bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a peptide mimic of the L2/HNK‐1 carbohydrate epitope
Authors: Simon‐Haldi Maryline , Mantei Ned , Franke Jens , Voshol Hans , Schachner Melitta 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe L2/HNK‐1 carbohydrate is carried by many neural recognition molecules and is involved in neural cell interactions during development, regeneration in the peripheral nervous system, synaptic plasticity, and autoimmune‐based neuropathies. Its key structure consists of a sulfated glucuronic acid linked to lactosaminyl residues. Because of its biological importance but limited availability, the phage display method was used to isolate a collection of peptide mimics that bind specifically to an L2/HNK‐1 antibody. The phages isolated from a 15‐mer peptide library by adsorption to this antibody share a consensus sequence of amino acids. The peptide mimicked several important functions of the L2/HNK‐1 carbohydrate, such as binding to motor neurons in vitro, and preferential promotion of in vitro neurite outgrowth from motor axons compared with sensory neurons. A scrambled version of the peptide had no activity. The combined observations indicate that we have isolated a mimic of the L2/HNK‐1 carbohydrate that is able to act as its functional substitute.
Agonist‐induced internalization of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1A: structural determinants for protein kinase C‐ and G protein‐coupled receptor kinase‐mediated internalization
Authors: Mundell Stuart J. , Pula Giordano , Carswell Katy , Roberts Peter J. , Kelly Eamonn 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTo investigate the role of the intracellular C‐terminal tail of the rat metabotropic glutamate receptor 1a (mGlu1a) in receptor regulation, we constructed three C‐terminal tail deletion mutants (Arg847stop, DM‐I; Arg868stop, DM‐II; Val893stop, DM‐III). Quantification of glutamate‐induced internalization provided by ELISA indicated that DM‐III, like the wild‐type mGlu1a, underwent rapid internalization whilst internalization of DM‐I and DM‐II was impaired. The selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), GF109203X, which significantly reduced glutamate‐induced mGlu1a internalization, had no effect on the internalization of DM‐I, DM‐II, or DM‐III. In addition activation by carbachol of endogenously expressed M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which induces PKC‐ and Ca2+‐calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II‐dependent internalization of mGlu1a, produced negligible internalization of the deletion mutants. Co‐expression of a dominant negative mutant form of G protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 (DNM‐GRK2; Lys220Arg) significantly attenuated glutamate‐induced internalization of mGlu1a and DM‐III, whilst internalization of DM‐I and DM‐II was not significantly affected. The glutamate‐induced internalization of mGlu1a and DM‐III, but not of DM‐I or DM‐II, was inhibited by expression of DNM‐arrestin [arrestin‐2(319–418)]. In addition glutamate‐induced rapid translocation of arrestin‐2‐Green Fluorescent Protein (arr‐2‐GFP) from cytosol to membrane was only observed in cells expressing mGlu1a or DM‐III. Functionally, in cells expressing mGlu1a, glutamate‐stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation was increased in the presence of PKC inhibition, but so too was that in cells expressing DM‐II and DM‐III. Together these results indicate that different PKC mechanisms regulate the desensitization and internalization of mGlu1a. Furthermore, PKC regulation of mGlu1a internalization requires the distal C terminus of the receptor (Ser894–Leu1199), whilst in contrast glutamate‐stimulated GRK‐ and arrestin‐dependent regulation of this receptor depends on a region of 25 amino acids (Ser869–Val893) in the proximal C‐terminal tail.
Specific interactions of neuronal focal adhesion kinase isoforms with Src kinases and amphiphysin
Authors: Messina Samantha , Onofri Franco , Bongiorno‐Borbone Lucilla , Giovedì Silvia , Valtorta Flavia , Girault Jean‐Antoine , Benfenati Fabio 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFocal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase that activates Src family kinases via SH2‐ and SH3‐mediated interactions. Specific FAK isoforms (FAK+), responsive to depolarization and neurotransmitters, are enriched in neurons. We analyzed the interactions of endogenous FAK+ and recombinant FAK+ isoforms containing amino acid insertions (boxes 6,7,28) with an array of SH3 domains and the c‐Src SH2/SH3 domain tandem. Endogenous FAK+ bound specifically to the SH3 domains of c‐Src (but not n‐Src), Fyn, Yes, phosphtidylinositol‐3 kinase, amphiphysin II, amphiphysin I, phospholipase Cγ and NH2‐terminal Grb2. The inclusion of boxes 6,7 was associated with a significant decrease in the binding of FAK+ to the c‐Src and Fyn SH3 domains, and a significant increase in the binding to the Src SH2 domain, as a consequence of the higher phosphorylation of Tyr‐397. The novel interaction with the amphiphysin SH3 domain, involving the COOH‐terminal proline‐rich region of FAK, was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation of the two proteins and a closely similar response to stimuli affecting the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, an impairment of endocytosis was observed in synaptosomes after internalization of a proline‐rich peptide corresponding to the site of interaction. The data account for the different subcellular distribution of FAK and Src kinases and the specific regulation of the transduction pathways linked to FAK activation in the brain and implicate FAK in the regulation of membrane trafficking in nerve terminals.
Stabilization of the cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 activator, p35, by paclitaxel decreases β‐amyloid toxicity in cortical neurons
Authors: Li Guibin , Faibushevich Alexander , Turunen Brandon J. , Yoon Sung Ok , Georg Gunda , Michaelis Mary L. , Dobrowsky Rick T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOne hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, aggregated paired helical filaments composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. Amyloid‐β (Aβ) induces tau hyperphosphorylation, decreases microtubule (MT) stability and induces neuronal death. MT stabilizing agents have been proposed as potential therapeutics that may minimize Aβ toxicity and here we report that paclitaxel (taxol) prevents cell death induced by Aβ peptides, inhibits Aβ‐induced activation of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) and decreases tau hyperphosphorylation. Taxol did not inhibit cdk5 directly but significantly blocked Aβ‐induced calpain activation and decreased formation of the cdk5 activator, p25, from p35. Taxol specifically inhibited the Aβ‐induced activation of the cytosolic cdk5‐p25 complex, but not the membrane‐associated cdk5‐p35 complex. MT‐stabilization was necessary for neuroprotection and inhibition of cdk5 but was not sufficient to prevent cell death induced by overexpression of p25. As taxol is not permeable to the blood–brain barrier, we assessed the potential of taxanes to attenuate Aβ toxicity in adult animals using a succinylated taxol analog (TX67) permeable to the blood–brain barrier. TX67, but not taxol, attenuated the magnitude of both basal and Aβ‐induced cdk5 activation in acutely dissociated cortical cultures prepared from drug treated adult mice. These results suggest that MT‐stabilizing agents may provide a therapeutic approach to decrease Aβ toxicity and neurofibrillary pathology in AD and other tauopathies.
Effect of S 17092, a novel prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor, on substance P and α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone breakdown in the rat brain
Authors: Bellemère Gaëlle , Morain Philippe , Vaudry Hubert , Jégou Sylvie 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn the present study, we have investigated the effects of a novel prolyl endopeptidase (EC 3.4.21.26, PEP) inhibitor, compound S 17092, on substance P (SP) and α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) metabolism in the rat brain. In vitro experiments revealed that S 17092 inhibits in a dose‐dependent manner PEP activity in rat cortical extracts (IC50 = 8.3 nm). In addition, S 17092 totally abolished the degradation of SP and α‐MSH induced by bacterial PEP. In vivo, a significant decrease in PEP activity was observed in the medulla oblongata after a single oral administration of S 17092 at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg (−78% and −82%, respectively) and after chronic oral treatment with S 17092 at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg per day (−75% and −88%, respectively). Concurrently, a single administration of S 17092 (30 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in SP‐ and α‐MSH‐like immunoreactivity (LI) in the frontal cortex (+41% and +122%, respectively) and hypothalamus (+84% and +49%, respectively). In contrast, chronic treatment with S 17092 did not significantly modify SP‐ and α‐MSH‐LI in the frontal cortex and hypothalamus. Collectively, the present results show that S 17092 elevates SP and α‐MSH concentrations in the rat brain by inhibiting PEP activity. These data suggest that the effect of S 17092 on memory impairment can be accounted for, at least in part, by inhibition of catabolism of promnesic neuropeptides such as SP and α‐MSH.
Protein kinase C‐ε is involved in the adenosine‐activated signal transduction pathway conferring protection against ischemia‐reperfusion injury in primary rat neuronal cultures
Authors: Di‐Capua Noam , Sperling Oded , Zoref‐Shani Esther 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAdenosine activates a signal transduction pathway (STP) in the heart and the brain, conferring protection against ischemia‐reperfusion insult. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC), probably mainly PKC‐ε, has been demonstrated to be part of the heart STP, but its role in the neuronal pathway is less clear. Here, we provide proof for the participation of PKC‐ε in the neuronal adenosine‐activated STP. Primary rat neuronal cultures were exposed to chemical ischemia by iodoacetate, followed by reperfusion. The cultured neurons were protected against this insult by activation of the adenosine mechanism, by N6‐(R)‐phenylisopropyladenosine [R(–)‐PIA], a specific A1 adenosine receptor agonist. Exposure of the cultures to bisindolylmaleimide I, a highly selective PKC inhibitor, abrogated the protection. The exposure of the cultures to R(–)‐PIA was found to result in phosphorylation (activation) of PKC‐ε. Furthermore, insertion into the cells of a specific peptide inhibitor of PKC‐ε translocation (εV1‐2), also abrogated the protection conferred by R(–)‐PIA. These results demonstrate that activation of PKC‐ε is a vital step in the neuronal adenosine‐activated STP.
Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors: on mice and human brain imaging
Authors: Weissman Ben Avi , Raveh Lily 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThere are numerous methods designed to monitor brain neuropathologies resulting from a wide arsenal of insults. Regardless of the cause of neuronal death, reactive glial cells always appear at and around the site of degeneration. These cells are distinguished by the exceptional abundance of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors, particularly compared with surrounding neurons. Measuring the binding of specific ligands to these peripheral benzodiazepine receptors offers a unique indirect marker for reliable damage assessment in the CNS and a faithful indicator for the accompanying cognitive deficits.
In vivo nicotine treatment regulates mesocorticolimbic CREB and ERK signaling in C57Bl/6J mice
Authors: Brunzell Darlene H. , Russell David S. , Picciotto Marina R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathway was studied to determine its role in neuronal plasticity related to the development of nicotine dependence. Levels and phosphorylation state of ERK, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and proline‐rich/Ca2+‐activated tyrosine kinase (PYK2), and levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), were determined using western blotting. C57Bl/6J mice received acute or chronic nicotine (200 µg/mL) in their drinking water or were withdrawn from nicotine for 24 h following chronic exposure. CREB phosphorylation was reduced in the nucleus accumbens following chronic nicotine, consistent with previous reports that decreased accumbens CREB activity increases drug reinforcement. In contrast, CREB phosphorylation was increased in the prefrontal cortex following chronic nicotine exposure and in the ventral tegmental area during nicotine withdrawal. In addition, total and phosphorylated ERK decreased in the amygdala following chronic nicotine exposure, but ERK phosphorylation increased in the prefrontal cortex. TH levels increased in both the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, supporting the hypothesis that increased catecholaminergic tone contributes to nicotine reinforcement. Overall, these results support a role for ERK and CREB activity in neural plasticity associated with nicotine dependence.
Relationship between a global rating of speech ability at the age of 3 yrs and a phonological screening 1 yr later
Authors: Westerlund Monica 
Published: March 2003

Relationship between a global rating of speech ability at the age of 3 yrs and a phonological screening 1 yr later Objective: This study, which was carried out under routine conditions, evaluates the predictability of a global rating of children’s speaking manner made by Child Health Centre nurses. The global rating was added to a formalized screening of 3‐yr olds, which intended to identify severely language disabled children. This screening procedure is used in several Swedish counties and the participation rate is nearly 100%. The main questions of the study are: (i) can a global rating of speech ability in children, who have passed the 3‐yr screening, predict the outcome of a new population screening 1 yr later? and if so (ii) what is the most efficient cut‐off point? Methods: The global ratings of the 3‐yr olds were made using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). At the age of 4 yrs, 2065 globally rated children with no objections from the 3‐yr screening participated in a second, well‐established assessment. The purpose of this second screening was to identify not only severe but also moderate disability. Results: The mean VAS value of the global ratings was 62 mm. One‐third of the ratings fell on the lower half of the scale. With a cut‐off level set at ≤50 mm on the VAS two newly‐identified, severely disabled children and 74% of the moderately disabled 4‐yr olds were identified. Conclusion: The results suggest that the global rating in connection to the 3‐yr screening would serve as a useful tool for selective screening of 4‐yr olds, and thus, reduce the work load.
Managing pain in older persons who receive home‐help for their daily living. Perceptions by older persons and care providers
Authors: Blomqvist Kerstin , Hallberg Ingalill R. 
Published: March 2003

Managing pain in older persons who receive home‐help for their daily living. Perceptions by older persons and care providers Pain is a common problem for older persons who need professional help for their daily living. In this study 94 older persons (75+) in persistent pain were compared with 52 care providers concerning the pain management methods they had used/administered during the previous week and how helpful they perceived these methods to be. Interviews were based on 16 items from the original version of the pain management inventory (PMI). Both groups perceived prescribed medication, rest and distraction as the most frequently utilized methods. Specific methods such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or bracing/splinting or bandaging the affected body part were seldom employed, although most users perceived these methods as helpful. Care providers perceived most methods for managing pain as more effective than older persons did. The results imply that care providers need skills in a variety of pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods to manage pain and a need to evaluate effectiveness of the methods in a systematic way.
Microsatellite markers from a commercially important South‐east Asian cyprinid, the silver barb (Barbodes gonionotus Bleeker)
Authors: McConnell S. K. J. , Skibinski D. O. F. , Mair G. C. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Barbodes gonionotus (Puntius gonionotus/javanicus, Bleeker) is a cyprinid fish, endemic to South‐east Asia and is of great importance in both wild fisheries and in aquaculture in the region. It is a common to dominant species in the middle and lower stretches of medium and large rivers. Five highly polymorphic microsatellite loci are described (HO = 0.7–0.9, number of alleles per locus = 10–37), which will be of use both in population genetic studies and for the assessment of true effective breeding population sizes in aquaculture stocks.
Development of species‐specific markers in an organism with endosymbionts: microsatellites in the scleractinian coral Seriatopora hystrix
Authors: Maier Elke , Tollrian Ralph , Nürnberger Beate 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe report on the development of microsatellites in Seriatopora hystrix, a coral with algal endosymbionts. In order to obtain a genomic library free of algal DNA, we conducted a whole genome preamplification from minute amounts of symbiont‐free tissue. The resulting fragments were cloned into pUC18, and Escherichia coli were transformed with the recombinant plasmids. Twenty‐nine microsatellites were isolated from a library screen with a fluorescently labelled (CA)15 probe. Five of these yielded reliable polymorphic markers.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers in a perennial herbaceous plant, Polygonum cuspidatum (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Miwa, M. , Zhou Z. , Shinone M. , Maruta E. , Hogetsu T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSix single‐locus, polymorphic microsatellite markers in a perennial herbaceous plant, Polygonum cuspidatum, were developed. Tests to amplify these six loci in another Polygonum species failed, suggesting that the six markers are specific to P. cuspidatum.
Development of microsatellite loci for population studies of the pink ling, Genypterus blacodes (Teleostei: Ophidiidae)
Authors: Ward R. D. , Reilly A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFifteen microsatellite loci were developed for pink ling (Genypterus blacodes), a fish of significant commercial importance to Australasia. Nine loci were examined in samples from five regions of Australia’s South East Fishery. All nine were highly polymorphic; numbers of alleles per locus ranged from 11 to 52 in total samples of 270–306 individuals. The average observed heterozygosity per locus per sample (0.823) was a little lower than the average Hardy–Weinberg expected heterozygosity per sample (0.895), perhaps reflecting the possible presence of null alleles at two loci. There was no significant evidence of genetic stock heterogeneity.
Microsatellite loci in the soil‐dwelling collembolan, Orchesella cincta
Authors: Van Der Wurff A. W. G. , Gols R. , Ernsting G. , Van Straalen N. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThree total genomic libraries of the springtail Orchesella cincta (Insecta; Collembola) were screened for the presence of microsatellites using phosphor and colour detection. PCR primers were successfully constructed for six dinucleotide, one trinucleotide, and one interrupted dinucleotide microsatellite repeat. None of the microsatellite arrays were longer than 11 repeat units. Individuals from three forests were investigated: five out of eight microsatellite markers were polymophic in all forests (2–5 alleles per locus) and the observed heterozygosity was 0.1–0.9 per locus.
Polymorphic microsatellite repeats are not conserved between Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major
Authors: Jamjoom M. B. , Ashford R. W. , Bates P. A. , Kemp S. J. , Noyes H.A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThirteen sets of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed to amplify microsatellite loci identified in the genome sequence of Leishmania major. Polymorphisms were detected in L. major at all loci. In Leishmania donovani only two of these loci were informative for classification purposes with this data set. The PCR products of all loci from one L. donovani strain were sequenced and it was found that the number of repeats in the microsatellite loci were either substantially reduced with respect to L. major or absent altogether. Consequently it is unlikely to be possible to use the genome sequence of L. major to identify polymorphic microsatellite loci in other Leishmania species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in a perennial Apiaceae, Eryngium alpinum L.
Authors: Gaudeul M. , Naciri‐Graven Y. , Gauthier P. , Pompanon F. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn order to investigate the genetic structure in an endangered Alpine plant (Eryngium alpinum L.), we developed microsatellites. Two different approaches were used: an enrichment protocol and the classical technique of hybridization on nylon membranes. We identified 25 loci, 13 of which revealed to be polymorphic. The polymorphism was rather low (2–6 alleles; HE = 0.49 ± 0.16), probably due to the short size of microsatellites (6–10 dinucleotide repeats) and to the fine spatial scale investigated. However, these markers are expected to provide a new insight about the genetic processes at work within and among E. alpinum populations.
Polymerase chain reaction primers for polymorphic microsatellite loci from the túngara frog Physalaemus pustulosus
Authors: Pröhl H. , Adams R. M. M. , Mueller U. , Rand S. , Ryan M. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe developed eight PCR−primer pairs of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the túngara frog Physalaemus pustulosus. Genomic libraries were enriched for one of four microsatellite repeat sequences (CAn, GAn, ATGn and TAGAn). Following characterization of microsatellite loci by sequencing, primers were designed and PCR conditions optimized. Microsatellite PCR‐amplification was tested in 37 frogs from 8 populations in Costa Rica and Panama. Primer sequences, PCR conditions, allelelic diversities and observed as well as expected heterozygosities in the screened populations are described.
Novel universal primers establish identity of an enormous number of animal species for forensic application
Authors: Verma S. K. , Singh L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis study describes a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based approach, which without knowing the history of a forensic sample, is able to reveal whether the source of the sample is human or animal, and, if animal, which of the 221 animal species included in the study, simply by using one set of novel primers to amplify and sequence the PCR amplicons. The primers described in this study universally amplify a specific segment of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence from a sample of unknown origin and delineate its identity to the level of family, genus and species. Because these primers are universal, this approach can be applied to an enormous number of other species, which are not included in the study, and could be an ultimate solution for the identification of species for forensic application.
Characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Japanese bush warbler Cettia diphone
Authors: Otsuka R. , Nishiumi I. , Wada M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractJapanese bush warblers, Cettia diphone, are a common species in Japan and have a polygynous breeding system. In the breeding ground some males have their own territories with more than one female. Male floaters are also not uncommon in the breeding ground. To understand breeding strategy in this species, exact parentage should be elucidated. In order to obtain a tool for this purpose, we isolated 34 microsatellite loci from a genomic library in this species and developed primers for 12 loci. These primers were tested in the Japanese bush warbler and successfully amplified. In analyses of 49 unrelated individuals, allelic numbers ranged from two to 22, and observed heterozygosity (HO) ranged from 0.27 to 0.854 except for two loci (Cdi29 and Cdi35a) with HO < 0.1.