bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the enhancer element that controls expression of sevenless in the developing Drosophila eye.
Authors: Bowtell D D , Lila T , Michael W M , Hackett D , Rubin G M
Published: May 2006

The sevenless gene encodes a protein-tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in a complex pattern during the development of the Drosophila melanogaster eye. We have previously shown that this pattern is regulated transcriptionally by an enhancer located in the body of the sevenless gene. Here we extend our analysis of the sevenless enhancer, defining a 475-base-pair fragment that contains elements necessary for the correct qualitative and quantitative expression of the sevenless gene. Within this fragment are sequence elements conserved in the sevenless gene of a distantly related Drosophila species and protected from DNase I digestion by nuclear extracts isolated from adult heads and imaginal discs. Partial deletions of the 475-base-pair fragment result in preferential loss of expression in different subsets of cells. These results suggest that the normal pattern of expression is generated by the combined action of separate cell-specific regulatory elements.
Intracellular Na+ modulates the cAMP-dependent regulation of ion channels in the heart.
Authors: Harvey R D , Jurevicius J A , Hume J R
Published: May 2006

The cAMP-dependent regulation of ion channels was studied by using the whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. In isolated cardiac ventricular myocytes, the beta-adrenergically regulated Cl- current (ICl) exhibited an unusual dependence on Na+, such that replacement of extracellular Na+ with compounds such as tetramethylammonium, choline, Tris, or N-methyl-D-glucamine resulted in a reduction in current amplitude without changing the reversal potential. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with tetramethylammonium also reduced the magnitude of the beta-adrenergically enhanced Ca2+ current and delayed rectifier K+ current, suggesting that removal of Na+ was affecting the cAMP pathway that regulates all three currents. Replacement of extracellular Na+ also reduced ICl that was stimulated by (i) direct activation of adenylate cyclase with forskolin, (ii) inhibition of phosphodiesterase with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, (iii) exposure to the membrane-permeable cAMP derivative 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, or (iv) direct phosphorylation of the channel with protein kinase A catalytic subunit. This suggests that the Na+ dependence is at a point beyond the activation of protein kinase A. The Na+ dependence of ICl regulation could not be explained by changes in intracellular Ca2+. However, the sensitivity of the ICl to changes in extracellular Na+ depended significantly on the intracellular Na+ concentration, suggesting that intracellular Na+ plays an important role in the cAMP-dependent regulation of ion channels.
BCL2 protein is topographically restricted in tissues characterized by apoptotic cell death.
Authors: Hockenbery D M , Zutter M , Hickey W , Nahm M , Korsmeyer S J
Published: May 2006

The BCL2 protooncogene encodes an inner mitochondrial membrane protein that blocks programmed cell death. BCL2 was isolated from the chromosomal breakpoint of follicular B-cell lymphoma. Transgenic mice that overexpress BCL2 display extended survival of resting B cells. In this study we use a monospecific anti-human BCL2 antibody to define the distribution of BCL2 protein within organized tissues. BCL2 is restricted within germinal centers to the follicular mantle and to portions of the light zone implicated in the selection and maintenance of plasma cells and memory B cells. BCL2 is present in the surviving T cells in the thymic medulla. All hematopoietic lineages that derive from a renewing stem cell also display BCL2. A limited number of nonlymphoid tissues demonstrate BCL2 and can be grouped as (i) glandular epithelium in which hormones or growth factors regulate hyperplasia and involution, (ii) complex differentiating epithelium such as skin and intestine characterized by long-lived stem cells, and (iii) long-lived postmitotic cells such as neurons. Within these tissues that demonstrate apoptotic cell turnover, BCL2 is often topographically restricted to long-lived or proliferating cell zones. BCL2's function as an antidote to apoptosis may confer longevity to progenitor and effector cells in these tissues.
Functional reintroduction of human telomeres into mammalian cells.
Authors: Farr C , Fantes J , Goodfellow P , Cooke H
Published: May 2006

Telomeric sequences of eukaryotes consist of short tandem repeats organized in arrays of variable length in which the guanine-rich strand runs 5'----3' toward the chromosomal end. The terminal repeats in yeast are the only elements necessary for telomere function in this organism. To test whether mammalian terminal repeats can function after reintroduction into a mammalian cell, a repeat-containing terminal fragment from a human chromosome was electroporated into a hamster-human hybrid cell line. In 6 of 27 independent transformants analyzed, the introduced sequences were found at the ends of chromosomes, based on all available criteria. Terminal restriction-fragment heterogeneity and the survival of these chromosomes demonstrate that these telomeres are functional. Cytogenetic evidence from one of these cell lines suggests that chromosome breakage with healing at the integration site is the mechanism responsible for the terminal location.
Immunocytochemical localization of phospholipase C-gamma in rat embryo fibroblasts.
Authors: McBride K , Rhee S G , Jaken S
Published: May 2006

Rat embryo fibroblasts (REF52) exhibit a distinctive, transformation-sensitive distribution of alpha-protein kinase C (alpha-PKC). Receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma generates diacylglycerol, the major cellular activator of PKC. Immunofluorescence techniques were used to investigate the subcellular localization of two PLC isozymes (PLC-gamma and PLC-delta) in normal and simian virus 40-transformed REF52 cells to determine (i) if PLC colocalizes with alpha-PKC and (ii) if PLC isozyme distribution is sensitive to transformation. PLC-delta was not detected in either cell type. In REF52 cells, PLC-gamma was associated with the actin cytoskeleton and was evenly distributed along the length of the actin microfilaments. PLC-gamma was coincident with alpha-PKC at the points where the filaments are anchored to the membrane (i.e., the focal contacts). Cytoskeletal association of PLC-gamma was not transformation sensitive, although the actin cytoskeleton was more disordered in simian virus 40-transformed cells. In REF52 cells, platelet-derived growth factor induced tyrosine phosphorylation of both soluble and cytoskeletal PLC-gamma. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma did not seem to be a determinant of its subcellular localization, but there was a detectable increase in cytoskeleton-associated PLC-gamma in response to platelet-derived growth factor treatment.
Identification of a monocyte receptor on herpesvirus-infected endothelial cells.
Authors: Etingin O R , Silverstein R L , Hajjar D P
Published: May 2006

The adhesion of circulating blood cells to vascular endothelium may be an initial step in atherosclerosis, inflammation, and wound healing. One mechanism for promoting cell-cell adhesion involves the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of the target cell. Herpes simplex virus infection of endothelium induces arterial injury and has been implicated in the development of human atherosclerosis. We now demonstrate that HSV-infected endothelial cells express the adhesion molecule GMP140 and that this requires cell surface expression of HSV glycoprotein C and local thrombin generation. Monocyte adhesion to HSV-infected endothelial cells was completely inhibited by anti-GMP140 antibodies but not by antibodies to other adhesion molecules such as VCAM and ELAM-1. The induction of GMP140 expression on HSV-infected endothelium may be an important pathophysiological mechanism in virus-induced cell injury and inflammation.
Molecular characterization of a protein-tyrosine-phosphatase enriched in striatum.
Authors: Lombroso P J , Murdoch G , Lerner M
Published: May 2006

A cDNA clone encoding a neural-specific putative protein-tyrosine-phosphatase (protein-tyrosine-phosphate phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.48) has been isolated from a rat striatal cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence predicts a protein of approximately 369 amino acids with a strong homology to other members of the family of protein-tyrosine-phosphatases. In vitro translation produces a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 46 kDa. A potential attachment mechanism to the cytoplasmic membrane is suggested by a myristoylation amino acid-consensus sequence at the N terminus of the protein. RNA analyses of various regions of rat brain reveal a 3-kilobase (kb) and a 4.4-kb mRNA. The 3-kb mRNA is highly enriched within the striatum relative to other brain areas and has been termed a "striatum enriched phosphatase" (STEP). In contrast, the 4.4-kb message is most abundant in the cerebral cortex and rare in the striatum. These two messages appear to be alternatively processed RNA transcripts of a single gene.
An in vivo model for the neurodegenerative effects of beta amyloid and protection by substance P.
Authors: Kowall N W , Beal M F , Busciglio J , Duffy L K , Yankner B A
Published: May 2006

Deposition of the beta-amyloid protein in senile plaques is a pathologic hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD). Focal deposition of beta amyloid in the adult rat cerebral cortex caused profound neurodegenerative changes, including neuronal loss and degenerating neurons and neurites. Chronic induction of the Alz-50 antigen appeared in neurons around focal cortical deposits of beta amyloid. Immunoblot analysis showed that beta amyloid induced Alz-50-immunoreactive proteins in rat cerebral cortex that were very similar to the proteins induced in human cerebral cortex from patients with AD. The neuropeptide substance P prevented beta-amyloid-induced neuronal loss and expression of Alz-50 proteins when coadministered into the cerebral cortex. Systemic administration of substance P also provided protection against the effects of intracerebral beta amyloid. Thus, beta amyloid is a potent neurotoxin in the adult brain in vivo, and its effects can be blocked by substance P.
Organization and stability of a polytopic membrane protein: deletion analysis of the lactose permease of Escherichia coli.
Authors: Bibi E , Verner G , Chang C Y , Kaback H R
Published: May 2006

The overall topology of polytopic membrane proteins is thought to result from either the oriented insertion of the N-terminal alpha-helical domain followed by passive insertion of subsequent helices or from the function of independent topogenic determinants dispersed throughout the molecules. By using the lactose permease of Escherichia coli, a well-characterized membrane protein with 12 transmembrane domains and the N and C termini on the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane, we have studied the insertion and stability of in-frame deletion mutants. So long as the first N-terminal and the last four C-terminal putative alpha-helical domains are retained, stable polypeptides are inserted into the membrane, even when an odd number of helical domains is deleted. Moreover, even when an odd number of helices is deleted, the C terminus remains on the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane, as judged by lacY-phoA fusion analysis. In addition, permease molecules devoid of even or odd numbers of putative transmembrane helices retain a specific pathway for downhill lactose translocation. The findings imply that relatively short C-terminal domains of the permease contain topological information sufficient for insertion in the native orientation regardless of the orientation of the N terminus.
Stem cell factor induces proliferation and differentiation of highly enriched murine hematopoietic cells.
Authors: Migliaccio G , Migliaccio A R , Valinsky J , Langley K , Zsebo K , Visser J W , Adamson J W
Published: May 2006

Recombinant rat stem cell factor (SCF) was studied for its ability to stimulate the growth of murine hematopoietic progenitor cells and to generate colony-forming cells (CFC) from highly enriched populations of hematopoietic cells. In serum-deprived cultures, SCF alone stimulated few colonies but interacted with a number of other hematopoietic growth factors, particularly interleukin 3, to promote colony formation. The most marked effect was on the generation of mixed-cell colonies. Hematopoietic cells were sorted into wheat-germ agglutinin-negative, monocyte-depleted, rhodamine 123 (Rh123)-bright or Rh123-dull cells. Historically, Rh123-bright cells are capable of short-term (less than 1 mo) marrow engraftment, whereas among Rh123-dull cells are cells capable of long-term marrow engraftment. Enriched cells (2.5 x 10(3) were placed into serum-deprived liquid cultures with various hematopoietic growth factors. Initially, the Rh123-bright and Rh123-dull cells had few CFC but, in the presence of interleukin 3 and SCF, Rh123-bright cells gave rise to greater than 15,000 granulocyte/macrophage CFC, greater than 1500 erythroid burst-forming cells, and greater than 700 mixed-cell CFC by day 5. In contrast, Rh123-dull cells proliferated only in the presence of interleukin 3 and SCF, but total cell numbers rose to a peak of 18,000 by day 21, and one-third of the cells were CFC. Thus, SCF, in combination with other growth factors, can generate large numbers of CFC from pre-CFC and appears to act earlier than hematopoietic growth factors described to date.
Transformed mammalian cells are deficient in kinase-mediated control of progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle.
Authors: Crissman H A , Gadbois D M , Tobey R A , Bradbury E M
Published: May 2006

To investigate the role of kinase-mediated mechanisms in regulating mammalian cell proliferation, we determined the effects of the general protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine on the proliferation of a series of nontransformed and transformed cultured rodent and human cells. Levels of staurosporine as low as 1 ng/ml prevented nontransformed cells from entering S phase (i.e., induced G1 arrest), indicating that kinase-mediated processes are essential for commitment to DNA replication in normal cells. At higher concentrations of staurosporine (50-75 ng/ml), nontransformed mammalian cells were arrested in both G1 and G2. The period of sensitivity of nontransformed human diploid fibroblasts to low levels of the drug commenced 3 hr later than the G0/G1 boundary and extended through the G1/S boundary. Interference with activity of the G1-essential kinase(s) caused nontransformed human cells traversing mid-to-late G1 at the time of staurosporine addition to be "set back" to the initial staurosporine block point, suggesting the existence of a kinase-dependent "G1 clock" mechanism that must function continuously throughout the early cycle in normal cells. The initial staurosporine block point at 3 hr into G1 corresponds to neither the serum nor the amino acid restriction point. In marked contrast to the behavior of nontransformed cells, neither low nor high concentrations of staurosporine affected G1 progression in transformed cultures; high drug concentrations caused transformed cells to be arrested solely in G2. These results indicate that kinase-mediated regulation of DNA replication is lost as the result of neoplastic transformation, but the G2-arrest mechanism remains intact.
Integration of DNA fragments by illegitimate recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Authors: Schiestl R H , Petes T D
Published: May 2006

DNA fragments (generated by BamHI treatment) with no homology to the yeast genome were transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When the fragments were transformed in the presence of the BamHI enzyme, they integrated into genomic BamHI sites. When the fragments were transformed in the absence of the enzyme, they integrated into genomic G-A-T-C sites. Since the G-A-T-C sequence is present at the ends of BamHI fragments, this results indicates that four base pairs of homology are sufficient for some types of mitotic recombination.
Overlapping loss of heterozygosity by mitotic recombination on mouse chromosome 7F1-ter in skin carcinogenesis.
Authors: Bianchi A B , Navone N M , Aldaz C M , Conti C J
Published: May 2006

A significant role for mouse chromosome 7 abnormalities during chemically induced skin carcinogenesis has been advanced based on previous cytogenetic and molecular studies. To determine the frequency of allelic losses at different loci of chromosome 7 in skin tumors induced in the outbred SENCAR mouse stock by a two-stage initiation-promotion protocol, we compared the constitutional and tumor genotypes of premalignant papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas for loss of heterozygosity at different informative loci. In a previous study, these tumors had been analyzed for their allelic composition at the Harvey ras-1 (Ha-ras-1) locus and it was found that 39% of squamous cell carcinomas had lost the normal Ha-ras-1 allele exhibiting 3 or 2 copies of the mutated counterpart or gene amplification. In the present study, by combining Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction fragment length polymorphism analyses, we detected complete loss of heterozygosity at the beta-globin (Hbb) locus, distal to Ha-ras-1, in 15 of 20 (75%) skin carcinomas. In addition, 5 of 5 informative cases attained homozygosity at the int-2 locus, 27 centimorgans distal to Hbb. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of DNA extracted from papillomas devoid of stromal contamination by fluorescence-activated sorting of single cell dispersions immunolabeled with anti-keratin 13 antibody revealed loss of heterozygosity at the Hbb locus, demonstrating that this event occurs during premalignant stages of tumor development. Interestingly, loss of heterozygosity was only detected in late-stage lesions exhibiting a high degree of dysplasia and areas of microinvasion. Analysis of allelic ratios by densitometric scanning of tumors that had become homozygous at Hbb but retained heterozygosis at Ha-ras-1 indicated mitotic recombination as the mechanism underlying loss of heterozygosity on mouse chromosome 7 during chemically induced skin carcinogenesis. These findings are consistent with the presence of a putative tumor suppressor gene linked to the Hbb locus in the 7F1-ter region of mouse chromosome 7, the functional inactivation of which may constitute a critical event in skin tumor progression, possibly during the malignant conversion stage.
A wild-type DNA ligase I gene is expressed in Bloom's syndrome cells.
Authors: Petrini J H , Huwiler K G , Weaver D T
Published: May 2006

Alteration of DNA ligase I activity is a consistent biochemical feature of Bloom's syndrome (BS) cells. DNA ligase I activity in BS cells either is reduced and abnormally thermolabile or is present in an anomalously dimeric form. To assess the role of DNA ligase function in the etiology of BS, we have cloned the DNA ligase I cDNA from normal human cells by a PCR strategy using degenerate oligonucleotide primers based on conserved regions of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe DNA ligase genes. Human DNA ligase I cDNAs from normal and BS cells complemented a S. cerevisiae DNA ligase mutation, and protein extracts prepared from S. cerevisiae transformants expressing normal and BS cDNA contained comparable levels of DNA ligase I activity. DNA sequencing and Northern blot analysis of DNA ligase I expression in two BS human fibroblast lines representing each of the two aberrant DNA ligase I molecular phenotypes demonstrated that this gene was unchanged in BS cells. Thus, another factor may be responsible for the observed reduction in DNA ligase I activity associated with this chromosomal breakage syndrome.
Evidence for a factor required for transcriptional stimulation by the chimeric acidic activator GAL-VP16 in HeLa cell extracts.
Authors: White J H , Brou C , Wu J , Burton N , Egly J M , Chambon P
Published: May 2006

We provide biochemical evidence for the existence of a transcriptional intermediary factor (TIF) in HeLa whole-cell extracts (WCE) that is distinct from the basic transcription factors and that is required for transcriptional stimulation by the chimeric acidic activator GAL-VP16. We have fractionated HeLa WCE by heparin-agarose chromatography. Of transcriptionally active fractions eluting in a step between 0.24 and 0.6 M KCl, the initial fractions are refractory to GAL-VP16 stimulation, whereas subsequent fractions are strongly stimulated by the activator. Aliquots of GAL-VP16-responsive fractions efficiently complement refractory fractions for transcriptional stimulation. Aliquots of responsive fractions are also far more efficient than those of refractory fractions in overcoming transcriptional inhibition that is brought about by high concentrations of GAL-VP16. Experiments performed with heat-treated WCE support the idea that HeLa cells contain a TIF that is essential for GAL-VP16 stimulation, but that is not required for basal transcription. Addition of recombinant yeast or human transcription factor TFIID (rTFIIDY and rTFIIDH, respectively) to a WCE heated at 48 degrees C for 15 min restores basal transcription, but in neither case is the reconstituted system activated by GAL-VP16. However, a 45 degrees C heat-treated WCE reconstituted with either rTFIIDH or rTFIIDY is stimulated by GAL-VP16, suggesting that a HeLa TIF can be selectively inactivated by heating at 48 degrees C, but not at 45 degrees C. Interestingly, a TFIID fraction partially purified from HeLa cell extracts, but not rTFIIDH, efficiently relieves transcriptional inhibition by GAL-VP16, suggesting that there may be an association between TIF(s) and TFIID and, moreover, that TIF(s) may be the direct target of the acidic domain of GAL-VP16. In summary, our results support the existence of a TIF that is not essential for basal transcription but that is required to mediate the stimulatory activity of the acidic activator GAL-VP16.
Site-directed mutational analysis of a membrane guanylate cyclase cDNA reveals the atrial natriuretic factor signaling site.
Authors: Duda T , Goraczniak R M , Sharma R K
Published: May 2006

Natriuretic peptides are structurally related hormones that regulate hemodynamics of the physiological processes of diuresis, water balance, and blood pressure. One of the second messengers of these hormones is cGMP, and the type of receptor that is involved in the generation of cGMP is also a guanylate cyclase. Recent genetic evidence has revealed such a receptor family; two family members, GC-A and GC-B, have been cloned. We now describe the molecular cloning, sequencing, and expression of a cDNA clone from rat adrenal gland that encodes a membrane guanylate cyclase, GC alpha, that, with the exception of two amino acids, is structurally identical to GC-A and conforms to the purported topographical model of GC-A. The two amino acid changes are the substitutions Gln338----His338 and Leu364----Pro364, involving single nucleotide changes, CAG----CAC and CTG----CCG, respectively. Expression studies indicate that GC alpha cyclase activity is independent of the known natriuretic peptides, and direct binding studies demonstrate that GC alpha is not an ANF receptor. To determine the importance of Gln338 and Leu364 in ANF signaling, the GC alpha cDNA regions encoding amino acid residues 338 and 364 were remodeled by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. A double mutant encoding Gln338 and Leu364, and a single-substitution mutant encoding Leu364 expressed both ANF binding and ANF-dependent cyclase activities, but the mutant encoding Gln338 and a deletion mutant lacking residue 364 did not express either of the above activities. These results define the critical role of Leu364 in ANF signal transduction.
Repression of the interferon signal transduction pathway by the adenovirus E1A oncogene.
Authors: Gutch M J , Reich N C
Published: May 2006

The signal transduction pathway initiated by type I interferon (alpha and beta interferons) is inhibited by expression of the adenovirus type 5 E1A oncogene. Cotransfection analyses with the E1A oncogene and an interferon-stimulated reporter gene show that mutations within an amino-terminal domain of the E1A oncoprotein are defective in transcriptional repression. Cotransfection experiments also revealed that the transcriptional repression is mediated through the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) found within the promoter of interferon-stimulated genes. Since interferon treatment activates a latent cytoplasmic DNA-binding factor that can recognize the ISRE and subsequently stimulate transcription, the appearance of this factor was analyzed in a cell line that constitutively expresses the E1A oncogene. The DNA binding activity of this transcriptional activator was found to be inhibited in the E1A-expressing cell line. In vitro cytoplasmic mixing experiments with extracts from control and E1A-expressing cells identified a specific component of this multimeric transcription factor to be defective.
Assembly of combinatorial antibody libraries on phage surfaces: the gene III site.
Authors: Barbas C F , Kang A S , Lerner R A , Benkovic S J
Published: May 2006

A phagemid system was developed for the monovalent display of combinatorial antibody Fab libraries on the surface of filamentous phage M13. Fab fragments were fused to the carboxyl-terminal domain of the gene III protein. Phage displaying Fab fragments on their surface, or Phabs, were enriched by 10(3)- to 10(5)-fold on antigen-coated surfaces over nonspecific phage. The method may replace current antibody cloning techniques.
A vaccinia virus double recombinant expressing the F and H genes of rinderpest virus protects cattle against rinderpest and causes no pock lesions.
Authors: Giavedoni L , Jones L , Mebus C , Yilma T
Published: May 2006

Rinderpest is a highly contagious viral disease of ruminants with greater than 95% morbidity and mortality. We have constructed an infectious vaccinia virus recombinant that expresses both the fusion (F) gene and the hemagglutinin (H) gene of rinderpest virus. The Wyeth strain of vaccinia virus was used for the construction of the recombinant. Cattle vaccinated with the recombinant virus were 100% protected from challenge inoculation with greater than 1000 times the lethal dose of rinderpest virus. No transmission of recombinant vaccinia virus from vaccinated animals to contact animals was observed. The lyophilized form of vaccinia virus is thermostable and allows circumvention of the logistical problems associated with the distribution and administration of vaccines in the arid and hot regions of Asia and Africa. The insertional inactivation of both the thymidine kinase and the hemagglutinin genes of vaccinia virus led to increased attenuation of the virus; this was manifested by the lack of detectable pock lesions in vaccinated animals. This approach may have wide application in the development of safe and efficacious recombinant vaccines for humans and animals. This becomes quite relevant with the concern of the use of vaccinia virus in a population with high incidence of the human immunodeficiency virus.
Histidine pKa shifts accompanying the inactivating Asp121----Asn substitution in a semisynthetic bovine pancreatic ribonuclease.
Authors: Cederholm M T , Stuckey J A , Doscher M S , Lee L
Published: May 2006

A semisynthetic RNase, RNase-(1-118).(111-124), consisting of a noncovalent complex between residues 1-118 of RNase (obtained from the proteolytic digestion of RNase A), and a synthetic 14-residue peptide containing residues 111-124 of RNase, exhibits 98% of the enzymatic activity of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (EC 3.1.27.5). The replacement of aspartic acid-121 by asparagine in this semisynthetic RNase to form the "D121N" analog reduces kcat/Km to 2.7% of the value for RNase A. In the present work, 1H NMR spectroscopy has been used to probe the ionization states of His12, His105, and His119 in this catalytically defective semisynthetic RNase. A comparison of the observed resonances of D121N with those previously determined by others for RNase A enabled us to assign the C2 proton NMR resonances to individual residues; the assignment of His119 was confirmed by titrating D121N with the fully deuterated peptide, [Asn121]-RNase-(111-124). The observed pKa values of His12, His105, and His119 decrease 0.18, 0.16, and 0.02 pH unit, respectively, as a result of the D121N replacement. Values calculated by using a finite difference algorithm to solve the Poisson-Boltzmann equation (the DELPHI program, version 3.0) and a refined 2.0-A coordinate set for the crystal structure of D121N differ significantly for active site residues His12 (delta pKa = -0.58) and His119 (delta pKa = -0.55) but not for His105 (delta pKa = -0.10). The elmination of bound water from the calculations reduced, but did not reconcile, these discrepancies (His12, delta pKa = -0.36; His119, delta pKa = -0.41).
Binding of thymic factors to the conserved decanucleotide promoter element of the T-cell receptor V beta gene is developmentally regulated and is absent in SCID mice.
Authors: Lanier E R , Brown R M , Kraig E
Published: May 2006

The gene segments encoding the beta chain of the T-cell antigen receptor undergo rearrangement in a precise developmental order: a D beta gene segment joins to a J beta gene segment prior to the rearrangement of a V beta gene segment to join the D/J beta fusion. Current evidence suggests that the rearrangement of V beta is restricted to T cells, whereas D-to-J beta rearrangements may occur in both B and T cells. Thus, the T-cell specificity seems to be regulated by the V beta coding region or its 5' flanking sequence. In support of this hypothesis, evidence is provided for thymus-specific factors that bind a highly conserved 10-base-pair (decamer) sequence that is an essential promoter element in mouse and human V beta genes. The presence of decamer-binding activities was assayed by gel mobility-shift analysis using protein extracts from thymus, spleen, and nonlymphoid organs of adult mice. Two shifted complexes, designated T2 and T3, were seen only when the decamer was incubated with extracts from thymus. When extracts from mice of various gestational ages were tested for decamer-binding activity, one of the thymus-specific complexes, T2, was first detected at day 16; this coincides with the time of initial activation of the V beta locus. No decamer-binding activity was detected in extracts prepared from the thymuses of SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) mice, which characteristically fail to rearrange these genes. Moreover, neither T2 nor T3 was detectable with extracts from spleen or from two T-cell lines that express the beta chain; this suggests that the presence of these two complexes is not absolutely required for transcription of the T-cell receptor beta locus. We conclude that there are tissue-specific and developmentally regulated factors that form complexes with the decamer sequence 5' of V beta; these may represent initiation factors that control the activation of germ-line T-cell receptor V beta genes for transcription and/or rearrangement.
Primary structure of a human arginine-rich nuclear protein that colocalizes with spliceosome components.
Authors: Chaudhary N , McMahon C , Blobel G
Published: May 2006

The cDNA for a 54-kDa nuclear protein (p54) has been cloned from a human hepatoma expression library. Contained within p54 is an arginine/serine-rich region similar to segments of several proteins that participate in pre-mRNA splicing including the 70-kDa component of U1 small nuclear and "suppressor-of-white-apricot" proteins. The arginine/serine-rich region is dominated by a series of 8-amino acid imperfect repetitive motifs (consensus sequence, Arg-Arg-Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg). Antibodies raised against synthetic peptides of p54 react with an approximately 70-kDa protein on immunoblots of HeLa cell and rat liver nuclear proteins. This apparent discrepancy in mass is also observed when p54 mRNA is translated in vitro. Indirect immunofluorescence studies in HeLa cells show that p54 is distributed throughout the nucleus in a speckled pattern, with an additional diffuse labeling of the nucleus excluding the nucleoli. Double immunofluorescence experiments indicate that these punctate regions are coincident with the speckles seen in cells stained with antibodies against several constituents of the pre-mRNA splicing machinery. Sedimentation analysis of HeLa cell extracts on sucrose gradients showed that p54 migrates at 4-6 S, indicating that the protein is not a tightly associated component of snRNPs. Although the function of p54 is not yet known, our structure and immunolocalization data suggest that this protein may have a role in pre-mRNA processing.
Ferritin gene transcription is regulated by iron in soybean cell cultures.
Authors: Lescure A M , Proudhon D , Pesey H , Ragland M , Theil E C , Briat J F
Published: May 2006

Iron-regulated ferritin synthesis in animals is dominated by translational control of stored mRNA; iron-induced transcription of ferritin genes, when it occurs, changes the subunit composition of ferritin mRNA and protein and is coupled to translational control. Ferritins in plants and animals have evolved from a common progenitor, based on the similarity of protein sequence; however, sequence divergence occurs in the C termini; structure prediction suggests that plant ferritin has the E-helix, which, in horse ferritin, forms a large channel at the tetrameric interface. In contemporary plants, a transit peptide is encoded by ferritin mRNA to target the protein to plastids. Iron-regulated synthesis of ferritin in plants and animals appears to be very different since the 50- to 60-fold increases of ferritin protein, previously observed to be induced by iron in cultured soybean cells, is accompanied by an equivalent accumulation of hybridizable ferritin mRNA and by increased transcription of ferritin genes. Ferritin mRNA from iron-induced cells and the constitutive ferritin mRNA from soybean hypocotyls are identical. The iron-induced protein is translocated normally to plastids. Differences in animal ferritin structure coincide with the various iron storage functions (reserve for iron proteins and detoxification). In contrast, the constancy of structure of soybean ferritin, iron-induced and constitutive, coupled with the potential for vacuolar storage of excess iron in plants suggest that rapid synthesis of ferritin from a stored ferritin mRNA may not be needed in plants for detoxification of iron.
Demonstration of a 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-responsive protein in human lymphocytes: immunologic crossreactivity and inverse regulation with the vitamin D receptor.
Authors: Yu X P , Hustmyer F G , Garvey W T , Manolagas S C
Published: May 2006

Using Western blot analysis with a monoclonal antibody recognizing a 17-amino acid epitope of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]receptor, we have detected two crossreacting proteins in activated normal human lymphocytes. The smaller of the two proteins (50 kDa) was indistinguishable from the classical 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor and, similar to the classical 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor, was upregulated in a dose-dependent fashion by 1,25(OH)2D3. The larger crossreacting protein exhibited an electrophoretic mobility of 80 kDa, was localized in the cell cytosol, and appeared to be specific for activated lymphocytes since it was not detected in several other human cells including monocytes. More strikingly, the 80-kDa protein was downregulated in a dose-dependent fashion by 1,25(OH)2D3; this effect was independent of the mode of lymphocyte activation and specific for the 1,25(OH)2D3 metabolite of vitamin D3. However, two potent immunosuppressive agents, glucocorticoids and cyclosporin A, also inhibited the 80-kDa protein.
Structural determinants of stereospecificity in yeast alcohol dehydrogenase.
Authors: Weinhold E G , Glasfeld A , Ellington A D , Benner S A
Published: May 2006

Replacing Leu-182 by Ala in yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH; alcohol:NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.1) yields a mutant that retains 34% of its kcat value and makes one stereochemical "mistake" every 850,000 turnovers (instead of approximately 1 error every 7,000,000,000 turnovers in native YADH) in its selection of the 4-Re hydrogen of NADH. Half of the decrease in stereochemical fidelity comes from an increase in the rate of transfer of the 4-Si hydrogen of NADH. The mutant also accepts 5-methylnicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a cofactor analog not accepted by native YADH. The stereospecificity of the mutant is lower still with analogs of NADH where the carboxamide group of the nicotinamide ring is replaced by groups with weaker hydrogen bonding potential. For example, with thio-NADH, the mutant enzyme makes 1 stereochemical "mistake" every 450 turnovers. Finally, the double mutant T157S/L182A, in which Thr-157 is replaced by Ser and Leu-182 is replaced by Ala, also shows decreased stereochemical fidelity. These results suggest that Si transfer in the mutant enzymes arises from NADH bound in a syn conformation in the active site and that this binding is not obstructed in native YADH by side chains essential for catalysis.
Baculovirus-mediated expression of human apolipoprotein E in Manduca sexta larvae generates particles that bind to the low density lipoprotein receptor.
Authors: Gretch D G , Sturley S L , Friesen P D , Beckage N E , Attie A D
Published: May 2006

Human apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a ligand for the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and mediates the catabolism of several classes of lipoprotein particles. Binding of apoE to the LDL receptor requires association of apoE with lipid in a vesicle or a lipoprotein particle. Because of this requirement, purified apoE or apoE derived directly from bacterial expression systems does not bind to the LDL receptor. To overcome this problem and to facilitate analysis of apoE structure, recombinant baculoviruses containing the human apoE cDNA fused to the polyhedrin promoter of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus were constructed. The recombinant viruses were used to infect larvae of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta in vivo. High levels of lipoprotein particles containing human apoE were present in the hemolymph of infected larvae. In contrast to apoE produced by recombinant baculovirus-infected insect cells in vitro, these particles were excellent ligands for the LDL receptor.
Expression of two human beta-adrenergic receptors in Escherichia coli: functional interaction with two forms of the stimulatory G protein.
Authors: Freissmuth M , Selzer E , Marullo S , Schütz W , Strosberg A D
Published: May 2006

When expressed in Escherichia coli, the human beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors retain their ligand binding specificity. Their functional integrity was investigated by analyzing receptor-guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory (G) protein coupling by using two splice variants of the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G protein Gs synthesized in E. coli (rGs alpha-S and rGs alpha-L) and the beta gamma subunits of G protein purified from bovine brain. In competition binding experiments with (-)-[125I]iodocyanopindolol and (-)-isoproterenol, rGs alpha-S.beta gamma and rGs alpha-L.beta gamma reconstituted guanine nucleotide-sensitive high-affinity agonist binding with comparable affinities, whereas rGs alpha PT, a mutant of rGs alpha-L with an altered carboxyl terminus, and a recombinant subtype of the alpha subunit of the inhibitory G protein, rGi alpha-1, were approximately 20- and approximately 200-fold less potent, respectively. A comparison of the beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptor expressed in E. coli with the beta 2-receptor in S49 murine lymphoma cyc- cell membranes revealed a similar affinity of rGs alpha-S and rGs alpha-L for the recombinant and native receptors. After stable incorporation of rGs alpha-S.beta gamma into E. coli membranes, receptor-G protein coupling was also verified by determining the isoproterenol-mediated acceleration of the rate for guanine 5'-[gamma-[35S]thio]triphosphate binding. These results show that (i) receptor-G protein coupling can be reconstituted in E. coli using recombinant components and that (ii) such an approach may be more generally used to evaluate coupling preferences between defined molecular species of receptors and G-protein subunits.
Conventional antigen and superantigen may be coupled to distinct and cooperative T-cell activation pathways.
Authors: Liu H , Lampe M A , Iregui M V , Cantor H
Published: May 2006

CD4+ T cells are equipped to detect two major classes of ligands. Infectious microbial agents, including bacteria and retroviruses, carry a class of proteins termed superantigens that are recognized by the T-cell receptor in association with class II products of the major histocompatibility complex. Proteins expressed by other cells and organisms are processed by macrophages into peptides that are presented to CD4+ T cells by class II molecules. We have examined CD4+ T-cell clones that proliferate vigorously in response both to conventional peptide antigens and to bacterial or retroviral superantigens. The response to peptide antigen is characterized by a rapid and sustained increase in the levels of intracellular free Ca2+ and a vigorous cytokine response. In contrast, the proliferative response of these clones to bacterial or retroviral superantigen is not accompanied by detectable increases in intracellular Ca2+ or by significant cytokine production. Further analysis of T-cell activation indicates that interaction of a single T-cell receptor with the two types of ligand may be coupled to functionally distinct signaling pathways that interact in a synergistic fashion to achieve T-cell activation.
Expression of the rat growth hormone-releasing hormone gene in placenta is directed by an alternative promoter.
Authors: González-Crespo S , Boronat A
Published: May 2006

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a hypothalamic peptide that plays a critical role in controlling the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary. GHRH has also been detected in other nonneural extrahypothalamic tissues, including rat placenta, although its role in the hormonal control of pregnancy and/or fetal development has not yet been defined. Here we present the isolation and characterization of cDNA clones corresponding to rat placental GHRH. The placental GHRH mRNA codes for a pre-pro-GHRH identical to that found in the hypothalamus, suggesting that the mature placental GHRH is identical to its hypothalamic counterpart. Nevertheless, the placental and the hypothalamic GHRH mRNAs differ in the region corresponding to the untranslated exon 1 because of the use of an alternative promoter in the placenta located 10 kilobases upstream from the hypothalamic promoter. A combined mechanism involving the use of tissue-specific alternative promoters and the differential splicing of exon 1 generates the mature GHRH transcript in placenta and hypothalamus. Multiple transcription initiation sites have been found in the placental GHRH mRNA, which correlates to the lack of a consensus TATA box in the promoter region.
High-level expression of rat PC12 tyrosine hydroxylase cDNA in Escherichia coli: purification and characterization of the cloned enzyme.
Authors: Wang Y H , Citron B A , Ribeiro P , Kaufman S
Published: May 2006

A rat cDNA containing the complete coding sequence for rat tyrosine hydroxylase (tyrosine 3-monooxygenase, EC 1.14.16.2) was isolated from a rat PC12 cDNA library and subcloned in a bacterial expression plasmid, and large amounts of functional enzyme were produced in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme was purified approximately 20-fold to a final specific activity of 1.8 mumol/min per mg of protein, with a yield of 30%. As much as 1 mg of pure protein could be obtained from 1 g of wet bacterial cells. The purified hydroxylase was shown to be homogeneous by denaturing polyacrylamide electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. Amino acid analysis of the N terminus (25 residues) revealed 100% identity with rat PC12 tyrosine hydroxylase, as deduced from its cDNA sequence. Several of the kinetic properties of the recombinant enzyme resembled those of the native PC12 hydroxylase. However, in contrast to the native enzyme, the purified recombinant hydroxylase was shown to be in an activated form. Phosphorylation with cAMP-dependent protein kinase resulted in stoichiometric incorporation of phosphate, but the kinetic profile of the recombinant enzyme was unaffected. Several clues to these differences are considered that may provide insight into the structural features important to the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase.
Germ-cell deficient (gcd), an insertional mutation manifested as infertility in transgenic mice.
Authors: Pellas T C , Ramachandran B , Duncan M , Pan S S , Marone M , Chada K
Published: May 2006

A genetic analysis is necessary to gain a greater understanding of the complex developmental processes in mammals. Toward this end, an insertional transgenic mouse mutant has been isolated that results in abnormal germ-cell development. This recessive mutation manifests as infertility in both males and females and is specific for the reproductive organs, since all other tissues examined were histologically normal. A developmental analysis of the gonadal tissues demonstrated that the germ cells were specifically depleted as early as day 11.5 of embryonic development, while the various somatic cells were apparently unaffected. Therefore, the mutated locus must play a critical role in the migration/proliferation of primordial germ cells to the genital ridges of developing embryos. In addition, females homozygous for the mutation could potentially be a valuable animal model of a human syndrome, premature ovarian failure. This mutation has been named germ-cell deficient, gcd.
Rapid changes of protein phosphorylation are involved in transduction of the elicitor signal in plant cells.
Authors: Felix G , Grosskopf D G , Regenass M , Boller T
Published: May 2006

Plant cells have an acute sense for pathogen-derived chemical stimuli, so-called elicitors, which induce the plant's defense response. To investigate the molecular basis of chemosensory transduction, elicitor-treated tomato cells were labeled with 1-min pulses of [32P] phosphate. This technique revealed drastic changes in protein phosphorylation in vivo within minutes of stimulation. The protein kinase inhibitors K-252a and staurosporine completely prevented these elicitor-induced changes in protein phosphorylation. They also blocked two early biochemical responses to elicitors, extracellular alkalinization and biosynthesis of ethylene. The ability of K-252a, staurosporine, and benzoylated staurosporine derivatives to inhibit elicitor responses in vivo correlated with their ability to inhibit tomato microsomal protein kinase in vitro. When K-252a was given to elicited cells 1 min after the[32] phosphate, the radioactivity in certain newly labeled phosphoprotein bands disappeared again within minutes. This correlated with an arrest of alkalinization within minutes when K-252a was applied in midcourse of elicitation. These data show that phosphorylation of protein substrates by K-252a-sensitive protein kinases is essential for transduction of elicitor signals in plant cells and that continuous phosphorylation of these proteins is required to maintain the elicited state.