PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Baroin

Publications and source records attributed to A Baroin.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

An analysis of the origin of metazoans, using comparisons of partial sequences of the 28S RNA, reveals an early emergence of triploblasts.

In order to study the origin of metazoans, we have compared sequences from the 5' end of the large subunit ribosomal RNA of a number of protists, fungi, plants and metazoans, including all diploblastic phyla (sequences of 10 new species have been determined, including that of the placozoan, Trichoplax adhaerens). These sequences were analyzed using distance matrix, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods, and the validity of the results was ascertained with bootstrapping and species removal or addition. Triploblasts and diploblasts formed two clearly separated monophyletic units; this divergence, which apparently preceded the diversification of diploblastic animals (i.e. the successive sponge, ctenophore, cnidarian radiations), showed a much more ancient origin of triploblasts with respect to diploblasts than classically assumed. These results do not exclude the possibility that triploblasts and diploblasts arose independently from different protists.

Animals↗

Origin of the algae.

Eukaryotic algae are traditionally separated into three broad divisions: the rhodophytes, the chromophytes and the chlorophytes. The evolutionary relationships between these groups, their links with other eukaryotes and with other photosynthetic groups, such as euglenophytes and cryptophytes, have been the subject of much debate and speculation. Here we analyse partial sequences of the large (28S) cytoplasmic ribosomal RNA from ten new species of protists belonging to various groups of unicellular algae. By combining them with the homologous sequences from 14 other unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes, we show that rhodophytes, chromophytes and chlorophytes emerge as three distinct groups late among eukaryotes, that is, close to the metazoa-metaphytes radiation. This implies a relatively late occurrence of eukaryotic photosynthetic symbiosis. We also provide details of intra- and inter-phyla relationships.

Base Sequence↗

Molecular evolution of the 5'-terminal domain of large-subunit rRNA from lower eukaryotes. A broad phylogeny covering photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic protists.

This paper summarizes the present status of an analysis of protist phylogeny using rapid partial sequencing of 28S rRNA. Data from 12 protistan phyla are now available and have been used to construct a tentative dendrogram based on a distance matrix method. The tree is robust and has considerable internal consistency. The following salient points are observed: a number of flagellate groups (particularly Euglenozoa) emerge very early among eukaryotes, whereas ciliates and dinoflagellates emerge late, suggesting that some characteristics that had been considered as primitive may in fact be derived. Both chlorophytic and chromophytic photosynthetic protists emerge very late in the tree, close to the Metazoa-Metaphyta-Fungi radiation, suggesting relatively late occurrence of the photosynthetic symbiosis. Taxonomic and phylogenetic information is also obtained within a phylum where rRNA of enough species are sequenced. A deep trichotomy is thus observed within the ciliates. The data are discussed with respect to classical protist phylogenies.

Animals↗

Partial phylogeny of the unicellular eukaryotes based on rapid sequencing of a portion of 28S ribosomal RNA.

Using a rapid rRNA sequencing technique, we have determined the sequence of the 400 nucleotides located at the 5' end of the large subunit rRNA molecule from eight species of unicellular eukaryotes (protists). This region contains a pair of conservative domains well-suited for long-range phylogenetic evaluations among eukaryotes, due both to their substantia, length and to their intrinsic rate of sequence variation during evolution. It also comprises a central more rapidly evolving portion, which allows for a fine tuning of distance evaluation between closely related species. Molecular distances were computed between the aligned nucleotides of all presently available protist sequences and were used to derive a tentative dendrogram. Within the limitations inherent to this approach, a number of interesting observations emerge: The various protist groups appear to have separated very early from each other. The most deeply divergent protists belong to a number of orders of flagellates (mastigotes), suggesting a very ancient origin for organelles containing a 9 + 2 microtubular arrangement. Ciliates emerged late among eukaryotes, suggesting that their peculiar genetic code was derived secondarily. Moreover, a dinoflagellate clusters with ciliates, thus making it likely that the unusual features of nuclear organization and mitosis of this group are not primitive but derived characters. Finally, within groups, taxonomic and evolutionary inferences appear to be feasible using this portion of the rRNA.

Animals↗

Telomeric site position heterogeneity in macronuclear DNA of Paramecium primaurelia.

In Paramecium primaurelia, the macronuclear gene encoding the G surface protein is located near a telomere. In this study, multiple copies of this telomere have been isolated and the subtelomeric and telomeric regions of some of them have been sequenced. The telomeric sequences consist of tandem repeats of the hexanucleotides C4A2 or C3A3. We show that the location where these repeats are added, which we call the telomeric site, is variable within a 0.6-0.8-kb region. These results are discussed in relation with the formation of macronuclear DNA.

Animals↗

Macronuclear structure of the G surface antigen gene of Paramecium primaurelia and direct expression of its repeated epitopes in Escherichia coli.

The gene encoding the G surface antigen of Paramecium primaurelia was cloned from a macronuclear DNA library by a screening procedure involving differential hybridization with cDNA probes synthesized from polyadenylated RNAs of cells expressing one of two alternate antigens. S1 mapping experiments and sequencing of the cloned DNA and the mRNA showed that the cloned gene corresponded to the high-molecular-weight mRNA that had been indirectly identified as that of the G surface antigen. Because the genetic code of Paramecium spp. is different from the "universal" code, this mRNA cannot be correctly translated in vitro; direct proof that it encoded the antigenic determinants of this protein was therefore obtained through expression of fragments of the coding sequence in Escherichia coli by using the expression vector lambda gt11. Studies on the structure of this gene revealed that the central part of the coding sequence contained at least five tandem repeats of 222 base pairs, encoding immunogenic domains of the protein. We also showed that, like other surface antigen genes of trypanosomes and paramecia, this gene lay next to a chromosome end and that no rearrangement of its immediate genomic environment was associated with its expression.

Antigens, Protozoan↗

Hormone-induced co-transport with specific pharmacological properties in erythrocytes of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri.

On the addition of isoprenaline to an isotonic suspension of red blood cells of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), the cell volume increases. This increase in volume is the result of net uptake of Na+ and osmotically obligated water. Two different pathways are involved in the salt uptake. The minor component of Na+ entry (about 20%) corresponds to a Na+ uptake independent of Cl- and is inhibited by amiloride, yet is insensitive to DIDS, furosemide and niflumic acid. It could result from Na+/H+ countertransport. The major component of salt uptake is due to Na+ entry which requires Cl- as anion, and is electroneutral, independent of extracellular K+, sensitive to amiloride, DIDS, niflumic acid and furosemide, but insensitive to other loop diuretics such as piretanide or bumetanide. These characteristics, as well as the response of valinomycin-treated cells to isoprenaline and some other properties (ionic selectivity, drug sensitivity) of the anion exchange system of volume-static trout red cells, permit the definition of the nature of this Cl--dependent pathway. The findings are inconsistent with the electrically silent double antiporter model (proposed in amphibian red cells by Cala, 1980) and with the co-migration of Cl- with Na+ through parallel conductive pathways, but strongly suggest a symport mechanism. Striking differences, mainly pharmacological, exist between this NaCl co-transport and the duck red blood cell Na+/K+/2Cl- co-transport (Kregenow, 1977, 1978; McManus & Schmidt, 1978).

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

A transient sodium-hydrogen exchange system induced by catecholamines in erythrocytes of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri.

The addition of isoprenaline to an isotonic suspension of red blood cells of rainbow trout induces an amiloride-sensitive Na+ transport which is independent of Cl- and insensitive to 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbene disulphonic acid (DIDS) and furosemide. Na+ uptake is accompanied by amiloride-sensitive H+ release. The H+ efflux is dependent upon the external Na+ concentration, the K0.5 value for Na+ being 16 mM. In the presence of DIDS, when the coupled NaCl entry (NaCl co-transport) induced by catecholamine is blocked, the results provide evidence for a linked movement of Na+ and H+, with a stoicheiometry of 1:1. Exchange of H+ for Na+ induces osmotic swelling of the cells which is due to the replacement of a bound proton by an osmotically active Na+ cation. In the absence of DIDS when the bulk of the Na+ uptake is the result of a coupled entry of Na+ and Cl-, H+ extrusion still occurs and the magnitude of acid excretion is identical to that found in DIDS-treated cells. This suggests that Na+-H+ exchange remains active. Addition of isoprenaline first stimulates the Na+-H+ exchange but only transiently. This is followed by a more permanent stimulation of the NaCl co-transport.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

Chloride permeability in human red cells: influence of membrane protein rearrangement resulting from ATP depletion and calcium accumulation.

A 15% of band 3 protein, the assumed chloride channel, is associated with spectrin, the major peripheral protein of a lattice located at the red cell membrane-cytosol interface, the present study was undertaken to evaluate whether a rearrangement of the lattice modifies the functional property of band 3 protein. Such a rearrangement was modulated by depletion of cell ATP and/or by accumulation of Ca2+ ions within the cell. ATP depletion induces an inhibition of the electroneutral one-for-one chloride exchanges. Neither the modification of red cell morphology due to ATP depletion (discocyte-echinocyte transformation) nor a direct effect of the decrease in internal ATP level can account for this inhibition. On the other hand, it seems reasonable to consider that inhibition is related to the changes in membrane protein organization (formation of heteropolymers) induced by the decrease in ATP level. But it does not appear that the degree of inhibition is modified when this altered assembly of membrane protein is stabilized by disulfide linkages. Accumulation of Ca2+ ions in the cell at a relatively low concentration (10 micro M range) inhibits chloride exchange without apparent modification of the assembly of membrane proteins. This effect of calcium on chloride exchanges is speculatively denoted as a "direct" effect of calcium. Calcium loading of fresh red cells at higher concentrations (500 to 1000 micro M) obtained by use of the ionophore A23187 induces a very strong inhibition of chloride exchanges. In this case, inhibition can be reasonably accounted for by two simultaneous effects of calcium: a "direct" effect which explains half of the inhibition and an "indirect effect due to the formation of membrane protein complexes stabilized by covalent crosslinkages (activation by Ca2+ ions of a transglutaminase). It is interesting to note that intracellular calcium, whatever the level, inhibits electroneutral exchanges of chloride but increases net chloride movements.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Inhibition of anion and glucose permeabilities by anesthetics in erythrocytes. The mechanisms of action of positively and negatively charged drugs.

(1) The mode of action of anesthetics as inhibitors of Cl- and glucose transports in human red cells was studied. The term anesthetic is taken in its broad meaning as defined by Seeman (Seeman, P. (1972) Pharmacol. Rev. 24, 583-655) and covers anionic and cationic liposoluble compounds which reversibly block the rising phase of the action potential, without effect on the resting membrane potential. (2) Phenothiazine derivatives were chosen as prototypes of anesthetics because they represent a set of compounds having the same basic chemical structure, the phenothiazine ring, but with either a positive or a negative charge. (3) The Cl- self-exchange is inhibited by both cationic and anionic derivatives. However, to obtain the same level of inhibition, it is necessary to use a concentration 10-100 times higher with cationic than with anionic drugs. (4) At a concentration which inhibits Cl- permeability, cationic derivatives induce a very strong morphological change (cup-shaped cells: stomatocytes or spherostomatocytes) and protect erythrocytes against osmotic hemolysis, signifying that the membrane is fully expanded. Conversely, with anionic derivatives, inhibition occurs at a concentration which does not induce any apparent shape change or protect against osmotic hemolysis: there is no significant membrane expansion. (5) Glucose permeability, measured by glucose exit, is inhibited by cationic and anionic phenothiazine, but always at a concentration which fully expands the membrane as indicated by morphological changes and anti-hemolytic effects. It is interesting to point out that whilst glucose exit shows inhibition by cationic derivatives, glucose exchange flux is scarcely altered. (6) It is concluded that cationic and anionic anesthetics are general inhibitors of transmembrane solute movements involving a facilitated-diffusion process. However, the mechanism of inhibition is not identical for all: inhibition of glucose permeability by anionic and cationic anesthetics, as well as inhibition of Cl- permeability by cationic anesthetics may be of a non-specific nature and result from their interaction with the bilayer (this indirect effect is discussed); on the other hand, inhibition of Cl- permeability by anionic anesthetics may result from a specific perturbation of the transport mechanism according to recent evidence in some cases (Cousin, J.L. and Motais, R. (1979) J. Membrane Biol. 46, 125-153; Zaki, L., Ruffing, W. Gärtner, E.M., Fasold, H., Motais, R. and Passow, H. (1977) 11th FEBS Meeting, Copenhagen, A4 17-671.

Anions↗

Phylogeny of trichomonads based on partial sequences of large subunit rRNA and on cladistic analysis of morphological data.

Several domains of large subunit rRNA from nine trichomonad species have been sequenced. Molecular phylogenies obtained with parsimony and distance methods demonstrate the trichomonads are a monophyletic group which branches very early in the eukaryotic tree. The topology of the trees is in general agreement with traditional views on evolutionary and systematic relationships of trichomonads. A clear dichotomy is noted between the subfamily Trichomonadinae and the subfamily Tritrichomonadinae. In the latter subfamily, a second division separates the "Tritrichomonas muris-type" species from the "Tritrichomonas augusta-type" ones. Previous evolutionary schemes in which the Monocercomonadidae were regarded as the most "primitive" and the Trichomonadidae as more "evolved" are not in agreement with our molecular data. The emergence of Monocercomonas and Hypotrichomonas at the base of the Tritrichomonas lineage suggests a secondary loss of some cytoskeletal structures, the costa and undulating membrane in these genera. This is corroborated by the early branching position of Trichomitus, which possesses a costa and an undulating membrane and has usually been placed among the Trichomonadidae on the basis of cytological characters. A cladistic analysis was applied to the available morphological characters in order to produce a hierarchical grouping of the taxa reflecting their morphological diversity.

Animals↗