bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin binding glycoproteins associated with cell fusion and zygote differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum: effects of calcium ions and tunicamycin on glycoprotein profiles
Authors: Browning Darren D. , O'Day Danton H.
Published: December 2009

To determine which glycoproteins may be critical to sexual development in Dictyostelium discoideum, cell samples from different developmental stages were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and blotted to nitrocellulose. Concanavalin A (ConA) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) binding proteins were visualized on the blots using an immunochemical procedure employing peroxidase–antiperoxidase. ConA labelled at least 28 proteins, but only one band showed calcium-dependent changes in its expression. WGA bound at least 30 proteins and changes in several bands were observed that did not occur in calcium-deficient controls. Two WGA-binding glycoproteins which migrated at 200 and 166 kilodaltons (kDa), respectively, showed developmental changes associated with the time of cell fusion. One WGA-binding and one ConA-binding glycoprotein migrating at 130 and 126 kDa, respectively, appeared later during sexual development, in association with the phase of zygote differentiation. Several WGA- and ConA-binding glycoproteins decreased during sexual development, but were not affected by the absence of calcium ions. Tunicamycin (1 μg/mL) inhibited cell fusion when added to sexual cultures prior to the appearance of the 166-kDa glycoprotein gp166. The effects of this inhibitor on development support the importance of glycoproteins to cell fusion during sexual development in D. discoideum.Key words: Dictyostelium, cell fusion, glycoprotein, tunicamycin, concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin, calcium.
Changes in the superoxide radical and superoxide dismutase levels in the uterus of Rattus norvegicus during the estrous cycle and a possible role for superoxide radical in uterine oedema and cell proliferation at proestrus
Authors: Laloraya M. , Kumar G. P. , Laloraya M. M.
Published: December 2009

Superoxide anion radical, a radical whose toxicity is well documented, is present in the uterus of albino rat. The cyclic changes that it undergoes during the reproductive cycle are also illustrated. An inverse correlation is seen between the levels of superoxide radical and the enzyme dismutating it, i.e., superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), which is also reported to be present in the uterus of albino rat and is shown to exhibit cyclic changes during its oestrous cycle. The high levels of superoxide radical at pro-oestrus enable us to hypothesize that superoxide may be involved in regulating the oedema and cell proliferation of the uterus during proestrus.Key words: superoxide anion radical, superoxide dismutase, uterus, oestrous cycle, uterine oedema, cell proliferation.
Further characterization of a novel phospholipase B (phospholipase A2 – lysophospholipase) from intestinal brush-border membranes
Authors: Pind Steven , Kuksis Arnis
Published: December 2009

The intestinal brush-border membranes of rats and guinea pigs possess a high molecular weight, calcium-independent phospholipase B (phospholipase A2 – lysophospholipase activities) with the characteristics of a digestive ectoenzyme. A combination of subcellular fractionation, Triton X-114 phase partitioning, chromatofocusing, and preparative sodium dodecyl sulphate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to purify a full-length, although denatured, form of this enzyme from the rat. Renaturation of the gel-purified fraction confirmed that both enzyme activities were associated with this protein. Gel slices containing the purified phospholipase B were used to generate a polyclonal antiserum in rabbits that could be used for immunoblotting. The relative mobility of the phospholipase B during electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate gels was dramatically affected by the percentage of acrylamide and the presence or absence of reducing agents in the gels. This was true for both the purified protein visualized by silver-staining and following electrophoresis of the total proteins of the membrane, with the phospholipase visualized by immunoblotting. Estimates for the molecular mass of the enzyme varied from 130 to 170 kDa in 7.5% gels and from 120 to 130 kDa in 5–10% gradient gels (with a best estimate of 120 kDa). Upon solubilization from the brush-border membrane by papain digestion, the major immunoreactive band migrated with an apparent mass of 80 kDa in both the 7.5% and 5–10% gradient gels. A major cross-reactive band was detected at 97 kDa following immunoblotting of the papain-solubilized proteins from guinea pig brush-border membranes, in agreement with the size of the purified fragment reported in the literature and at 140 kDa following immunoblotting of the intact proteins. Similar immunoblotting produced reaction with a 135-kDa protein from the rabbit brush-border membrane, as well as a 95-kDa protein following papain solubilization. These results suggest that while there are species-specific apparent molecular weights, the intestinal brush-border membrane phospholipase B is conserved among species.Key words: phospholipase, brush-border membrane, intestine, phospholipid hydrolysis, antibodies.
Properties of phospholipase A2 isolated from rat serum
Authors: Baker R. R. , Chang H.-y.
Published: December 2009

Phospholipase A2 was extensively purified (1300- to 1400-fold) from rat serum using Sephadex G-100 chromatography. It eluted at a position corresponding to a molecular mass of about 15 kDa. This one purification step gave two bands on sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The faster component had a molecular mass of 16 kDa and the slower band likely contained an aggregate of the faster component. Activity was associated with protein bands on nondenaturing gels. Enzyme activity was assessed using phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanol-amine labelled at sn position 2 with radioactive arachidonate. Phosphatidylethanolamine gave higher specific activities than phosphatidylcholine. The enzyme has an absolute requirement for Ca2+ and a pH optimum at 7.4. This pH optimum was more prominent for phosphatidylethanolamine. Activity was inhibited by oleate or arachidonate when phosphatidylcholine was used as substrate, but added free fatty acid did not significantly affect the hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine. Addition of bovine serum albumin (fatty acid free) to assays increased the rate of release of arachidonate from phosphatidylcholine, but not from phosphatidylethanolamine. Phospholipase A2 is present in serum likely as a consequence of blood coagulation and may release fatty acids from cellular membranes following hemorrhage.Key words: phospholipase A2, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, rat serum.
Chromatin structure in a region of a yeast transposable element regulating adjacent gene expression
Authors: Feaver W. J. , Pearlman R. E.
Published: December 2009

The chromatin structure of a portion of yeast transposable elements known to be responsible for regulation of the expression of the adjacent HIS4 gene has been investigated, using the nuclease probe micrococcal nuclease. Yeast strains containing Ty917 or derivatives of this element that possess either a His−, weak His+, or strong His+ phenotype were examined. The chromatin at the Ty/HIS4 junction region was accessible to micrococcal nuclease. A partial nucleosome ladder was observed upon digestion with micrococcal nuclease indicating the presence of three phased nucleosomes located in Ty sequences upstream of the HIS4 gene. Phased nucleosomes could not be detected upstream of the HIS4 gene in wild-type cells. These data suggest that nucleosomal structure is not a major contributor to Ty917-regulated adjacent gene expression at HIS4.Key words: micrococcal nuclease, chromatin structure, transposable element, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, HIS4.
Mitochondrial F1-ATPase moiety from Phycomyces blakesleeanus: purification, characterization, and kinetic studies
Authors: Vicente J. I. de , Valle P. del , Busto F. , Arriaga D. de , Soler J.
Published: December 2009

Mitochondrial F1-ATPase was purified from the mycelium of Phycomyces blakesleeanus NRRL 1555(−) and its kinetic characteristics were studied. Sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the enzyme reveals five bands (α, β, γ, δ, and ε) characteristic of the F1 portion with apparent molecular weights of 60 000, 53 000, 31 000, 25 000, and 21 000, respectively. The molecular weight of the native F1-ATPase from Phycomyces blakesleeanus was in agreement with the stoichiometry α3 β3 γ δ ε. The MgATP complex is the true substrate for ATPase activity which has a Km value of 0.15 mM. High concentrations of free ATP or free Mg2+ ions inhibit the ATPase activity. ADP appears to act as a negative allosteric effector with regard to MgATP hydrolysis, with the apparent Vmax remaining unchanged.Key words: mitochondrial F1-ATPase, Phycomyces blakesleeanus, enzyme purification, kinetic properties.
Dietary lipid modification of renal disorders and ether phospholipid metabolism
Authors: Holub Bruce J. , Philbrick Diana J. , Parbtani Anwar , Clark William F.
Published: December 2009

The formation of arachidonic acid derived eicosanoids, including thromboxane A2 and leukotriene B4, as well as platelet-activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-glycerophosphocholine), has been implicated in various renal pathophysiologies. Alteration of the fatty acid composition of membrane phospholipids in platelets, the glomerulus, and inflammatory cells, and of 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-glycerophosphocholine (platelet-activating factor precursor) can be attained by dietary lipid modifications (e.g., consumption of fish oil containing n – 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids). These changes have been associated with an attenuation in renal disease progression and modifications in the synthesis and actions-interactions of eicosanoids, cytokines, and platelet-activating factor.Key words: renal disorders, omega-3, platelet-activating factor, eicosanoids, cytokines.
Further purification and characterization of newly synthesized anionic glycoconjugates secreted by cultured UMR-106 cells: evidence that the major anionic glycoconjugate secreted by these cells is similar to bone sialoprotein II
Authors: Chopra Ravi K. , Anastassiades Tassos P. , Lohnes David , Jones Glenville
Published: December 2009

Following incubation of UMR-106 cells for 48 h in the presence of [3H]glucosamine and [35S]sulfate, the newly synthesized anionic glycoconjugates were isolated from the culture medium by cetylpyridinium chloride/ethanol precipitation and further separated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography into two radiolabelled fractions, a major component, UM I, and a minor component, UM II. UM I appeared to be homogeneous as shown by Sepharose CL-4B chromatography under dissociative conditions, and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It showed a molecular mass of approximately 93 kDa on 4–15% gels. UM I was partially degraded by brief treatment with trypsin, releasing a small, terminal peptide that contained 47.6% of 35S but no 3H. Treatment of UM I with neuraminidase and 0.1 N H2SO4 (1 h at 80 °C), respectively, released 27% 3H and 38.4% 3H plus 41% 35S, suggesting the presence of a significant number of sialic acid residues, as shown by Sephadex G-50 chromatography of the digests. Amino acid analysis showed that the UM I glycoconjugate was rich in acidic amino acids (12.6% aspartic acid and 21.2% glutamic acid residues) and its N-terminal sequence was Phe-Ser-Met-Lys-Asn-Phe-, which is identical to the published N-terminal amino acid sequence of rat bone sialoprotein II. Keratanase treatment of UM I released 26% of the incorporated radioactivity, suggesting the presence of keratan sulfate chains. UM II contained a chondroitinase ABC-sensitive proteoglycan.Key words: UMR-106 cells, anionic glycoconjugates, bone sialoprotein II.
Elevated in vitro translation of a 25-kDa protein in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Paradis Gilles , Gaudreau Josée , Frenette Gilles , Thabet Michel , Tremblay Roland R. , Dubé Jean Y.
Published: December 2009

As a first step in understanding the changes in protein synthesis that occur in renal cell carcinoma, we have prepared poly(A)+ RNA from surgically removed tumors and from their normal tissue counterpart. These RNAs were then translated in vitro in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system and the synthesized labeled polypeptides were separated by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A major 25-kDa primary translation product was observed with all renal cell carcinomas. The synthesis of this protein was barely detectable with the RNA from normal tissue adjacent to the tumor. To determine if this protein could be further processed (removal of signal peptide and (or) core glycosylation), canine pancreatic microsomal membranes were added to the system. This addition resulted in the formation of a vertical row of three additional spots, with the same isoelectric point as the primary translation product and with molecular masses ranging from 27 to 31 kDa. The 31-kDa protein was retained on Concanavalin A. After digestion with endoglycosidase H, it was no longer visible on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels and a new 27-kDa band was generated suggesting that the mature protein was indeed a glycoprotein. Future experiments will be aimed at identifying this protein and examining its potential value as a marker of renal cell carcinoma.Key words: renal cancer, post-translational modifications, glycosylation, tumor markers.
Isolation and partial characterization of a soluble mucin in human pancreatic juice
Authors: Lee S. P. , Choong Y. S. , Park H. Z.
Published: December 2009

Morphological and histochemical abnormalities in pancreatic mucin occur in many pancreatic disorders. However, the composition of pancreatic mucin is poorly understood. Purified mucin was isolated from pure pancreatic juice by sequential chromatography on Sepharose CL-2B and CL-4B followed by CsCl density gradient ultracentrifugation. The mucin preparation consists of 24% protein and 73% carbohydrate. Reduction of the macromolecule (> 2 × 106) by mercaptoethanol resulted in the formation of subunits of molecular weight 500 000 and released several small molecular weight proteins, including a glycoprotein of an average molecular weight of 116 000. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis separated the mucin into three species of different staining properties for periodic acid-Schiff reagent and Alcian blue, suggesting the presence of microheterogeneity with respect to sulphation and sialation. Threonine, serine, and proline composed 48% of the total amino acids, while the oligosaccharide moiety contained N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, fucose, galactose, sialic acid, and sulphate. We also detected the presence of C16:0 and C18:0 fatty acids which were probably noncovalently bound to the pancreatic mucin.Key words: pancreas, mucin, glycoprotein, cystic fibrosis.
Kinetics of a rapid, luminol dependent chemiluminescence signal induced in HL-60 cells by amphotericin B and other stimulants
Authors: O'Keefe D. A. , James D. R. , Ware W. R. , Petersen N. O.
Published: December 2009

Addition of the polyene antibiotic amphotericin B or tissue culture medium to nondifferentiated HL-60 cells in the presence of luminol induces a chemiluminescence signal that reaches a peak value within a few seconds and decays exponentially in less than a minute. The kinetics of the signal and its modulation by superoxide dismutase, catalase, and horseradish peroxidase are consistent with a series of solution biochemical processes with a rate-determining step corresponding to the disproportionation of a luminal–superoxide complex. The effects of the enzymes demonstrate that superoxide is a precursor to the rate-determining intermediate and that both catalase and peroxide enhance a reaction that competes with the rate-limiting process.Key words: chemiluminescence, luminol, amphotericin B, superoxide, HL-60 cells.
Interaction of neutrophil elastase with hydrophobic polyanionic chelators
Authors: Tyagi Suresh C. , Simon Sanford R.
Published: December 2009

The polyanionic calcium chelators, ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylene-bis-(oxyethylenenitrilo)-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), [bis-(O-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), 1-[2-amino-5-(6-carboxy-indol-2-yl)phenoxyl]-2-(2′-amino-5′-methylphenoxy)ethane- N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (INDO-1), 1-[2-(5-carboxyoxazol-2yl)-6-phenoxyl]-2-(2′-amino-5′-methylphenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (FURA-2), and 2-{[2-bis-(carboxymethyl)-amino-5-methylphenoxy]-methyl}-6-methyl-8-bis-(bis-(carboxymethyl)-aminoquinoline (QUIN-2), are all inhibitors of amidolytic activity of human neutrophil elastase (HNE). With MeOSuc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-pNA as substrate, these chelators all display mixed partial competitive and partial noncompetitive inhibition, but with the smaller substrate, pGlu-Pro-Val-pNA, only the noncompetitive component persists. The most effective inhibitor is FURA-2, with an apparent Ki of 0.5–0.7 mM. QUIN-2 is somewhat less effective, with a Ki of 2 mM, while EDTA is much less effective, with a Ki of 7 mM. In general, the more hydrophobic chelators are the best inhibitors, although INDO-1, which is about the same size as FURA-2, is surprisingly ineffective as an inhibitor. The chelators no longer function as effective inhibitors if their carboxyl groups are blocked by esterification with acetoxymethyl groups or by complexation with calcium ions, indicating that their binding to HNE is mediated in part through electrostatic interactions with a center of positive charge on the protein. The excitation spectrum of the complex of FURA-2 with HNE differs from that of the chelator with calcium ions, indicating that the structure of the enzyme-inhibitor complex is not like that of the coordination complex of the chelator with the metal ion. The inhibitory capacity of FURA-2 apparently arises from binding to a site that is in the vicinity of the S4 and S5 subsites of the extended substrate binding domain on HNE through a combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with the enzyme.Key words: elastase, protease inhibitors, chelators, poly anions, calcium.
A basic region neighboring the lysine-rich C-terminus of protein SRP19 is required for binding to signal recognition particle RNA
Authors: Zwieb Christian
Published: December 2009

To identify some of the determinants in the 19-kilodalton protein of signal recognition particle (SRP19) for binding to signal recognition particle RNA, two mutant derivatives of the SRP19 were constructed, lacking 14 and 24 C-terminal amino acids. Polypeptides were transcribed and translated in vitro and tested for their ability to bind to signal recognition particle RNA by retention of protein–RNA complexes on DEAE–Sepharose. Both mutant polypeptides form complexes with the RNA, demonstrating that the 24 C-terminal amino acids, which include a lysine-rich sequence at positions 136–144, are dispensable. A third mutant polypeptide, in which eight additional amino acids were removed by oligonucleotide-directed digestion of the mRNA, was unable to bind. The amino acids in the sequence PKLKTRTQ correspond to positions 113–120; they are suggested to be involved in interaction with signal recognition particle RNA.Key words: signal recognition particle, site-directed mutagenesis, protein–RNA binding.
Bistability and the ordered bimolecular mechanism
Authors: Raymond K. W. , Pocker Y.
Published: December 2009

An equation describing the instantaneous velocity of an ordered bimolecular enzymatic reaction that exhibits inhibition by substrate and product was derived. Using kinetic constant values for horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase, the velocity expression was applied to an open-reaction system. The calculated steady-state surfaces displayed regions of bistability, which further substantiates the link between substrate inhibition and multiple steady states. This general computational approach may be applied to any system that can be described by an instantaneous velocity equation.Key words: bistability, steady state, enzyme kinetics.
Integumental phosphatase isoenzymes from white puparia of Ceratitis capitata: isolation and characterization
Authors: Bourtzis K. , Marmaras V. J.
Published: December 2009

Two specific alkaline phosphatase forms were identified in the integument of wild-type Ceratitis capitata during transition of larvae to pupae. The separation was achieved by DEAE-cellulose chromatography; alkaline phosphatase 1 and alkaline phosphatase 2 were eluted in 0.1 and 0.4 M KC1, respectively. Both isoenzymes have a molecular weight of approximately 180 000. The pH curve reveals two peaks for both alkaline phosphatases: one at 9.4 and the other at 11.0. The two isoenzymes at both pH optima catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphotyrosine and β-glycerophosphate, but not phosphoserine, phosphothreonine, ATP, or AMP. However, at pH 9.4, alkaline phosphatase 1 is more effective than ALPase 2 and exhibits a preference for phosphotyrosine. The divalent cations Mn2+, Mg2+, and Ba2+ activate the enzymes, while Cu2+ and Zn2+ are inhibitors for both isoenzymes. Both isoenzymes are inactivated by EDTA. The effect of amino acids on enzyme activity was also tested. Alkaline phosphatase 1 is inhibited by L-tyrosine, while alkaline phosphatase 2 is unaffected. L-Phenylalanine has no effect on either isoenzyme. Both isoenzymes are inhibited by urea and 2-mercaptoethanol. Simultaneous addition of urea and 2-mercaptoethanol reveals that ALPase 1 is more sensitive to these inhibitors than ALPase 2.Key words: enzyme, Diptera, integument, phosphatase, isoenzymes, phosphotyrosine.
Purpurogallin—a natural and effective hepatoprotector in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wu Tai-Wing , Zeng Ling-Hua , Wu Jun , Carey Doug
Published: December 2009

Purpurogallin is a plant phenol that is sometimes added as an oxidation retardant to fats–oils or to certain fuels or lubricants. However, it was unknown if purpurogallin is cytoprotective. Here we examined this issue, both in isolated hepatocytes and in vivo. From 0.5 to 2.0 mM, purpurogallin prolongs survival of rat hepatocytes substantially against oxyradicals generated with xanthine oxidase and hypoxanthine. The protection was dose dependent and surpassed that given by such antioxidants as ascorbate, mannitol, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and Trolox, when each was examined at or near its optimal concentration in the same system. When 1.5,3, and 6 μmol of purpurogallin in saline were infused into rats with postischemic livers shortly before reperfusion, the mean hepatic salvages were 42, 76, and 86%, respectively. Such salvage effects would rank purpurogallin highly among the hepatoprotectors known. Over the range of 31 to 500 μM, purpurogallin inhibited the rate of O2 consumption in the xanthine oxidase reaction by ~90%, which was 2- to several-fold higher than the inhibition elicited by allopurinol over the same concentrations. Thus, purpurogallin is an effective natural hepatoprotector that may operate partly or principally as an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase.Key words: purpurogallin, hepato-protection, xanthine oxidase inhibition.
Glutamine and glucose metabolism in thymocytes from normal and spontaneously diabetic BB rats
Authors: Wu Guoyao , Field Catherine J. , Marliss Errol B.
Published: December 2009

Metabolism of glutamine and glucose was studied in thymocytes from normal rats and BB rats with the spontaneous autoimmune diabetic syndrome to assess their potential roles as fuels. The major measured products from glucose were lactate and, to a lesser extent, CO2, and pyruvate. Glutamine had no effect on the rates of their production from glucose. Glutamine was metabolized to ammonia, aspartate, glutamate, and CO2, with aspartate being the major product of carbons from glutamine in the absence of glucose. Glucose markedly decreased the formation of ammonia, aspartate, and CO2 from glutamine, but increased that of glutamate, with an overall decrease in glutamine utilization by 55%. More glutamate than aspartate was produced from glutamine in the presence of glucose. The potential production of ATP from glucose was similar to that when glutamine was present alone. However, glucose markedly decreased production of ATP from glutamine, but not vice versa. This resulted in ATP production from glucose being 2.5 times that from glutamine when both substrates were present. The oxidation of glucose to CO2 via the Krebs cycle accounts for 75–80% of glucose-derived ATP production. Cellular ATP levels markedly decreased in the absence of exogenous substrates, but were constant throughout a 2-h incubation in the presence of glutamine, glucose, or both. There were no differences in thymocyte glucose or glutamine metabolism between normal and diabetic BB rats, in contrast to previous findings in peripheral lymphoid organs. Our results suggest that glucose is a more important fuel than glutamine for "resting" thymocytes, again in contrast to the cells of peripheral lymphoid organs in which glutamine is as important as glucose as a fuel. The enhanced energy metabolism found in the cells from peripheral lymphoid organs of diabetic BB rats, if due to T-lymphocytes, must occur after their migration out of the thymus.Key words: glutaminolysis, glycolysis, thymocytes, ATP, BB rats.
Binding of cadmium(II) and zinc(II) to human and dog serum albumins. An equilibrium dialysis and 113Cd-NMR study
Authors: Goumakos William , Laussac Jean-Pierre , Sarkar Bibudhendra
Published: December 2009

The binding of Cd(II) and Zn(II) to human serum albumin (HSA) and dog serum albumin (DSA) has been studied by equilibrium dialysis and 113Cd(II)-NMR techniques at physiological pH. Scatchard analysis of the equilibrium dialysis data indicate the presence of at least two classes of binding sites for Cd(II) and Zn(II). On analysis of the high-affinity class of sites, HSA is shown to bind 2.08 ± 0.09 (log K = 5.3 ± 0.6) and 1.07 ± 0.12 (log K = 6.4 ± 0.8) moles of Cd(II) and Zn(II) per mole of protein, respectively. DSA bound 2.02 ± 0.19 (log K = 5.1 ± 0.8), and 1.06 ± 0.15 (log K = 6.0 ± 0.2) moles of Cd(II) and Zn(II) per mole of protein, respectively. Competition studies indicate the presence of one high-affinity Cd(II) site on both HSA and DSA that is not affected by Zn(II) or Cu(II), and one high-affinity Zn(II) site on both HSA and DSA that is not affected by Cd(II) or Cu(II). 113Cadmium-HSA spectra display three resonances corresponding to three different sites of complexation. In site I, Cd(II) is most probably coordinated to two or three histidyl residues, site II to one histidyl residue and three oxygen ligands (carboxylate), while for the most upfield site III, four oxygens are likely to be involved in the binding of the metal ion. The 113Cd(II)-DSA spectra display only two resonances corresponding to two different sites of complexation. The environment around Cd(II) at sites I and II on DSA is similar to sites I and II, respectively, on HSA. No additional resonances are observed in any of these experiments and in particular in the low field region where sulfur coordination occurs. Overall, our results are consistent with the proposal that the physiologically important high-affinity Zn(II) and Cd(II) binding sites of albumins are located not at the Cu(II)-specific NH2-terminal site, but at internal sites, involving mostly nitrogen and oxygen ligands and no sulphur ligand.Key words: albumin, human serum, dog serum, cadmium, zinc, copper, NMR, equilibrium dialysis, binding.
The cytoprotective effects of bilirubin and biliverdin on rat hepatocytes and human erythrocytes and the impact of albumin
Authors: Wu Tai-Wing , Carey Doug , Wu Jun , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: December 2009

The hypothesis that unconjugated bilirubin and biliverdin are cytoprotective antioxidants has been examined for the first time in systems containing cells. In primary rat hepatocytes exposed to xanthine oxidase and hypoxanthine, bilirubin (0–60 μM) failed to prolong cell survival. In contrast, biliverdin (20–100 μM) markedly delayed hepatocyte necrosis in a concentration-dependent manner. When 0.3 mM of albumin was present, bilirubin (0–50 μM) became protective of hepatocytes, while biliverdin was less dramatically enhanced in its cytoprotective effect. In human erythrocytes exposed to peroxyl radicals, bilirubin and biliverdin inhibited 50% cell lysis at lower concentrations than Trolox and ascorbate, respectively. Albumin alone appeared less cytoprotective in red cells than in hepatocytes, but its presence enhanced the effects of both pigments on erythrocytes. Of probable physiologic relevance, bilirubin with albumin present or biliverdin alone protected hepatocytes substantially (and to a lesser extent red cells) at the normal blood levels of bilirubin (3.4–26 μM). Moreover, the fact that the pigments are cytoprotective at higher bilirubin levels (e.g., 50–100 μM) tempts the speculation that they may be circulating cytoprotectors of overlooked importance in jaundice.Key words: cytoprotection, biliverdin, bilirubin, albumin.
Relationships among serine hydrolases: evidence for a common structural motif in triacylglyceride lipases and esterases
Authors: Derewenda Zygmunt S. , Derewenda Urszula
Published: December 2009

A detailed analysis of the highly refined (1.9 Å resolution) molecular model of the fungal (Rhizomucor miehei) triglyceride lipase reveals a unique conformation of the oligopeptide containing the active serine (Ser 144) residue. It consists of a six-residue β-strand (strand 4 of the central sheet), a four-residue turn of type II′ with serine in the ε conformation, and a buried α-helix packed in a parallel way against strands 4 and 5 of the central β-pleated sheet. It is shown that the invariant glycines in positions (1) and (5) of the so-called lipase consensus sequence (G-X-S-X-G) are in extended and helical conformations, respectively, and that they are conserved owing to the steric restrictions imposed on these residues by the packing stereochemistry of this β-εSer-α motif, and not by secondary structure requirements, as is the case in serine proteinases. Sequence homologies indicate that this unique motif is likely to be found in serine esterases and other lipases, indicating a possible evolutionary link of these families of hydrolytic enzymes.Key words: serine proteinases, lipases, esterases, protein crystallography, protein structure.
Evidence for post-transcriptional regulation of cytokeratin gene expression in a rat liver epithelial cell line
Authors: Blouin Richard , Swierenga Sabine H. H. , Marceau Normand
Published: December 2009

T51B, a cell line of the rat liver nonparenchymal cell compartment, contains a cytokeratin (CK) pair composed of CK8, a CK typical of simple epithelium, and CK14, a CK usually present in proliferative stratified epithelium. T51B-Ni, a subclone selected by prolonged exposure of the parental clone to nickel subsulfide contains CK8 and CK18 (its usual partner in simple epithelium), as well as CK14, at a lower level. The two clones have comparable levels of vimentin. Northern blot analyses of cytoplasmic mRNA demonstrated that the differences in the steady state mRNA levels of each CK paralleled those observed at the protein level, thus showing that the regulatory events occurred prior to translation. The most prominent difference was a 30-fold higher level of CK18 mRNA in T51B-Ni cells. Run-off assays of isolated nuclei revealed that the level of CK8, CK14, and vimentin was regulated primarily at the transcriptional level. However, the large increase in CK18 mRNA levels in T51B-Ni cells did not result from a corresponding increase in the relative level of CK18 gene transcription nor from a change in cytoplasmic CK18 mRNA stability. Comparative Northern blot analyses of nuclear and cytoplasmic mRNAs further suggested that the control of CK18 gene expression in T51B cells is post-transcriptionally mediated by nuclear events.Key words: cytokeratins, gene regulation, T51B cells, intermediate filaments, liver.
Structural characterization of the O-polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide produced by Salmonella milwaukee O:43 (group U) which possesses human blood group B activity
Authors: Perry Malcolm B. , MacLean Leann L.
Published: December 2009

The O-polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide produced by Salmonella milwaukee O:43 (group U) was shown by composition analysis, methylation, periodate oxidation and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analytical methods to be a polymer of branched pentasaccharide repeating units having the structure:[Formula: see text]The blood-group activity of the O-polysaccharide was established by its serological reactivity with a specific monoclonal antibody to human blood group B, using passive hemaglutination and ELISA assays, indicating the common antigenic epitope to be a nonreducing terminal trisaccharide unit composed of L-Fucp and D-Galp (1:2) residues.Key words: Salmonella milwaukee, lipopolysaccharide, blood group B, polysaccharide, nuclear magnetic resonance.
Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase from the halophilic archaebacterium Haloferax volcanih characterization and N-terminal sequence
Authors: Vettakkorumakankav Nataraj , Danson Michael J. , Hough David W. , Stevenson Kenneth J. , Davison Matthew , Young Janice
Published: December 2009

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, a flavin disulfide reductase, has been purified and characterized from Haloferax volcanii. The enzyme is a dimer of relative mass 128 000, with an optimal activity at pH 9.0 in 1 M NaCl. Following reduction with its substrate, dihydrolipoamide, the enzyme is inactivated through covalent bond formation with the trivalent arsenical p-aminophenyl arsenoxide. The amino acid composition and the amino acid sequence of the first 49 residues of the N-terminus have been determined.Key words: dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, halophiles, archaebacteria.
Formation of C19 11-hydroxysteroids by porcine Leydig cells
Authors: Raeside J. I. , Renaud R. L. , Khalil M. W.
Published: December 2009

In a previous study, we reported the presence of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione and 11β-hydroxytestosterone in testicular vein blood from mature male pigs. Since C19 steroids with an oxygen function at C11 have not been recorded as products of steroid biosynthesis in normal mammalian testes, we have examined their possible production in purified preparations of porcine Leydig cells. Both androstenedione and cortisol were added as substrates in studies using cell incubations of Leydig cells from mature boars (> 8 months old). Steroids were recovered from media by solid-phase extraction and separated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Peaks corresponding to retention times of authentic standard steroids were seen for both 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione and 11β-hydroxytestosterone from each substrate. Generally, lesser amounts of C19 11-oxosteroids were noted also. Definitive confirmation was made by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry for 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione in the media.Key words: 11β-hydroxylation, androgens, Leydig cells, porcine, testis.
A comparison of the chilling-stress response in two differentially tolerant cultivars of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)
Authors: Giroux Randal W. , Filion W. Gary
Published: December 2009

The chilling responses of two differentially cold tolerant cultivars of tomato were monitored through in vivo labelling of polypeptides with [35S]methionine, both during a gradual temperature decrease (2 °C/day) and also during a rapid cold shock (4 °C). The polypeptides were separated by one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and revealed by fluorography. Both cultivars showed changes in the polypeptide profiles resulting from either chilling treatment. During the gradual temperature decrease, there were few differences exhibited between the two cultivars. However, during cold shock both cultivars showed the altered synthesis of several unique polypeptides. Both cultivars showed the appearance of a 35-kDa polypeptide during the gradual temperature decrease and also during the cold shock. The appearance of three high relative mass polypeptides was found in both cultivars only during the gradual temperature decrease. Treatments with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol suggested that cold-shock polypeptides are both nuclear and organelle encoded. The cold-shock response in roots was different from the response in leaves and between cultivars. A comparison of the two cultivars showed a number of differences in polypeptide synthesis which may be related to increased cold tolerance.Key words: cold-shock protein(s), tomato, chilling stress, acclimation, cold tolerance.
Expression of gene-specific RNA in cultured cells exposed to rotating 60-Hz magnetic fields
Authors: Parker Jill E. , Winters Wendell
Published: December 2009

Replicate sets of cultures of mouse and of human cells were exposed to cyclic, sine wave, 60-Hz rotating magnetic fields of 1.0 Gs [Formula: see text] for 24-, 48-, or 72-h periods. Total RNA extracted from unexposed control and from magnetic field exposed cells was dot blot hybridized to a number of oncogene probes (including v-myc, v-fos, v-raf, and v-Ha-ras), a probe for 3611 murine sarcoma virus, a probe for the 70 000 dalton heat shock protein (hsp70), and a probe for the long terminal repeat sequence of mouse mammary tumor virus. Comparisons of levels of RNA in unexposed and magnetic field exposed cells measured by densitometer readings of resulting autoradiographs revealed no significant increases or decreases in RNA levels in magnetic field exposed cells with the seven probes tested.Key words: 60 hertz, oncogene, mRNA.
The 80L5C4 epitope overlaps with the homophilic binding site of the cell adhesion molecule gp80 of Dictyostelium
Authors: Wu Xiang-Fu , Kamboj Rajender K. , Gariepy Jean , Siu Chi-Hung
Published: December 2009

The monoclonal antibody (mAb) 80L5C4 is a potent inhibitor of the cell adhesion molecule gp80 of Dictyostelium discoideum. To map the exact location of the epitope recognized by mAb 80L5C4, overlapping hexapeptides were synthesized on plastic pins and the binding of mAb 80L5C4 to these peptides was monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The 80L5C4 epitope is mapped to a single hexapeptide sequence GYKLNV, which shares five amino acid residues with the octapeptide sequence YKLNVNDS involved in gp80 homophilic binding. Analogue studies indicate that the hydrophobic residues within this sequence are crucial for antigen recognition.Key words: monoclonal antibody, epitope mapping, cell adhesion molecule, Dictyostelium.
Accumulation of starch in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagellar mutants
Authors: Hamilton Bradford S. , Nakamura Kazuo , Roncari Daniel A. K.
Published: December 2009

Paralyzed flagellar mutants pf-1, pf-2, pf-7, and pf-18 of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Dangeard) were shown to store a significantly greater amount of starch than the motile wild type 137c+. The increase in starch storage was significant relative to protein, chlorophyll, and cell number. Analysis of average cell size revealed that the paralyzed mutants were larger than the wild type. This increase in storage molecule accumulation supports an inverse relationship between chemical energy storage and energy utilization for biomechanical/motile cellular functions. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii provides a useful model for studies of the role of cytoskeletal activity in the energy relationship and balance of organisms.Key words: Chlamydomonas, cytoskeleton, paralyzed flagella, starch, bioenergetics.
Pathophysiology of uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Koutsilieris Michael
Published: December 2009

Uterine leiomyomas is the most common benign neoplasia in women, one of the most frequent causes of infertility in reproductive years, and the leading cause for hysterectomy. The pathophysiology of uterine leiomyomas is uncertain. Therefore, therapeutic approaches have been primarily empirical. It is now well documented that growth factors control the functional and possibly the histological integrity of several tissues. Recently the presence of growth substances in uterine tissues suggested that the role of sex steroid hormones in the pathophysiology of leiomyomas may be mediated by substances influencing the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. This report summarizes the data related to the pathophysiology of leiomyomas, which indicate a possible role of growth factors in uterine leiomyomas.Key words: leiomyomas, growth factors, uterus, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts.
Origin of the two mRNA species for the human neurofilament light gene
Authors: Beaudet Lucille , Charron Guy , Julien Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2009

The human neurofilament light (hNF-L) gene yields two major species of mRNAs of 2.4 and 3.8 kilobases (kb) in size. To investigate the origin of these two mRNAs, we have analyzed in transgenic mice the expression of hNF-L DNA fragments including different lengths of 5′ -flanking regions. The finding that the 3.8-kb mRNA species is produced by a hNF-L transgene that includes only the proximal promoter region (−0.3 kb) demonstrates that both the 2.4- and 3.8-kb mRNAs are derived from the same site of transcription initiation. Sequencing of the 3′ untranslated region of the hNF-L gene revealed the presence of multiple AATAAA polyadenylation signals. We conclude from Northern blotting experiments using probes spanning various regions of the hNF-L gene that the 2.4- and 3.8-kb mRNAs originate from the selective use of polyadenylation signals located 1.4 kb apart.Key words: neurofilament gene, polyadenylation, transgenic mice, intermediate filament gene, RNA processing.
Interfacial adsorption of simple lipid mixtures combined with hydrophobic surfactant protein from pig lung
Authors: Pérez-Gil Jesus , Tucker Jacqueline , Simatos Gary , Keough Kevin M. W.
Published: December 2009

Hydrophobic pulmonary surfactant protein enriched in SP-C has been mixed in amounts up to 10% by weight with various phospholipids. The lipids used were dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), or DPPC plus unsaturated phosphatidylglycerol (PG), or phosphatidylinositol (PI) in molar ratios of 9:1 and 7:3. The protein enhanced the rate and extent of adsorption of each lipid preparation into the air–water interface, and its respreading after compression on a surface balance. Maximum surface pressures attained on compression of monolayers of mixtures of lipids were slightly higher in the presence of protein. The effects on rate and extent of adsorption were proportional to the amount of protein present. Mixtures containing 30 mol% PG or PI adsorbed more readily into the interface than those containing 10% acidic lipid or DPPC alone. Mixtures containing 30% PI were slightly more rapidly adsorbed than those containing 30% PG. The results suggest that mixtures of DPPC with either acidic lipid in the presence of surfactant protein could be effective in artificial surfactants.Key words: pulmonary surfactant, monolayer formation, adsorption, synthetic surfactant, proteolipids.
Glutathione S-transferase in chemotherapy resistance and in carcinogenesis
Authors: Schecter Robyn L. , Alaoui-Jamali Moulay A. , Batist Gerald
Published: December 2009

Cytosolic glutathione S-transferases are composed of two monomeric subunits. These monomers are the products of different gene families designated alpha, mu, and pi. Dimerization yields either homodimeric or heterodimeric holoenzymes within the same family. The members of this complex group of proteins have been linked to the detoxification of environmental chemicals and carcinogens, and have been shown to be overexpressed in normal and tumor cells following exposure to cytotoxic drugs. They also are overexpressed in carcinogen-induced rat liver preneoplastic nodules in rat liver. In all of these cases, the changes in exprssion of glutathione S-transferases are paralleled by increased resistance to cytotoxic chemicals. The degree of resistance is related to the substrate specificity of the isozyme. The relationship of the glutathione S-transferase genes to drug resistance has been directly demonstrated by gene transfer studies, where cDNAs encoding the various subunits of glutathione S-transferase have been transfected into a variety of cell types. This review discusses the results of numerous studies that associate resistance to alkylating agents with overexpression of protective detoxifying glutathione S-transferase enzymes.Key words: glutathione S-transferase, chemotherapy, carcinogenesis, alkylating agents, DNA damage.
Multifactorial resistance to antineoplastic agents in drug-resistant P388 murine leukemia, Chinese hamster ovary, and human HeLa cells, with emphasis on the role of DNA topoisomerase II
Authors: Deffie Abdul M. , McPherson J. Peter , Gupta Radhey S. , Hedley David W. , Goldenberg Gerald J.
Published: December 2009

The role of DNA topoisomerase II in multifactorial resistance to antineoplastic agents is reviewed. We have previously observed that in Adriamycin (ADR) resistant P388 murine leukemia cells, DNA topoisomerase II enzyme content and cleavage and catalytic activities were all reduced and correlated with drug sensitivity. A subsequent study provided evidence for an allelic mutation of the gene for DNA topoisomerase II as a possible molecular mechanism underlying the enzyme alterations. To ascertain how universal were these observations, a study was undertaken of DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) in other cell lines resistant either to ADR or another topo-II-interactive drug, mitoxantrone. In ADR-resistant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, topo II cleavage and catalytic activities and the gene product were all reduced; however, only cleavage activity correlated with drug sensitivity. No differences were noted between ADR-sensitive and -resistant CHO cells by Northern or Southern blot analysis, raising the possibility that the enzyme in resistant cells may be regulated at a posttranscriptional level. Findings on a gel retardation or immunoblot band depletion assay showed that the enzyme in CHO/ADR-1 cells failed to bind to the DNA–drug–enzyme complex, suggesting a qualitative as well as quantitative enzyme alteration in those cells. Mitoxantrone-resistant HeLa cells (Mito-1) displayed not only a lower level of cleavage activity but also of enzyme content and catalytic activity, relative to the parental drug-sensitive HeLa cells. As with the CHO cells, no differences were noted between mitoxantrone-sensitive and -resistant HeLa cells on Northern and Southern blot analyses, suggesting that enzyme regulation in these resistant cells may also be at a posttranscriptional level. There was no evidence of enzyme binding to DNA–drug–enzyme complex in resistant HeLa/Mito-1 cells, once again suggesting the presence of a qualitative enzyme alteration. The findings in both ADR-resistant CHO cells and mitoxantrone-resistant HeLa cells do not exclude the possibility that subtle changes in the topoisomerase II gene, such as point mutations, may account for these enzyme changes. The apparent qualitative changes observed in enzyme may result from posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation.Key words: drug resistance, DNA topoisomerase II, Adriamycin, mitoxantrone.
Dolichol: function, metabolism, and accumulation in human tissues
Authors: Carroll K. K. , Guthrie N. , Ravi K.
Published: December 2009

Dolichol, a homologous series of α-saturated polyisoprenoid alcohols containing 14–24 isoprene units, was first isolated and characterized about 30 years ago. The phosphorylated form, dolichyl phosphate, is required for the biosynthesis of biologically important N-linked glycoproteins. Dolichol itself is synthesized by a common isoprenoid pathway from acetate and synthesis can be inhibited by some of the factors that inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. It is metabolized very slowly and accumulates in tissues during aging and in certain lipid storage diseases. Dolichyl phosphate and cholesterol also accumulate in tissues during aging, but to a lesser extent than dolichol. Although dolichol and cholesterol have important metabolic functions, their accumulation in tissues can have deleterious effects.Key words: dolichyl phosphate, cholesterol, glycoprotein synthesis, aging, lipid storage diseases.