ED50 of 80 micrograms (IMR 32) and 140 micrograms (C 1300 N2a) of protein per ml and saturable at plateau values for surviving neurons identical to those achieved with purified CNTF. Small amounts of a CNTF-like material are also detectable in medium conditioned by NB cells. The activity is destroyed by heat and trypsin and not blocked by antibodies to (mouse) nerve growth factor. Unlike the neurite-promoting and neuronal-survival modulating agent laminin, it cannot be depleted on poly(L-alpha-ornithine)-coated plastic surfaces. NB IMR 32 cell extracts were electrophoresed using NaDodSO4/PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose. Ciliary ganglion neurons seeded on the blotting paper in culture medium lacking CNTF ("cell blot") exclusively survive on two distinct bands with apparent molecular masses of 24 and 48 kDa. Twenty-four kilodaltons is the molecular mass of a CNTF purified from rat sciatic nerve. These results suggest that NB cells may contain a CNTF-like protein and provide further evidence that neurons may store neurotrophic factors. Purified (chicken) CNTF failed to affect proliferation and neurite growth of NB cells. The biological relevance of CNTF for NB cells, therefore, remains to be elucidated.
Electrophysiological and autoradiographical evidence of V1 vasopressin receptors in the lateral septum of the rat brain.
Authors: Raggenbass M , Tribollet E , Dreifuss J J
Published: May 2006

Extracellular recordings were obtained from single neurons located in the lateral septum, an area known to receive a vasopressinergic innervation in the rat brain. Approximately half of the neurons tested responded to 8-L-arginine vasopressin (AVP) by a marked increase in firing rate at concentrations greater than 1 nM. The effect of vasopressin was blocked by synthetic structural analogues possessing antagonistic properties on peripheral vasopressin and oxytocin receptors. Oxytocin was much less potent than vasopressin in firing septal neurons, and a selective oxytocic agonist was totally ineffective. The action of vasopressin on neuronal firing was mimicked by the vasopressor agonist [2-phenylalanine,8-ornithine]vasotocin but not by the selective antidiuretic agonist 1-deamino[8-D-arginine]vasopressin. In a parallel study, sites that bind [3H]AVP at low concentration (1.5 nM) were found by in vitro autoradiography in the lateral septum. Adjacent sections were also incubated with 1.5 mM [3H]AVP and, in addition, with 100 nM [2-phenylalanine,8-ornithine]vasotocin or 1-deamino[8-D-arginine]vasopressin--i.e., the same compounds as those used for the electrophysiological study. Results showed that the vasopressor agonist, but not the antidiuretic agonist, displaced [3H]AVP, thus indicating that the vasopressin binding sites detected by autoradiography in the septum were V1 (vasopressor type) rather than V2 (antidiuretic type) receptors. Based on the electrophysiological evidence, we conclude that these receptors, when occupied, lead to increased firing of lateral septal neurons.
Ferritin: isolation of aluminum-ferritin complex from brain.
Authors: Fleming J , Joshi J G
Published: May 2006

Ferritin was isolated from the livers and brains of two groups of rats, one of which was fed aluminum chloride (100 microM) for 1 year in the drinking water. Brain tissue contained about one-third of the amount of ferritin found in the liver. While brain ferritin from normal rats contained 42.1 +/- 14.3 mol of aluminum, that from the aluminum-fed group contained 115.4 +/- 48.3 mol of aluminum per mol of ferritin. Liver ferritin from both groups contained similar amounts of both aluminum and iron, and the amounts were less than that found associated with brain ferritin. Ferritin isolated from the brains of patients who died of Alzheimer disease contained more aluminum and more iron than that from age-matched controls. Human brain ferritin is composed of two types of subunits--about 70% heavy chain (Mr, 22,000) and 30% light chain (Mr, 19,500). The isoelectric focusing pattern of human brain ferritin was considerably different from that of human liver. Only 5 of the 20 brain ferritin bands migrated similarly to the acidic isoferritins from the liver, and the major component of brain ferritin, representing 30% of the total ferritin, had a pI of 8.0.
Accurate 5' splice-site selection in mouse kappa immunoglobulin light chain premessenger RNAs is not cell-type-specific.
Authors: Kedes D H , Steitz J A
Published: May 2006

In mature mouse B lymphocytes, immunoglobulin kappa light chain transcripts contain an intervening sequence separating the recombined variable (V) plus joining (J) exon from the distant constant (C) exon. After V-J recombination, this intervening sequence can include as many as three unused but very similar J-region 5' splice sites. Each of these sites is potentially functional if the gene is appropriately recombined. It is unclear how the splicing machinery distinguishes among these 5' splice sites, always choosing the most upstream site. We used synthetic transcripts of kappa gene sequences containing J3 and J4 in both the germ-line and the recombined configurations to study the pattern of 5' splice-site selection in vitro. We find that both HeLa cell and lymphocyte nuclear extracts fail to discriminate between the J3- and J4-region 5' splice sites. In contrast, after transfection into HeLa cells, similar kappa light chain transcripts are spliced correctly at the most upstream 5' splice site--that which is used in kappa-producing cells. We conclude that accurate 5' splice-site selection in the mouse kappa light chain is neither cell-type- nor species-specific. Potential mechanisms for this controlling step in gene expression are discussed.
A chromosome 11-linked determinant controls fetal globin expression and the fetal-to-adult globin switch.
Authors: Melis M , Demopulos G , Najfeld V , Zhang J W , Brice M , Papayannopoulou T , Stamatoyannopoulos G
Published: May 2006

Hybrids formed by fusing mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cells with human fetal erythroid cells produce human fetal globin, but they switch to adult globin production as culture time advances. To obtain information on the chromosomal assignment of the elements that control gamma-to-beta switching, we analyzed the chromosomal composition of hybrids producing exclusively or predominantly human fetal globin and hybrids producing only adult human globin. No human chromosome was consistently present in hybrids expressing fetal globin and consistently absent in hybrids expressing adult globin. Subcloning experiments demonstrated identical chromosomal compositions in subclones displaying the fetal globin program and those that had switched to expression of the adult globin program. These data indicate that retention of only one human chromosome-i.e., chromosome 11--sufficient for expression of human fetal globin and the subsequent gamma-to-beta switch. The results suggest that the gamma-to-beta switch is controlled either cis to the beta-globin locus or by a trans-acting mechanism, the genes of which reside on human chromosome 11.
Porin protein of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: cloning and gene structure.
Authors: Gotschlich E C , Seiff M E , Blake M S , Koomey M
Published: May 2006

The outer membrane porin molecule of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is known as protein I (PI). Among different strains of gonococci there is variability of PI, and two main classes, PIA and PIB, have been recognized. A lambda gt11 bank of gonococcal DNA was screened using monoclonal antibodies directed to a PIB-type porin molecule of N. gonorrhoeae, and three immunoreactive clones were isolated. DNA sequence analysis indicated that each contained only portions of the PI structural gene, but that together they contained the complete gene, and its structure was determined. The DNA sequence predicts a protein of 348 amino acids with a typical 19 amino acid signal peptide. The PI protein resembles Escherichia coli porins in size, lack of long hydrophobic sequences, and absence of cysteine residues. Sequence homologies between PI and the E. coli porins were found, particularly in the 100 N-terminal and the 110 C-terminal amino acids. In addition to the coding sequence of PI, the complementary strand contains a large open reading frame. At the 3' end of the PI gene, immediately following an inverted repeat (probably the transcription terminator), the clone contains an unusual sequence consisting of 31 perfect repeats of the heptamer CTGTTTT. Hybridization analysis suggests that there is a single structural gene for PI and that it is homologous to the gene found in a PIA-bearing strain of gonococcus.
Nonsynaptic regulation of sensory activity during movement in cockroaches.
Authors: Libersat F , Goldstein R S , Camhi J M
Published: May 2006

Here we describe a nonsynaptic mechanism for filtering out potentially perturbing sensory feedback during locomotion. During flight, the cockroach moves its cerci, two abdominal sensory appendages, about their joint with the body and holds them in place. The cerci bear highly sensitive wind-receptive hairs, which would be strongly stimulated by flight wind. Such wind could cause habituation of the synaptic connections from these cercal receptors onto interneurons responsible for the running escape response to an approaching predator. We have found that the cercal displacement blocks one-third to one-half of the action potentials along the sensory nerve, possibly aiding in protection against such habituation. This block occurs if one experimentally displaces a cercus, and the block persists in the complete absence of any connections with the central nervous system. The block appears to be nonsynaptic and to result instead from mechanical pressure on the nerve near the joint. The results suggest that activity in peripheral nerves in other animals may also be affected by the position or movement of joints through which the nerves pass.
The function of acyl carrier protein in the synthesis of membrane-derived oligosaccharides does not require its phosphopantetheine prosthetic group.
Authors: Therisod H , Kennedy E P
Published: May 2006

An enzyme system catalyzing the synthesis of the beta 1,2-linked glucan backbone of the membrane-derived oligosaccharides of Escherichia coli from UDP-glucose has an essential requirement for the E. coli acyl carrier protein (ACP). This finding was surprising, because all other characterized functions of ACP involve acyl thioester residues linked to the phosphopantetheine moiety covalently bound to ACP. We now report that the activity of ACP in the synthesis of membrane-derived oligosaccharides is not altered by treatment with the sulfhydryl reagent N-ethylmaleimide nor by complete removal of the phosphopantetheine residue by treatment with a specific phosphodiesterase. The function of ACP in the synthesis of membrane-derived oligosaccharides is thus clearly different from that involved in lipid biosynthesis. We have nevertheless found that the same molecular species of ACP that undergo enzymic acylation with long-chain fatty acid residues also function in the synthesis of membrane-derived oligosaccharides.
Molecular cloning and analysis of the regulation of nit-3, the structural gene for nitrate reductase in Neurospora crassa.
Authors: Fu Y H , Marzluf G A
Published: May 2006

The nit-3 gene of Neurospora crassa encodes the enzyme nitrate reductase and is regulated by nitrogen catabolite repression and by specific induction with nitrate. The nit-3 gene was isolated from a cosmid-based genomic library by dual selection for benomyl resistance and for the ability to complement a nit-3 mutant strain using the sibling-selection procedure. The nit-3 gene was subcloned as a 3.8-kilobase DNA fragment from a cosmid that carried an approximately 40-kilobase N. crassa DNA insert. A restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed that the cloned segment displayed tight linkage to two linkage-group-4 markers that flank the genomic location of nit-3. RNA gel blot analyses of RNA from wild-type and various mutant strains were carried out to examine the molecular mechanism for regulation of nit-3 gene expression. The nit-3 gene was transcribed to give a large mRNA of approximately 3.4 kilobases, the expected size to encode nitrate reductase. The nit-3 gene was only expressed in wild-type cells subject to simultaneous nitrogen derepression and nitrate induction. A mutant of nit-2, the major nitrogen regulatory gene of Neurospora, did not have detectable levels of nit-3 gene transcripts under the exact conditions in which these transcripts were highly expressed in wild type. Similarly, a mutant of nit-4, which defines a minor positive-acting nitrogen control gene, failed to express detectable levels of the nit-3 transcript. Nitrate reductase gene expression was partially resistant to nitrogen repression in a mutant of the nmr gene, which appears to be a regulatory gene with a direct role in nitrogen catabolite repression. Results are presented that suggest that the enzyme glutamine synthetase does not serve any regulatory role in controlling nitrate reductase gene expression.
Neuraminidase from Trypanosoma cruzi: analysis of enhanced expression of the enzyme in infectious forms.
Authors: Harth G , Haidaris C G , So M
Published: May 2006

We purified the neuraminidase (sialidase, acylneuraminyl hydrolase, EC 3.2.1.18) from the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, strain Y, and examined the developmental regulation of the enzyme. The detectable amount of enzyme activity increased 10- to 20-fold upon conversion of the parasite from the noninfectious epimastigote form to the infectious trypomastigote form. The enzyme was purified from membranes of trypomastigotes greater than 5000-fold to apparent homogeneity and migrated as an entity of Mr 60,000 under denaturing conditions. Antibodies produced in rabbits against the denatured protein recognized the neuraminidase in membrane extracts from the infectious stage but not from the noninfectious stage. Sera from a patient with acute chagasic disease also reacted strongly with the neuraminidase. Other T. cruzi strains exhibited similar neuraminidase activities and induction rates. The coincidence of infectivity and enhanced expression of neuraminidase in trypomastigotes suggests that this enzyme constitutes a virulence factor in T. cruzi.
Autocrine stimulation after transfer of the granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor gene and autonomous growth are distinct but interdependent steps in the oncogenic pathway.
Authors: Laker C , Stocking C , Bergholz U , Hess N , De Lamarter J F , Ostertag W
Published: May 2006

Autocrine stimulation of cells by aberrant synthesis of growth factor may lead to malignant transformation, either as a direct consequence of endogenous factor production or as a first step of a series of successive events. Introduction of the granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cDNA clone into a vector based on the myeloproliferative sarcoma virus allowed efficient transfer and expression of GM-CSF in factor-dependent myeloid cell lines (FDC-P1 and FDC-P2). Factor-independent growth was acquired when the vector was introduced into the GM-CSF-responsive FDC-P1 cell line but not the multi-CSF-dependent FDC-P2 line. Nonlinear clonability in the absence of exogenous growth factor and growth inhibition by GM-CSF antiserum support a model of autocrine stimulation that requires interaction of factor and receptor at the outer membrane. However, many, but not all, infected FDC-P1 cells acquired subsequently a second mutation that abrogated the requirement of GM-CSF secretion and external interaction. The nature of the second step, which presumably leads to tumorigenicity of these cells, is not well understood, but its frequency could be correlated with the level of GM-CSF released by an individual cell clone.
Epstein-Barr virus genomes in lymphoid cells: activation in mitosis and chromosomal location.
Authors: Teo C G , Griffin B E
Published: May 2006

Biotin-labeled Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific DNA probes have been used to detect viral genomes by in situ hybridization. Immunocytochemically amplified signals produced by the hybridized probe allow visualization of viral DNA even in cells previously reported to contain only one or two EBV genomes. In EBV producer lymphoid cell lines, such as B95-8, P3HR-1, or Daudi, activation of latent EBV DNA could be observed in mitotic cells; in non-virus-producing cells of these same lines, EBV was found to be present in low copy numbers. Noninducible cell lines such as IB4, AW-Ramos, and Namalwa exhibited low but clearly positive hybridization. Unexpectedly, significant variations in the amounts of EBV DNA per cell were observed between individual cells of these lines. The EBV DNA in the cloned IB4 cell line was localized to chromosome 4 in metaphase cells, but in the noncloned converted line AW-Ramos, the location of integrated viral DNA was essentially random.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 gene is located at region q21.3-q22 of chromosome 7 and genetically linked with cystic fibrosis.
Authors: Klinger K W , Winqvist R , Riccio A , Andreasen P A , Sartorio R , Nielsen L S , Stuart N , Stanislovitis P , Watkins P , Douglas R
Published: May 2006

The regional chromosomal location of the human gene for plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI1) was determined by three independent methods of gene mapping. PAI1 was localized first to 7cen-q32 and then to 7q21.3-q22 by Southern blot hybridization analysis of a panel of human and mouse somatic cell hybrids with a PAI1 cDNA probe and in situ hybridization, respectively. We identified a frequent HindIII restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the PAI1 gene with an information content of 0.369. In family studies using this polymorphism, genetic linkage was found between PAI1 and the loci for erythropoietin (EPO), paraoxonase (PON), the met protooncogene (MET), and cystic fibrosis (CF), all previously assigned to the middle part of the long arm of chromosome 7. The linkage with EPO was closest with an estimated genetic distance of 3 centimorgans, whereas that to CF was 20 centimorgans. A three-point genetic linkage analysis and data from previous studies showed that the most likely order of these loci is EPO, PAI1, PON, (MET, CF), with PAI1 being located centromeric to CF. The PAI1 RFLP may prove to be valuable in ordering genetic markers in the CF-linkage group and may also be valuable in genetic analysis of plasminogen activation-related diseases, such as certain thromboembolic disorders and cancer.
Molecular cloning of a CD28 cDNA by a high-efficiency COS cell expression system.
Authors: Aruffo A , Seed B
Published: May 2006

CD28 (Tp44) is a human T-cell-specific homodimer surface protein that may participate in T-cell activation. We have isolated a cDNA clone encoding CD28 by a simple and highly efficient cloning strategy based on transient expression in COS cells. Central to this strategy is the use of an efficient method to prepare large plasmid cDNA libraries. The libraries are introduced into COS cells, where transient expression of surface antigen allows the isolation of cDNAs by way of monoclonal antibody binding. The CD28 cDNA encodes a highly glycosylated membrane protein with homology to the immunoglobulin superfamily and directs the production of a homodimer in transfected COS cells.
Defective HLA class II expression in a regulatory mutant is partially complemented by activated ras oncogenes.
Authors: Hume C R , Accolla R S , Lee J S
Published: May 2006

The human B-cell line RJ2.2.5, derived by mutagenesis from a Burkitt lymphoma cell line and selected for loss of HLA class II antigen expression, was infected with recombinant retroviruses containing either the Harvey murine sarcoma virus oncogene v-Ha-ras or the human neuroblastoma homolog NRAS. Both activated ras genes partially complemented the regulatory defect in RJ2.2.5 and specifically increased the expression of the DR and DQ subsets of HLA class II genes. Blot-hybridization analysis and RNase mapping indicated that HLA-DQ alpha-chain mRNA in the infected cell lines was increased to a level at least 50% that of the parent B-cell line, Raji. The levels of HLA-DR and -DQ beta-chain RNA also were increased but to a lesser extent. In contrast, we detected no effect of ras on the quantities of other class II, class I, or invariant-chain mRNAs. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis with antibodies recognizing HLA-DR, -DQ, and class I antigens supported these observations. Enhancement of HLA class II gene expression by ras genes may have important implications for regulation of the immune system in response to transformation.
Immediate-early gene region of human cytomegalovirus trans-activates the promoter of human immunodeficiency virus.
Authors: Davis M G , Kenney S C , Kamine J , Pagano J S , Huang E S
Published: May 2006

Almost all homosexual patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are also actively infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). We have hypothesized that an interaction between HCMV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the agent that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, may exist at a molecular level and contribute to the manifestations of HIV infection. In this report, we demonstrate that the immediate-early gene region of HCMV, in particular immediate-early region 2, trans-activates the expression of the bacterial gene chloramphenicol acetyltransferase that is fused to the HIV long terminal repeat and carried by plasmid pHIV-CAT. The HCMV immediate-early trans-activator increases the level of mRNA from the plasmid pHIV-CAT. The sequences of HIV that are responsive to trans-activation by the HCMV immediate-early region are distinct from HIV sequences that required for response to the HIV tat. The stimulation of HIV gene expression by HCMV gene functions could enhance the consequences of HIV infection in persons with previous or concurrent HCMV infection.
Enhancer sequences of a retroviral vector determine expression of a gene in multipotent hematopoietic progenitors and committed erythroid cells.
Authors: Holland C A , Anklesaria P , Sakakeeny M A , Greenberger J S
Published: May 2006

To analyze the transcriptional activity of retroviral enhancer sequences in hematopoietic lineages, we determined the effect of enhancer sequences on the expression of the neomycin resistance gene transferred by two retroviral vectors to primary hematopoietic lineages. We constructed the vector pFr-SV(X). The Moloney murine leukemia virus enhancer region of a vector, pZIP-SV(X), was replaced by a 380-nucleotide-long fragment containing the enhancer sequences of the Friend murine leukemia virus. The enhancer sequences of Friend murine leukemia virus were used because these sequences have been shown to target the disease specificity of the virus to the erythroid lineage. Hematopoietic progenitors in murine continuous marrow cultures were infected with identical numbers of pure defective, infectious viral vector particles of either pFr-SV(X) or pZIP-SV(X). Expression of the transferred neomycin resistance gene in multipotential stem cells and their differentiated progeny was assayed as the ability of infected progenitors to form colonies (greater than 50 cells) in G418. Expression of the neomycin resistance gene in multipotential progenitor cells during the entire 11 weeks of the cultures was independent of the vector used to transfer the gene. Conversely, committed hemoglobinized erythroid bursts and myeloid colonies resistant to G418 were consistently produced by pFr-SV(X)-infected cultures but not pZIP-SV(X)-infected cultures. These results demonstrate that both pFr-SV(X) and pZIP-SV(X) were stably integrated and expressed in more primitive, multilineage, hematopoietic progenitor cells and suggest that the enhancer sequences of a vector affects expression of the transferred neomycin resistance gene when these cells differentiate to committed myeloid and erythroid cells.
Ganglioside inhibition of glutamate-mediated protein kinase C translocation in primary cultures of cerebellar neurons.
Authors: Vaccarino F , Guidotti A , Costa E
Published: May 2006

In primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells, protein kinase C (PKC) translocation and activation can be triggered by the stimulation of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter receptors. Glutamate evokes a dose-related translocation of 4-beta-[3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]-P(BtO)2) binding sites from the cytosol to the neuronal membrane and stimulates the incorporation of 32P into a number of membrane proteins, particularly protein bands in the range of 80, 50, and 40 kDa. The glutamate-evoked PKC translocation is Mg2+ sensitive, is prevented by 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate and phencyclidine, is not inhibited by nitrendipine (a voltage-dependent Ca2+-channel blocker) but is abolished by the removal of Ca2+ from the incubation medium, suggesting that glutamate-mediated Ca2+ influx is operative in the redistribution of PKC. Exposure of granule cells to the gangliosides trisialosylgangliotetraglycosylceramide (GT1b) or monosialosylgangliotetraglycosylceramide (GM1) inhibits the translocation and activation of PKC evoked by glutamate. These glycosphingolipids fail to interfere with glutamate binding to its high-affinity recognition site or with the [3H]P(BtO)2 binding, nor do they affect the Ca2+ influx. These gangliosides may prevent PKC translocation by interfering with the PKC binding to the neuronal membrane phosphatidylserine.
Bacillus subtilis sucrose-specific enzyme II of the phosphotransferase system: expression in Escherichia coli and homology to enzymes II from enteric bacteria.
Authors: Fouet A , Arnaud M , Klier A , Rapoport G
Published: May 2006

Sucrose is transported into Bacillus subtilis cells by way of a phosphotransferase system, which consists of a specific enzyme II, a nonspecific enzyme I, and a histidine-containing phosphocarrier protein. Mutations in the sacP locus abolish the specific transport of sucrose. The B. subtilis sacP gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and transformed cells could transport and phosphorylate sucrose. This indicates that the sacP gene product is enzyme II of the sucrose phosphotransferase system of B. subtilis. The nucleotide sequence of the sacP gene was determined and was found to overlap with the sacA gene at the tetranucleotide ATGA, which may allow a translational coupling between sacP and sacA. The two genes are therefore probably organized in an operon structure with the promoter located 5' to sacP gene. The deduced amino acid sequence gave a Mr of 48,945 for the sucrose-specific enzyme II polypeptide. The amino acid sequence was compared to that of three other known enteric bacterial enzymes II (beta-glucoside-specific enzyme II, mannitol-specific enzyme II, and glucose-specific enzyme II). Homology was found with beta-glucoside enzyme II, and well conserved regions were identified through the comparison of the proteins.
Additional member of the protein-tyrosine kinase family: the src- and lck-related protooncogene c-tkl.
Authors: Strebhardt K , Mullins J I , Bruck C , Rübsamen-Waigmann H
Published: May 2006

We report the isolation and nucleotide sequence of a 3.7-kilobase (kb) cDNA clone from chicken spleen corresponding to a previously undescribed member of the src family of protooncogenes. It encodes a protein with a C-terminal domain related to the src family of protein-tyrosine kinases (EC 2.7.1.112) and, among these, has most significant homology to the lck gene isolated from a murine leukemia virus-induced thymoma cell line. The gene is therefore referred to as c-tkl for cellular tyrosine kinase related to lck. Analysis of genomic DNA reveals that c-tkl is a chromosomal locus distinct from c-src and c-lck. Furthermore, the size of c-tkl mRNA as well as its pattern of expression indicates that it is not the chicken homologue of lck but a different gene. A 3.8-kb transcript of the c-tkl gene, identical to the size determined for c-src mRNA, was observed in cultured chicken embryo fibroblasts and in chicken spleen and brain. In contrast, detection of a definite c-src mRNA signal with mRNA from spleen was not possible under the hybridization conditions employed when the 5' end of v-src was used as the probe, and none of the 11 clones obtained from the cDNA library corresponded to a c-src transcript. Thus previous studies of c-src mRNA expression in spleen may have actually detected c-tkl transcripts.
Antibodies against amino acids 1-15 of tumor necrosis factor block its binding to cell-surface receptor.
Authors: Socher S H , Riemen M W , Martinez D , Friedman A , Tai J , Quintero J C , Garsky V , Oliff A
Published: May 2006

Human tumor necrosis factor (hTNF) mediates a variety of biologic activities, which are dependent on the attachment of hTNF to cell-surface receptors. To identify regions of the hTNF protein involved in binding hTNF to its receptor, we prepared five synthetic peptides [hTNF-(1-15), hTNF-(1-31), hTNF-(65-79), hTNF-(98-111), and hTNF-(124-141)] and two hydroxylamine cleavage fragments [hTNF-(1-39) and hTNF-(40-157)] of hTNF. The hTNF-synthetic peptides and hTNF fragments were tested in hTNF receptor binding assays and in two biologic assays: cytolysis of tumor cells and suppression of lipoprotein lipase in adipocytes. Neither the synthetic peptides nor hTNF fragments were active agonists or antagonists in these assays. The synthetic peptides were also conjugated to thyroglobulin, and peptide-specific antisera were raised. All five peptide-thyroglobulin conjugates induced antibody responses to the immunizing peptide and to hTNF. Each antiserum was tested for antagonist activity in hTNF binding assays. Only antisera raised against hTNF-(1-15) or hTNF-(1-31) and antisera against whole hTNF blocked binding. IgGs purified from these three antisera also block hTNF-induced cytolysis and lipoprotein lipase suppression. We conclude that antibodies that recognize the N-terminus of hTNF block the attachment of hTNF to its cellular receptor and inhibit the biologic effects of hTNF.
A cDNA clone encoding a photosystem I protein with homology to photosystem II chlorophyll a/b-binding polypeptides.
Authors: Hoffman N E , Pichersky E , Malik V S , Castresana C , Ko K , Darr S C , Cashmore A R
Published: May 2006

We report here the isolation and nucleotide sequence of a complete cDNA clone encoding a photosystem I (PS I) polypeptide that is recognized by a monoclonal antibody made against photosystem II (PS II) chlorophyll a/b-binding (CAB) proteins. The deduced sequence of this PS I protein shows 30% overall identity to PS II CAB sequences, and two long segments within this protein show 50% and 65% identity to the corresponding segments in the PS II CAB polypeptides. Even though the sequence of this PS I CAB protein is substantially divergent from PS II CAB sequences, their hydropathy plots are very similar and suggest they all traverse the thylakoid membrane three times. A segment of the PS I CAB polypeptide shows similarity to the functionally analogous beta subunits of the antenna proteins of purple bacteria. In contrast, no homology was observed between these bacterial proteins and PS II CAB polypeptides.
Helix stabilization by Glu-...Lys+ salt bridges in short peptides of de novo design.
Authors: Marqusee S , Baldwin R L
Published: May 2006

Four alanine-based peptides were designed, synthesized, and tested by circular dichroism for alpha-helix formation in H2O. Each peptide has three glutamic/lysine residue pairs, is 16 or 17 amino acids long, and has blocked alpha-NH2 and alpha-COOH groups. In one set of peptides ("i+4"), the glutamic and lysine residues are spaced 4 residues or 1 residue apart. In the other set ("i+3"), the spacing is 3 or 2 residues. Within each of these sets, a pair of peptides was made in which the positions of the glutamic and lysine residues are reversed [Glu, Lys (E,K) vs. Lys, Glu (K,E)] in order to assess the interaction of the charged side chains with the helix dipole. Since the amino acid compositions of these peptides differ at most by a single alanine residue, differences in helicity are caused chiefly by the spacing and positions of the charged residues. The basic aim of this study was to test for helix stabilization by (Glu-, Lys+) ion pairs or salt bridges (H-bonded ion pairs). The results are as follows. (i) All four peptides show significant helix formation, and the stability of the alpha-helix does not depend on peptide concentration in the range studied. The best helix-former is (i+4)E,K, which shows approximately 80% helicity in 0.01 M NaCl at pH 7 and 0 degree C. (ii) The two i+4 peptides show more helix formation than the i+3 peptides. pH titration gives no evidence for helix stabilization by i+3 ion pairs. (iii) Surprisingly, the i+4 peptides form more stable helices than the i+3 peptides at extremes of pH (pH 2 and pH 12) as well as at pH 7. These results may be explained by helix stabilization through Glu-...Lys+ salt bridges at pH 7 and singly charged H bonds at pH 2 (Glu0...Lys+) and pH 12 (Glu-...Lys0). The reason why these links stabilize the alpha-helix more effectively in the i+4 than in the i+3 peptides is not known. (iv) Reversal of the positions of glutamic and lysine residues usually affects helix stability in the manner expected for interaction of these charged groups with the helix dipole. (v) alpha-Helix formation in these alanine-based peptides is enthalpy-driven, as is helix formation by the C-peptide of ribonuclease A.
An activated c-Ha-ras allele blocks the induction of muscle-specific genes whose expression is contingent on mitogen withdrawal.
Authors: Payne P A , Olson E N , Hsiau P , Roberts R , Perryman M B , Schneider M D
Published: May 2006

During myogenesis, induction of muscle-specific genes is subject to negative control by polypeptide mitogens and type-beta transforming growth factor. Since transduction of growth factor signals may require proteins encoded by cellular ras oncogenes, we have tested whether a mutationally altered Harvey ras expression vector, by itself, can prevent establishment of a differentiated phenotype in BC3H1 mouse myoblasts. Transfection with the valine-12 allele of the human Harvey ras gene, under the control of its own promoter, was sufficient to prevent the induction of both muscle creatine kinase activity and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor following mitogen withdrawal but did not inhibit withdrawal from the cell cycle. The loss of creatine kinase activity resulted from a corresponding block to induction of muscle creatine kinase mRNA. Similarly, mitogen withdrawal elicited little or no alpha-actin mRNA in ras-transfected cells. These results suggest that an activated ras allele can inhibit myogenesis through a mechanism independent of cell proliferation and can preclude activation of genes whose up-regulation normally accompanies mitogen withdrawal.
Biochemical, immunological, and immunocytochemical evidence for the association of chalcone synthase with endoplasmic reticulum membranes.
Authors: Hrazdina G , Zobel A M , Hoch H C
Published: May 2006

Chalcone synthase [naringenin-chalcone synthase; malonyl-CoA:4-coumaroyl-CoA malonyltransferase (cyclizing), E.C. 2.3.1.74], the key enzyme of flavonoid pathways that was believed to be soluble, has been localized on ribosome-bearing endoplasmic reticulum membranes in the epidermis of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) hypocotyls. Enzyme activity measurement and immunoblots of buckwheat hypocotyl homogenates that were fractionated on linear sucrose density gradients and developed with a specific chalcone synthase antibody and a 20-nm ImmunoGold conjugate showed the presence of chalcone synthase in fractions enriched in endoplasmic reticulum membranes. The presence of chalcone synthase on these membranes was not caused by nonspecific adsorption or entrapment of proteins. Immunocytochemical investigations with both a 5-nm and a 20-nm ImmunoGold conjugate showed that chalcone synthase was associated with the cytoplasmic face of rough (ribosome bearing) endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Plasma membrane, nucleus, plastids, mitochondria, golgi, and the tonoplast were not labeled. These data are consistent with our earlier described model suggesting that the synthesis of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids takes place partially or fully on membrane-associated enzyme complexes.
The distribution of 215-kilodalton mannose 6-phosphate receptors within cis (heavy) and trans (light) Golgi subfractions varies in different cell types.
Authors: Brown W J , Farquhar M G
Published: May 2006

The distribution of mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) receptors for lysosomal enzymes was investigated in Golgi subfractions prepared from three different cultured cell lines. Total microsomal fractions from clone 9 hepatocytes, normal rat kidney, or Chinese hamster ovary cells were subfractionated by flotation in sucrose density gradients, which resolves Golgi membranes into heavy (cis), intermediate, and light (trans) subfractions. The distribution of Man-6-P receptors within the subfractions was assessed by quantitative immunoprecipitation, and the results were compared to those obtained by immunoperoxidase localization of the receptors in Golgi cisternae of intact cells. In all cases, the results obtained by Golgi subfractionation and by immunoelectron microscopy were in agreement. In clone 9 cells, Man-6-P receptors were enriched in heavy (cis) Golgi subfractions, whose peak density (rho = 1.17) was greater than those containing either galactosyltransferase activity, a trans Golgi marker, or alpha-mannosidase II, a middle Golgi marker. By immunoelectron microscopy, the receptors were localized to a single cis Golgi cisterna. In Chinese hamster ovary cells, Man-6-P receptors were concentrated in Golgi membranes of low density (1.12 g/ml) overlapping the peak of galactosyltransferase activity. By the immunoperoxidase technique, the receptors were usually localized to a single trans Golgi cisterna. In normal rat kidney cells, Man-6-P receptors were found to be broadly distributed across Golgi membranes (rho = 1.12-1.17), and by immunoperoxidase localization they were found to be broadly distributed across the stacked Golgi cisternae. It is concluded that the distribution of Man-6-P receptors within the Golgi complex varies from one cell type to another. These differences in receptor distribution may reflect variations in lysosomal enzyme trafficking among different cell types.
RETRACTED: Two heat-induced proteins are associated with transformation of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae to schistosomula.
Authors: Blanton R , Loula E C , Parker J
Published: May 2006

Infection with Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic fluke, is acquired when cercariae found in freshwater bodies at ambient temperature penetrate human skin. In this study the response of S. mansoni cercariae to change in temperature from ambient to that of mammalian hosts was compared to the response of other stages that do not experience such dramatic temperature shifts. In cercariae, temperature increases from 23 degrees C to either 37 degrees C or 42 degrees C primarily induced the synthesis of two proteins unique to this stage, of Mr 60,000 and 58,000. Neither protein could be induced by similar treatment in the other two stages of the parasite found in mammalian hosts. Instead, these stages predominantly synthesized a Mr 70,000 protein that crossreacted with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against the Mr 70,000 heat shock protein of Drosophila and chicken. No crossreactive material was detected in cercariae, suggesting that a protein homologous to the highly conserved heat shock protein of Mr 70,000 is absent or induced to very low levels by temperature increase at this stage. The induction of the Mr 60,000 and 58,000 proteins was confined to the initial 3-hr period during cercarial transformation to the schistosomula stage.
Regulation of immunoglobulin transcription rates and mRNA processing in proliferating normal B lymphocytes by activators of protein kinase C.
Authors: Högbom E , Mårtensson I L , Leanderson T
Published: May 2006

Immunoglobulin gene expression in normal splenic B lymphocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide was selectively down-regulated by anti-IgM antibodies and a protein-kinase C-activating phorbol ester, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. This control was concomitant with a decreased rate of transcription of the IgM gene while "polymerase pausing" was induced in the IgD gene. The suppression was resistant to treatment with cycloheximide, indicating that it was not caused by a labile repressor protein. The down-regulation of immunoglobulin gene expression affected only the secretory form of immunoglobulin, while the mRNA levels for the membrane-bound form of immunoglobulin remained unaltered. We conclude that the mechanisms controlling immunoglobulin gene expression in untransformed B lymphocytes differ from those operating in tumors derived from the same cell lineage.
Antigenicity and native structure of globular proteins: low frequency of peptide reactive antibodies.
Authors: Jemmerson R
Published: May 2006

Recent reports that peptides can frequently mimic epitopes on globular proteins are inconsistent with early studies demonstrating that antibodies to native globular proteins generally do not bind peptides. This discrepancy could result from current confusion of two different populations of antibodies in antisera: one reacting with peptides and denatured protein and the other reacting only with the native protein. To test this possibility, several hundred monoclonal antibodies to rat cytochrome c were examined by ELISA for binding the intact protein and cyanogen bromide-cleaved peptides. Inhibition by soluble native cytochrome c identified which antibodies were specific for the native protein. The vast majority of these antibodies did not bind the peptides, whereas most of the antibodies specific for denatured forms did bind them. The results are consistent with the idea that antibodies to denatured antigen are readily detected in solid-phase assays, where some antigen molecules denature as they attach to microtiter plates, and show that these antibodies are generally the ones that react with peptides. Thus, reevaluation of data suggesting that anti-native globular protein antibodies bind peptides is warranted.