bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induction of apoptosis by lipophilic activators of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase α (CCTα)
Authors: Lagace Thomas A. , Ridgway Neale D. 
Published: December 2005

Farnesol (FOH) inhibits the CDP-choline pathway for PtdCho (phosphatidylcholine) synthesis, an activity that is involved in subsequent induction of apoptosis. Interestingly, the rate-limiting enzyme in this pathway, CCTα (CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase α), is rapidly activated, cleaved by caspases and exported from the nucleus during FOH-induced apoptosis. The purpose of the present study was to determine how CCTα activity and PtdCho synthesis contributed to induction of apoptosis by FOH and oleyl alcohol. Contrary to previous reports, we show that the initial effect of FOH and oleyl alcohol was a rapid (10–30 min) and transient activation of PtdCho synthesis. During this period, the mass of DAG (diacylglycerol) decreased by 40%, indicating that subsequent CDP-choline accumulation and inhibition of PtdCho synthesis could be due to substrate depletion. At later time points (&gt;1 h), FOH and oleyl alcohol promoted caspase cleavage and nuclear export of CCTα, which was prevented by treatment with oleate or DiC8 (dioctanoylglycerol). Protection from FOH-induced apoptosis required CCTα activity and PtdCho synthesis since (i) DiC8 and oleate restored PtdCho synthesis, but not endogenous DAG levels, and (ii) partial resistance was conferred by stable overexpression of CCTα and increased PtdCho synthesis in CCTα-deficient MT58 cells. These results show that DAG depletion by FOH or oleyl alcohol could be involved in inhibition of PtdCho synthesis. However, decreased DAG was not sufficient to induce apoptosis provided nuclear CCTα and PtdCho syntheses were sustained.
Analysis of hepatic gene transcription in mice expressing insulin-insensitive GSK3
Authors: Lipina Christopher , Huang Xu , Finlay David , J McManus Edward , R. Alessi Dario , Sutherland Calum 
Published: December 2005

GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase-3) regulation is proposed to play a key role in the hormonal control of many cellular processes. Inhibition of GSK3 in animal models of diabetes leads to normalization of blood glucose levels, while high GSK3 activity has been reported in Type II diabetes. Insulin inhibits GSK3 by promoting phosphorylation of a serine residue (Ser-21 in GSK3α, Ser-9 in GSK3β), thereby relieving GSK3 inhibition of glycogen synthesis in muscle. GSK3 inhibition in liver reduces expression of the gluconeogenic genes PEPCK (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase), G6Pase (glucose-6-phosphatase), as well as IGFBP1 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1). Overexpression of GSK3 in cells antagonizes insulin regulation of these genes. In the present study we demonstrate that regulation of these three genes by feeding is normal in mice that express insulin-insensitive GSK3. Therefore inactivation of GSK3 is not a prerequisite for insulin repression of these genes, despite the previous finding that GSK3 activity is absolutely required for maintaining their expression. Interestingly, insulin injection of wild-type mice, which activates PKB (protein kinase B) and inhibits GSK3 to a greater degree than feeding (50% versus 25%), does not repress these genes. We suggest for the first time that although pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 reduces hepatic glucose production even in insulin-resistant states, feeding can repress the gluconeogenic genes without inhibiting GSK3.
Molecular cloning and expression of a human hST8Sia VI (α2,8-sialyltransferase) responsible for the synthesis of the diSia motif on O-glycosylproteins
Authors: Teintenier-Lelièvre Mélanie , Julien Sylvain , Juliant Sylvie , Guerardel Yann , Duonor-Cérutti Martine , Delannoy Philippe , Harduin-Lepers Anne 
Published: December 2005

Based on BLAST analysis of the human and mouse genome databases using the human CMP sialic acid; α2,8-sialyltransferase cDNA (hST8Sia I; EC 2.4.99.8), a putative sialyltransferase gene, was identified on human chromosome 10. The genomic organization was found to be similar to that of hST8Sia I and hST8Sia V. Transcriptional expression analysis showed that the newly identified gene was constitutively expressed at low levels in various human tissues and cell lines. We have isolated a full-length cDNA clone from the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 that encoded a type II membrane protein of 398 amino acid residues with the conserved motifs of sialyltransferases. We have established a mammary cell line (MDA-MB-231) stably transfected with the full-length hST8Sia VI and the analysis of sialylated carbohydrate structures expressed at the cell surface clearly indicated the disappearance of Neu5Acα2-3-sialylated structures. The transient expression of a truncated soluble form of the enzyme in either COS-7 cells or insect Sf-9 cells led to the production of an active enzyme in which substrate specificity was determined. Detailed substrate specificity analysis of the hST8Sia VI recombinant enzyme in vitro, revealed that this enzyme required the trisaccharide Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-3GalNAc (where Neu5Ac is N-acetylneuraminic acid and GalNAc is N-acetylgalactosamine) to generate diSia (disialic acid) motifs specifically on O-glycans.
EGFR kinase possesses a broad specificity for ErbB phosphorylation sites, and ligand increases catalytic-centre activity without affecting substrate binding affinity
Authors: Fan Ying-Xin , Wong Lily , Johnson Gibbes R. 
Published: December 2005

We previously found that EGF (epidermal growth factor) increases the EGFR (EGF receptor) kinase-binding affinity towards the major tyrosine phosphorylation sites in downstream adaptor proteins such as Gab1 (Grb2-associated binding protein 1) and Shc [Src homology 2 (SH2) domain and collagen containing protein], but not that towards EGFR autophosphorylation sites [Fan, Wong, Deb and Johnson (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 38143–38150]. EGFR activation can also result in transphosphorylation of tyrosine resides in the C-terminal region of the related receptors ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 in heterodimers which are formed upon ligand stimulation. In the present study, we investigated the specificity of EGFR kinase by comparing the steady state kinetic parameters for peptides derived from all four ErbBs in the absence or presence of EGF. Our results demonstrated that (i) EGFR kinase can efficiently phosphorylate a broad range of diverse peptide sequences representing ErbB sites; (ii) certain ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 sites had higher specificity constants than any EGFR sequence and (iii) EGF stimulation consistently increases the kcat approx. 5-fold, but does not significantly alter the Km for any ErbB peptides. Furthermore, peptides containing lysine at position −2 or −3 N-terminal to the target tyrosine were found to be poor EGFR kinase substrates, and substitution of these lysines with glutamine decreased the Km and increased the kcat for these substrates. We conclude that EGFR kinase-mediated ErbB transphosphorylations are mostly controlled at the level of oligomerization, and not by a preference of the EGFR kinase for phosphorylation sites in any particular ErbB. The results also demonstrated that, unlike phosphorylation sites in select downstream targets, EGF does not regulate the recognition of phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal region of any of the ErbBs.
Far-red fluorescent proteins evolved from a blue chromoprotein from Actinia equina
Authors: Shkrob Maria A. , Yanushevich Yurii G. , Chudakov Dmitriy M. , Gurskaya Nadya G. , Labas Yulii A. , Poponov Sergey Y. , Mudrik Nikolay N. , Lukyanov Sergey , Lukyanov Konstantin A. 
Published: December 2005

Proteins of the GFP (green fluorescent protein) family demonstrate a great spectral and phylogenetic diversity. However, there is still an intense demand for red-shifted GFP-like proteins in both basic and applied science. To obtain GFP-like chromoproteins with red-shifted absorption, we performed a broad search in blue-coloured Anthozoa species. We revealed specimens of Actinia equina (beadlet anemone) exhibiting a bright blue circle band at the edge of the basal disc. A novel blue chromoprotein, aeCP597, with an absorption maximum at 597 nm determining the coloration of the anemone basal disk was cloned. AeCP597 carries a chromophore chemically identical with that of the well-studied DsRed (red fluorescent protein from Discosoma sp.). Thus a strong 42-nm bathochromic shift of aeCP597 absorption compared with DsRed is determined by peculiarities of chromophore environment. Site-directed and random mutagenesis of aeCP597 resulted in far-red fluorescent mutants with emission maxima at up to 663 nm. The most bright and stable mutant AQ143 possessed excitation and emission maxima at 595 and 655 nm respectively. Thus aeCP597 and its fluorescent mutants set a new record of red-shifted absorption and emission maxima among GFP-like proteins.
Strange Star Equations of State Revisited
Authors: Menezes Debora P. , Melrose Don B. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractMotivated by recent suggestions that strange stars can be responsible for glitches and other observational features of pulsars, we review some possible equations of state and their implications for models of neutron, hybrid, and strange stars. We consider the MIT bag model and also strange matter in the colour–flavour locked phase. The central energy densities for strange stars are higher than the central densities of ordinary neutron stars. Strange stars are bound by the strong force and so can also rotate much faster than neutron stars. These results are only weakly dependent on the model used for the quark matter. If just one of the existing mass-to-radius ratio constraint is valid, most neutron stars equations of state are ruled out, but all the strange stars equations of state presented in this work remain consistent with the constraint.
Beijing Plus Ten: An Ambivalent Record on Gender Justice
Authors: Molyneux Maxine , Razavi Shahra 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women (the ‘Beijing Conference’) was a landmark in policy terms, setting a global policy framework to advance gender equality. Ten years after Beijing, in March 2005, the UN's Commission on the Status of Women presided over an intergovernmental meeting in New York to review the progress achieved on the commitments made in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This ‘Plus 10’ event was decidedly low key. Its aim was not agenda setting but agenda confirming; not policy formulation but policy affirmation. Whether it proves to be part of an ongoing worldwide movement in support of gender equality, or whether it marks the decline of that process, is a question that many in international women's movements are asking. This article, drawing on research undertaken for the UNRISD report, Gender Equality: Striving for Justice in an Unequal World, reflects on the ambivalent record of progress achieved by women over the last decades and considers how the policy environment has changed over the period since the high point of global women's movements. It examines how the changing international policy and political climate over this period has given rise to new issues and challenges for those active in global women's movements.
Will Services be the New Engine of Indian Economic Growth?
Authors: Dasgupta Sukti , Singh Ajit 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis article revisits the role of manufacturing and services in economic development in the light of a number of new phenomena: a faster growth of services than of manufacturing in many developing countries; the emergence of ‘de‐industrialization’ in several developing countries, at low levels of per capita income; jobless growth in the formal sector, even in fast‐growing countries such as India; and a large expansion of the informal sector in developing countries. Although this article examines these phenomena in the specific context of the Indian economy, the analysis has much wider application and implications, both for economic policy and for theories of growth and structural change.
Industrialization and Economic Growth in Mexico after NAFTA: The Road Travelled
Authors: Moreno‐Brid Juan Carlos , Santamaría Jesús , Rivas Valdivia Juan Carlos 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis article examines Mexico's industrial policy and economic performance, focusing on an analysis of the structural changes in its manufacturing sector associated with NAFTA. The aim of the article is to improve our understanding of why the post‐NAFTA evolution of the Mexican economy has been characterized by lights and shadows, with low inflation, low budget deficits and a surge in non‐oil exports on the one hand, and on the other hand a slower than expected expansion of economic activity and employment. The article also presents some policy implications on the need for a new development agenda if Mexico is to finally succeed in its quest for high and sustained economic growth.
Consumption of erythrocyte CR1 (CD35) is associated with protection against systemic lupus erythematosus renal flare
Authors: Birmingham D J , Gavit K F , McCarty S M , Yu C Y , Rovin B H , Nagaraja H N , Hebert L A 
Published: December 2005

SummaryErythrocyte complement receptor type one (E-CR1) is thought to protect against immune complex (IC) disease through interactions that lead to E-CR1 consumption, and low E-CR1 levels are characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that E-CR1 consumption can predict or mark SLE flare. Recurrently active SLE patients [n = 43; 28 with past or present major renal manifestations (SLER) and 15 without (SLENR)], were evaluated every 2 months by detailed protocol testing (mean follow-up 22 months), including direct measurements of E-CR1 levels using a radioimmunoassay. In all patients, detectable E-CR1 levels fluctuated widely through acute periods of consumption and regeneration, preventing the use of any single value as a baseline. However, when individual chronic baseline values were used, determined as the mean of all E-CR1 values 4 months or more from a flare, a clear trend was observed. In 16 of 16 instances of non-renal flare in SLER patients, E-CR1 levels decreased at flare (mean decrease 34%, P &lt; 0·0001). In contrast, no consistent difference was observed for flare in SLENR patients or for renal flare in SLER patients. Changes in E-CR1 levels did not correlate with plasma CR1 levels. In conclusion, single occurrences of E-CR1 consumption did not generally predict or mark SLE flare. However, compared to the average E-CR1 levels measured during no-flare intervals, E-CR1 consumption in SLER patients at flare was strongly associated with freedom from signs of renal involvement. We postulate that E-CR1 consumption reflects E-CR1 function that includes protecting against SLE nephritis.
Association of apoptosis-related microsatellite polymorphisms on chromosome 1q in Taiwanese systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Chen J-Y , Wang C-M , Lu S-C , Chou Y-H , Luo S-F 
Published: December 2005

SummaryApoptosis is important in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several genome-wide scan studies have suggested chromosome 1q as a genetic susceptibility locus for SLE. This study investigated the association of apoptosis-related genes on chromosome 1q, Fas ligand (FasL), interleukin (IL)-10 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), promoter microsatellite multi-allelic polymorphisms with SLE susceptibility and clinical characteristics in Taiwan. This study recruited 237 SLE patients and 304 healthy controls. FasL, IL-10 and PARP promoter microsatellite polymorphisms were genotyped employing gene scan. IL-10, located on 1q31–32, emerged as a significant susceptibility gene locus in Taiwanese SLE (T4 statistic = 0·01). IL-10 CA21 allele was the most common allele of 15 identified in Taiwanese, displaying skewed distribution of susceptibility in Taiwanese SLE patients. Conversely, the IL-10 CA20 allele showed a protective effect of SLE susceptibility. Additionally, the IL-10 CA26 allele displayed a negative significant association with ascites and IL-10 CA25 allele increased the occurrence of the anti-cardiolipin IgM antibody. This study identified five alleles of FasL and nine alleles of PARP of microsatellite polymorphisms in Taiwanese patients. FasL and PARP alleles displayed no skewing distribution between Taiwanese SLE patients and controls. However, FasL GT15 and PARP CA17 allele demonstrated a high discoid rash presentation (T4 statistic 0·01 and 0·03, respectively) and PARP CA12 allele displayed a significant association with anti-cardiolipin IgM antibody production (T4 statistic 0·02). IL-10, FasL and PARP microsatellite polymorphisms exhibited significant associations with SLE susceptibility and/or clinical characteristics in Taiwanese patients. Thus, SLE is a complex and multiple genetics determined autoimmune disease. Chromosome 1q23–42 is an important genetic locus for further SLE subphenotype susceptibility study.
Effects of growth light and nitrogen nutrition on the organization of the photosynthetic apparatus in leaves of a C4 plant, Amaranthus cruentus
Authors: TAZOE YOUSHI , NOGUCHI KO , TERASHIMA ICHIRO 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTProperties of C4 photosynthesis were examined in Amaranthus cruentus L. (NAD‐malic enzyme (ME) subtype, dicot) grown under different light and nitrogen (N) conditions, from the viewpoint of N investment into their photosynthetic components. In low‐light (LL) leaves, chlorophyll content per leaf area was greater and chlorophyll a/b ratio was lower than in high‐light (HL) leaves. These indicate that LL leaves invest more N into their light‐harvesting systems. However, this N investment did not contribute to the increase in the quantum yield of photosynthesis on the incident photon flux density (PFD) basis (Qi) in LL leaves. N allocation to ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) was significantly higher in HL‐high N (HN) leaves than in other leaves. On the other hand, N allocation to C4 enzymes [phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and pyruvate Pi dikinase (PPDK)] was unaffected by the growth conditions. Maximum photosynthetic rates (Pmax) per Rubisco content were similar irrespective of the growth light treatments. Carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in the leaf dry matter were more negative in LL leaves than in HL leaves (LL = −19.3‰, HL = −16.0‰) and independent of leaf N. Vein density was highest in HL‐HN leaves, and leaf thickness was unaffected by the growth light treatments. From these results, we conclude that A. cruentus leaves would not acclimate efficiently to low growth light.
The CLAVATA1‐related BAM1, BAM2 and BAM3 receptor kinase‐like proteins are required for meristem function in Arabidopsis
Authors: DeYoung Brody J. , Bickle Kristen L. , Schrage Katherine J. , Muskett Paul , Patel Kanu , Clark Steven E. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryOrgan formation at shoot and flower meristems in plants requires the maintenance of a population of centrally located stem cells and the differentiation of peripherally located daughter cells. The CLAVATA (CLV) gene products in Arabidopsis, including the CLV1 receptor‐kinase, regulate this process by promoting the differentiation of stem cells on the meristem flanks. Here, we have analyzed the developmental roles of the CLV1‐related BAM1 (derived from barely any meristem 1), BAM2 and BAM3 receptor‐like kinases. Loss‐of‐function alleles of these receptors lead to phenotypes consistent with the loss of stem cells at the shoot and flower meristem, suggesting that their developmental role is opposite to that of CLV1. These closely related receptors are further distinguished from CLV1, whose expression and function is highly specific, by having broad expression patterns and multiple developmental roles. These include a requirement for BAM1, BAM2 and BAM3 in the development of high‐ordered vascular strands within the leaf and a correlated control of leaf shape, size and symmetry. In addition, BAM1, BAM2 and BAM3 are required for male gametophyte development, as well as ovule specification and function. Significantly, the differing roles of CLV1 and BAM receptors in meristem and organ development are largely driven by differences in expression patterns.
HCF153, a novel nuclear‐encoded factor necessary during a post‐translational step in biogenesis of the cytochrome b6f complex
Authors: Lennartz Katja , Bossmann Sabine , Westhoff Peter , Bechtold Nicole , Meierhoff Karin 
Published: December 2005

SummaryWe have isolated the nuclear photosynthetic mutant hcf153 which shows reduced accumulation of the cytochrome b6f complex. The levels and processing patterns of the RNAs encoding the cytochrome b6f subunits are unaltered in the mutant. In vivo protein labeling experiments and analysis of polysome association revealed normal synthesis of the large chloroplast‐encoded cytochrome b6f subunits. The mutation resulted from a T‐DNA insertion and the affected nuclear gene was cloned. HCF153 encodes a 15 kDa protein containing a chloroplast transit peptide. Sequence similarity searches revealed that the protein is restricted to higher plants. A HCF153–Protein A fusion construct introduced into hcf153 mutant plants was able to substitute the function of the wild‐type protein. Fractionation of intact chloroplasts from these transgenic plants suggests that most or all of the fusion protein is tightly associated with the thylakoid membrane. Our data show that the identified factor is a novel protein that could be involved in a post‐translational step during biogenesis of the cytochrome b6f complex. It is also possible that HCF153 is necessary for translation of one of the very small subunits of the cytochrome b6f complex.
Trophic regulation of Vibrio cholerae in coastal marine waters
Authors: Worden Alexandra Z. , Seidel Michael , Smriga Steven , Wick Arne , Malfatti Francesca , Bartlett Douglas , Azam Farooq 
Published: December 2005

SummaryCholera disease, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, afflicts hundreds of thousands worldwide each year. Endemic to aquatic environments, V. cholerae's proliferation and dynamics in marine systems are not well understood. Here, we show that under a variety of coastal seawater conditions V. cholerae remained primarily in a free‐living state as opposed to attaching to particles. Growth rates of free‐living V. cholerae (µ: 0.6–2.9 day−1) were high (similar to reported values for the bacterial assemblages; 0.3–2.5 day−1) particularly in phytoplankton bloom waters. However, these populations were subject to heavy grazing‐mortality by protozoan predators. Thus, grazing‐mortality counterbalanced growth, keeping V. cholerae populations in check. Net population gains were observed under particularly intense bloom conditions when V. cholerae proliferated, overcoming grazing pressure terms in part via rapid growth (> 4 doublings day−1). Our results show V. cholerae is subject to protozoan control and capable of utilizing multiple proliferation pathways in the marine environment. These findings suggest food web effects play a significant role controlling this pathogen's proliferation in coastal waters and should be considered in predictive models of disease risk.