gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Membrane localization and biological activity of SNAP-25 cysteine mutants in insulin-secreting cells (2000)

The tSNARE SNAP-25 is expressed in pancreatic (beta)-cells and is involved in the regulated release of insulin. It has been shown previously that SNAP-25 associates with the plasma membrane consequent to palmitoylation of one or more cysteines in the central region of the molecule. The importance of palmitolyation in the biological function of SNAP-25 in exocytosis was not addressed. Furthermore, studies on both SNAP-25 and its non-palmitoylated homologues SNAP-29 and sec9, have suggested an alternative or complementary mechanism for membrane association involving interaction with syntaxin. To address these issues, we have now studied the behavior and biological activity of cysteine mutant SNAP-25 in insulin-secreting (HIT) cells. While 91% of native SNAP-25 was associated with the membrane, this value decreased to 56% for the single cysteine mutant C85/A and to 10% for the double (C85,88/A) and quadruple (C85,88,90,92/A) mutants. The mutant SNAP-25 forms were all found to bind syntaxin 1A with equal efficacy. Over-expression of syntaxin 1A in HIT cells allowed for partial relocalization of both the double and quadruple SNAP-25 cys mutants to the membrane. By introducing a further mutation to the SNAP-25 molecules to render them resistant to botulinum neurotoxin E, it was possible to study their ability to reconstitute regulated insulin secretion in toxin-treated HIT cells. Native SNAP-25 was able to fully reconstitute secretory activity in such cells. Despite the fact that the single cysteine mutant was significantly displaced to the cytosol, it still displayed 82% activity in the secretion reconstitution assay, and a similar discrepancy was seen for the double mutant. Even the quadruple mutant with no remaining cysteines was able to support a minimal level of secretion. It is concluded that both palmitoylation and binding to syntaxin are implicated in membrane association of SNAP-25. This as well as the discrepancy between membrane localization and biological activity of the cysteine mutants, suggests a complex, multi-component process for association of SNAP-25 with the membrane and its recruitment to a biologically productive state.
A Review of the Microcirculation of Adipose Tissue: Anatomic, Metabolic, and Angiogenic Perspectives (1997)

Adipose tissue microcirculation is unique within the vascular system because of a capacity for this tissue to grow throughout most of adult life. A review of the microcirculation of adipose tissue has included a historical review of the early studies, which served as a foundation for later investigations on this topic, including basic hemodynamic measurements in mammalian adipose tissue. The various methods for measuring blood flow in white and brown adipose tissue are discussed with respect to studies of transport of substrates involved in adipose tissue metabolism. The role of innervation and vascular adrenergic receptors and the effects of diet and exercise on adipose tissue blood flow are also included. An in-depth analysis of the development of adipose tissue microvasculature indicates that angiogenesis often precedes adipogenesis. The clinical effects of hemodynamic adaptations to adipose tissue expansion are discussed in view of an epidemic increase in the prevalence of obesity and its co-morbidities. The recent discovery of sites of nuclear regulation of adipocyte differentiation, together with the identification of growth factors in adipose tissue, is an indication of the progress that is being made in the further understanding of molecular and cellular events that affect adipose tissue growth and, ultimately, adipose tissue microcirculation.
Malaria Vaccine: Candidate Antigens, Mechanisms, Constraints and Prospects (2002)

More than 30 years after the first report of successful vaccination against malaria using radiation-attenuated sporozoites, an effective malaria vaccine is not yet available. However, field and experimental data indicate that it can be developed. An astonishing amount of data has accumulated concerning parasite biology, host-parasite interactions, immunity and escape mechanisms, targets and modulators of immune responses. Nevertheless, so far this knowledge has not been enough to make us understand how to properly manipulate the whole system to build an effective vaccine. In this article, we describe candidate antigens, mechanisms, targets and trials performed with potential malaria vaccines and discuss the approaches, in vivo and in vitro models, constraints and how technologies such as DNA vaccination, genomics/proteomics and reverse immunogenetics are providing exciting results and opening new doors to make malaria vaccine a reality.
Ironcarbonyl Complexes of 5,6‐Dimethylidene‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene Derivatives. Synthesis of Substituted Tricarbonyl(ortho‐quinodimethane)iron Complexes and 2‐Indanones (1987)

Abstract The l‐dimethoxymethyl‐5,6‐dimethyldene‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene ( 9 ) has been prepared. On treatment with Fe 2 (CO) 9 , the endocyclic double bond C(2)C(3) was coordinated first giving the corresponding exo ‐Fe(CO) 4 complex 10 . The latter reacted with Fe 2 (CO) 9 and afforded cis ‐heptacarbonyl‐μ‐[1 RS ,2 SR ,3 RS ,4 SR ,5 RS ,6 SR ‐2,3‐η: C 5,6, C ‐η‐(1‐(dimethoxymethyl)‐5,6‐dimethylidene‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene)]diiron ( 11 ) as a major product. On heating, 11 underwent deoxygenation of the 7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptene moiety yielding tricarbonyl[ C ,5,6, C ‐η‐(1‐(dimethoxymethyl)‐5,6‐dimethylidenecyclohexa‐1,3‐diene)]iron ( 13 ). In MeOH, a concurrent, regioselective methoxycarbonylation was observed giving tricarbonyl[ C ,3,4, C ‐η‐(methyl 5‐(dimethoxymethyl)‐3,4‐dimethylidenecyclohexa‐1,5‐diene‐1‐carboxylate)]iron ( 14 ). Oxidative removal of the Fe(CO) 3 moiety in 13 and 14 did not afford the expected ortho ‐quinodimethane derivatives but led to CO insertions giving 2,3‐dihydro‐2‐oxo‐1 H indene‐4‐carbaldehyde ( 20 ) and methyl 7‐formyl‐2‐3‐dihydro‐2‐oxo‐l H ‐indene‐5‐carboxylate ( 21 ), respectively.
Structure of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase at 1.75-A resolution. (1988)

Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase [acetyl-CoA:chloramphenicol O3-acetyltransferase; EC 2.3.1.28] is the enzyme responsible for high-level bacterial resistance to the antibiotic chloramphenicol. It catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl CoA to the primary hydroxyl of chloramphenicol. The x-ray crystallographic structure of the type III variant enzyme from Escherichia coli has been determined and refined at 1.75-A resolution. The enzyme is a trimer of identical subunits with a distinctive protein fold. Structure of the trimer is stabilized by a beta-pleated sheet that extends from one subunit to the next. The active site is located at the subunit interface, and the binding sites for both chloramphenicol and CoA have been characterized. Substrate binding is unusual in that the two substrates approach the active site via clefts on opposite molecular "sides." A histidine residue previously implicated in catalysis is appropriately positioned to act as a general base catalyst in the reaction.
CTLA-4–Fas ligand functions as a trans signal converter protein in bridging antigen-presenting cells and T cells (2001)

Co-stimulator blockade and trans inhibitory signaling, using agents such as CTLA-4-Ig and Fas ligand (FasL) respectively have been invoked as alternative strategies for suppressing pathogenic T cells. This study describes a novel hetero-bifunctional fusion protein, CTLA-4-FasL, designed to combine within a single protein both co-stimulator blocking and trans inhibitory signaling potentials. A chimeric expression cassette, in which the ectodomain coding sequences for CTLA-4 and FasL were linked in-frame, was used to produce a CTLA-4-FasL fusion protein. CTLA-4-FasL binding to both B7-1/B7-2-expressing Daudi B cells and Fas-expressing Jurkat T cells was documented by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The capacity of CTLA-4-FasL to induce apoptosis in Jurkat targets was markedly enhanced by the addition of Daudi and other B7-1/B7-2(+) B cell lines, which provided a membrane platform for the otherwise soluble CTLA-4-fusion protein. Moreover, in dual-chamber experiments, Daudi cells pre-coated with CTLA-4-FasL demonstrated Jurkat inhibitory activity that was cell-contact dependent. Significantly, when used to inhibit in vitro cellular proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, CTLA-4-FasL was approximately 1000-fold more potent than the extensively characterized CTLA-4-Ig fusion protein. Furthermore, the degree of inhibition induced by CTLA-4-FasL substantially surpassed that observed for CTLA-4-Ig and a soluble FasL when used in combination. CTLA-4-FasL represents the first of a novel class of fusion proteins, designated here as 'trans signal converter proteins', that combine trans signal masking and direct trans signaling functions.
A DNA / HDAC dual‐targeting drug CY 190602 with significantly enhanced anticancer potency (2015)

Genotoxic drugs constitute a major treatment modality for human cancers; however, cancer cells' intrinsic DNA repair capability often increases the threshold of lethality and renders these drugs ineffective. The emerging roles of HDACs in DNA repair provide new opportunities for improving traditional genotoxic drugs. Here, we report the development and characterization of CY190602, a novel bendamustine-derived drug with significantly enhanced anticancer potency. We show that CY190602's enhanced potency can be attributed to its newly gained ability to inhibit HDACs. Using this novel DNA/HDAC dual-targeting drug as a tool, we further explored HDAC's role in DNA repair. We found that HDAC activities are essential for the expression of several genes involved in DNA synthesis and repair, including TYMS, Tip60, CBP, EP300, and MSL1. Importantly, CY190602, the first-in-class example of such DNA/HDAC dual-targeting drugs, exhibited significantly enhanced anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide rationales for incorporating HDAC inhibitory moieties into genotoxic drugs, so as to overcome the repair capacity of cancer cells. Systematic development of similar DNA/HDAC dual-targeting drugs may represent a novel opportunity for improving cancer therapy.
The Biological Properties of a Distinct Tospovirus and Sequence Analysis of Its S RNA (1993)

A tospovirus isolate from Brazil, designated TSWV-B, was first identified as a unique isolate based on our observation that transgenic plants expressing the N gene of the lettuce strain of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV-BL) were susceptible to TSWV-B but showed resistance to both TSWV (L type) and impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV). TSWV-B was serologically distinct from TSWV and INSV. TSWV-B generally incited symptoms resembling those caused by other TSWV isolates, except TSWV-B systemically infected Petunia hybrida, which is a local-lesion host of TSWV. Unlike the cucurbit isolate TSWV-W, TSWV-B did not infect Cucumis sativus and only occasionally induced systemic infections on C. metuliferus
Generation and Analysis of Infectious Virus-Like Particles of Uukuniemi Virus ( Bunyaviridae ): a Useful System for Studying Bunyaviral Packaging and Budding (2006)

In the present report we describe an infectious virus-like particle (VLP) system for the Uukuniemi (UUK) virus, a member of the Bunyaviridae family. It utilizes our recently developed reverse genetic system based on the RNA polymerase I minigenome system for UUK virus used to study replication, encapsidation, and transcription by monitoring reporter gene expression. Here, we have added the glycoprotein precursor expression plasmid together with the minigenome, nucleoprotein, and polymerase to generate VLPs, which incorporate the minigenome and are released into the supernatant. The particles are able to infect new cells, and reporter gene expression can be monitored if the trans-acting viral proteins (RNA polymerase and nucleoprotein) are also expressed in these cells. No minigenome transfer occurred in the absence of glycoproteins, demonstrating that the glycoproteins are absolutely required for the generation of infectious particles. Moreover, expression of glycoproteins alone was sufficient to produce and release VLPs. We show that the ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are incorporated into VLPs but are not required for the generation of particles. Morphological analysis of the particles by electron microscopy revealed that VLPs, either with or without minigenomes, display a surface morphology indistinguishable from that of the authentic UUK virus and that they bud into Golgi vesicles in the same way as UUK virus does. This infectious VLP system will be very useful for studying the bunyaviral structural components required for budding and packaging of RNPs and receptor binding and may also be useful for the development of new vaccines for the human pathogens from this family.
Bacterial enterotoxins are associated with resistance to colon cancer (2003)

One half million patients suffer from colorectal cancer in industrialized nations, yet this disease exhibits a low incidence in under-developed countries. This geographic imbalance suggests an environmental contribution to the resistance of endemic populations to intestinal neoplasia. A common epidemiological characteristic of these colon cancer-spared regions is the prevalence of enterotoxigenic bacteria associated with diarrheal disease. Here, a bacterial heat-stable enterotoxin was demonstrated to suppress colon cancer cell proliferation by a guanylyl cyclase C-mediated signaling cascade. The heat-stable enterotoxin suppressed proliferation by increasing intracellular cGMP, an effect mimicked by the cell-permeant analog 8-br-cGMP. The antiproliferative effects of the enterotoxin and 8-br-cGMP were reversed by L-cis-diltiazem, a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel inhibitor, as well as by removal of extracellular Ca(2+), or chelation of intracellular Ca(2+). In fact, both the enterotoxin and 8-br-cGMP induced an L-cis-diltiazem-sensitive conductance, promoting Ca(2+) influx and inhibition of DNA synthesis in colon cancer cells. Induction of this previously unrecognized antiproliferative signaling pathway by bacterial enterotoxin could contribute to the resistance of endemic populations to intestinal neoplasia, and offers a paradigm for targeted prevention and therapy of primary and metastatic colorectal cancer.
T cell-independent and T cell-dependent B cell activation increases IFN- gamma R expression and renders B cells sensitive to IFN- gamma -mediated inhibition. (1994)

We have studied the relationship between B cell activation and the ability of IFN-gamma to inhibit B cell differentiation. The LPS activation of conventional and CD5+ B cells resulted in increased IFN-gamma R expression and increased the ability of IFN-gamma to inhibit LPS-induced B cell differentiation correlated with increased IFN-gamma R expression. We detected increased B cell IFN-gamma R expression 12 h after activation, and maximal IFN-gamma R expression was observed at 24 h. Activation of B cells by F(ab2)' anti-IgM induced a similar increase in IFN-gamma R expression. In autoimmune New Zealand Black mice, both conventional and CD5+ B cells showed a pattern of IFN-gamma R expression similar to that seen in DBA/2 mice, and both populations of B cells were sensitive to inhibition by IFN-gamma. To examine the role of IFN-gamma in the regulation of T cell-dependent B cell responses, we activated B cells with the CDC35 T cell line (which is specific for rabbit IgG). When rabbit anti-mouse Ig-treated B cells were activated by CDC35 T cells, we found that B cells exhibited increased IFN-gamma R expression by 48 h; we also found that IFN-gamma inhibited CDC35-mediated IgM secretion to a degree similar to IFN-gamma inhibition of T cell-independent B cell differentiation. Additionally, IFN-gamma inhibited CDC35-stimulated B cells even in the presence of exogenous IL-4 and IL-5. This study establishes the importance of IFN-gamma as a regulator of both T cell-independent and T cell-dependent B cell differentiation.
The proteolytic activity of the major dust mite allergen Der p 1 enhances the IgE antibody response to a bystander antigen (2001)

These findings show that the proteolytic activity of Der p 1 leads to the augmentation of IgE antibody responses to itself and to other allergens present in the microenvironment.
Effect of liver disease and transplantation on urea synthesis in humans: relationship to acid-base status (1999)

It has been suggested that hepatic urea synthesis, which consumes HCO-3, plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. This study measured urea synthesis rate (Ra urea) directly to assess its role in determining the acid-base status in patients with end-stage cirrhosis and after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Cirrhotic patients were studied before surgery (n = 7) and on the second postoperative day (n = 11), using a 5-h primed-constant infusion of [15N2]urea. Six healthy volunteers served as controls. Ra urea was 5.05 +/- 0.40 (SE) and 3.11 +/- 0.51 micromol. kg-1. min-1, respectively, in controls and patients with cirrhosis (P < 0. 05). Arterial base excess was 0.6 +/- 0.3 meq/l in controls and -1.1 +/- 1.3 meq/l in cirrhotic patients (not different). After OLT, Ra urea was 15.05 +/- 1.73 micromol. kg-1. min-1, which accompanied an arterial base excess of 7.0 +/- 0.3 meq/l (P < 0.001). We conclude that impaired Ra urea in cirrhotic patients does not produce metabolic alkalosis. Concurrent postoperative metabolic alkalosis and increased Ra urea indicate that the alkalosis is not caused by impaired Ra urea. It is consistent with, but does not prove, the concept that the graft liver responds to metabolic alkalosis by augmenting Ra urea, thus increasing HCO-3 consumption and moderating the severity of metabolic alkalosis produced elsewhere.
Physical and genetic chromosomal map of an M type 1 strain of Streptococcus pyogenes (1996)

A physical map of the chromosome of an M type 1 strain of Streptococcus pyogenes was constructed following digestion with three different restriction enzymes, SmaI, SfiI, and SgrAI, and separation and analysis of fragments by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The genome size of this strain was estimated to be 1,920 kb. By employing Southern hybridization and PCR analysis, 36 genes were located on the map.
The Nature of the Principal Type 1 Interferon-Producing Cells in Human Blood (1999)

Interferons (IFNs) are the most important cytokines in antiviral immune responses. "Natural IFN-producing cells" (IPCs) in human blood express CD4 and major histocompatibility complex class II proteins, but have not been isolated and further characterized because of their rarity, rapid apoptosis, and lack of lineage markers. Purified IPCs are here shown to be the CD4(+)CD11c- type 2 dendritic cell precursors (pDC2s), which produce 200 to 1000 times more IFN than other blood cells after microbial challenge. pDC2s are thus an effector cell type of the immune system, critical for antiviral and antitumor immune responses.
Vegetable Oils (2005)

Abstract This chapter provides a survey of the major and minor vegetable oils covering, in particular, their fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition and their production levels. This survey is supported with a number of related topics that include the biosynthesis of triacylglycerols in the plant kingdom, the important minor components present in vegetable oils, the need to modify the natural oils, and the ways in which this can be achieved. Finally, there is a brief account of current production levels of the major vegetable oils and of the trade in these commodities.
Development of an Alternative Process for the Manufacture of a Key Starting Material for Cefovecin Sodium (2007)

A process has been developed for the use of trimethylphosphite for the formation of the six-membered 3,6-dihydro-2H-[1,3]thiazine ring in the cephem architecture by an intramolecular Horner−Emmons−Wadsworth condensation. The process is a suitable alternative to the traditional Wittig process, which uses trimethylphosphine. The process developed is a highly telescoped reaction pathway consisting of at least six known reaction intermediates that was scaled for production use to produce 2.
Establishment of Allergic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice as a Model for Severe Atopic Dermatitis (2004)

Mite antigen has been suggested to play important roles in the onset and/or development of atopic dermatitis, and mite antigen-induced dermatitis models appear beneficial for the basic study of atopic dermatitis. In the present study therefore, we attempted to establish an allergic dermatitis model in mice using Dermatophagoides farinae crude extract as an antigen. Mite antigen solution at a concentration of 1 or 10 mg/ml was painted 5 times repeatedly at an interval of 7 d onto the ear of NC/Nga or BALB/c mice with or without simultaneous tape-stripping. Apparent biphasic ear swelling was observed after the 4th and 5th antigen applications in both strains of mice treated with 10 mg/ml of antigen solution. Thickening of the epidermis, fibrosis of the dermis, and the accumulation of inflammatory cells were also observed after the 5th application. The inflammatory changes were more evident in NC/Nga mice than in BALB/c mice and potentiated by tape-stripping. The ear swelling was accompanied by increased serum IgE, increased expression of interleukin-4 mRNA and decreased expression of interferon-gamma mRNA in cervical lymph nodes and ears. These results indicate that ear swelling caused by repeated mite antigen application with simultaneous tape-stripping has a Th2-dominant background and that the inflammatory responses are expressed more potently in NC/Nga mice than in BALB/c mice. The dermatitis caused by mite antigen in NC/Nga mice appears to be a useful model for the basic study of atopic dermatitis.
Mapping labeled sites in Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA: distribution of methyl groups and identification of a photoaffinity-labeled RNA region putatively at the peptidyltransferase center (1985)

We have developed a method for the rapid localization of sites of ribosomal RNA labeling to limited regions (approximately 200 bases). The method is based on the formation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic separation of hybrids between restriction fragments of rrnB DNA and isotopically labeled rRNA and the subsequent determination of radioactivity across the gel. Using [3H]adenine-labeled rRNA as a control sample, we optimized experimental conditions with respect to a number of variables, including rRNA:DNA stoichiometric ratio, temperature of the annealing step, and levels of nucleases. An important result is that different rRNA X DNA hybrid fragments are obtained in different yields. The method was then applied to analyses of C3H3-labeled rRNA, giving results in good accord with known and proposed sites of rRNA methylation, and of rRNA that has been photoaffinity-labeled with 5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyl-[3H]Phe-tRNAPhe, a probe directed toward the peptidyltransferase center. The latter study showed a single major site of RNA labeling, falling within bases 2445-2668 of 23S rRNA. The extent of labeling was shown to be dependent on light-induced formation of a reactive intermediate and to be decreased in the absence of poly(uridylic acid) or in the presence of puromycin. The location of this major site of labeling is consistent with recent results obtained with an analogous tRNA photoaffinity label [Barta, A., Steiner, G., Brosius, J., Noller, H. F., & Kuechler, E. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 81, 3607-3611] and with related genetic and biochemical studies of antibiotic interaction with ribosomes suggesting that the peptidyltransferase center falls within region V (bases 2043-2625) of 23S rRNA.