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F Maillet

Publications and source records attributed to F Maillet.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

The Rhizobium meliloti host range nodQ gene encodes a protein which shares homology with translation elongation and initiation factors.

The Rhizobium meliloti nod region IIb is involved in host-range determination: (i) the presence of region IIb is necessary for transfer of alfalfa root hair curling ability to Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii; (ii) a mutation in region IIb extends the R. meliloti infection host range to Vicia sativa nigra; (iii) dominance of R. meliloti nod genes over R. leguminosarum biovar viciae nod genes is abolished by mutations in region IIb. The nucleotide sequence of this region has been determined. Genes corresponding to the two open reading frames identified are designated nodP and nodQ. The predicted amino acid sequence of the NodQ protein shows homology with translation initiation and elongation factors. The consensus sequence involved in the GTP-binding domain is conserved.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Specific antibodies enhance Sephadex-induced activation of the alternative complement pathway in human serum.

Sephadex beads, which resemble cellulose in their basic chemical structure, were used to study the molecular mechanisms by which cellulosic dialysis membranes activate the alternative complement pathway in normal human serum. Sera from different individuals were found to vary in the extent of activation which occurred following incubation with a fixed amount (surface area) of polymer. Preadsorption of serum with an excess of Sephadex at 2 degrees C resulted in loss of activation when the absorbed serum was interacted with fresh Sephadex beads. Acid eluted proteins from absorbed Sephadex restored the capacity of preadsorbed serum to activate complement in the presence of fresh Sephadex. Adsorption of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) fraction and of F(ab')2 fragments from IgG prepared from the plasma of a normal individual with Sephadex, resulted in the specific binding of some IgG and F(ab'2) molecules to the particles. IgG and F(ab')2 coated beads activated complement in Sephadex-adsorbed serum. Thus, specific anti-dextran IgG antibodies trigger activation of the alternative complement pathway by Sephadex in human serum. The effect is independent of the Fc region of IgG. These results suggest that specific antibodies could be important in determining complement activation in vivo in patients undergoing haemodialysis with cellulosic membranes.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1988

Structure-function relationships in the inhibitory effect of heparin on complement activation: independency of the anti-coagulant and anti-complementary sites on the heparin molecule.

Fluid phase heparin inhibits formation of the classical and alternative pathway C3 convertase of complement in assays performed either with purified complement proteins or in whole serum. Experiments using oligosaccharides of homogeneous mol. wt obtained by mild nitrous hydrolysis of heparin, demonstrated that the inhibitory activity of heparin increased exponentially with mol. wt for fragments containing between 4 and 14 saccharidic units and that fragments of mol. wt above 4700 (greater than 14 saccharidic units) had a similar anti-complementary activity to that of native heparin. Fragments of homogeneous mol. wt (octasaccharides) separated by ion exchange chromatography on the basis of negative charges, exhibited increasing inhibitory activity with increasing sulfate content. Over-sulfation of fragments of defined mol. wt resulted in a constant enhancement of the relative capacity of each fragment species to inhibit formation of the classical and alternative pathway C3 convertases. A synthetic pentasaccharide representing the minimal critical sequence responsible for the binding of heparin to anti-thrombin III exhibited a similar inhibitory capacity on formation of the C3 convertases as another synthetic pentasaccharide that was devoid of anti-Xa activity. These studies contribute to define a minimal structure of the heparin molecule with C3b- and C4b-binding capacity and definitively establish the independency of the anti-coagulant and anti-complementary sites on the heparin molecule.

Blood Coagulation↗
PubMed1988

The cytolytic C5b-9 complement complex: feedback inhibition of complement activation.

We describe a regulatory function of the terminal cytolytic C5b-9 complex [C5b-9(m)] of human complement. Purified C5b-9(m) complexes isolated from target membranes, whether in solution or bound to liposomes, inhibited lysis of sensitized sheep erythrocytes by whole human serum in a dose-dependent manner. C9 was not required for the inhibitory function since C5b-7 and C5b-8 complexes isolated from membranes were also effective. No effect was found with the cytolytically inactive, fluid-phase SC5b-9 complex. However, tryptic modification of SC5b-9 conferred an inhibitory capacity to the complex, due probably to partial removal of the S protein. Experiments using purified components demonstrated that C5b-9(m) exerts a regulatory effect on the formation of the classical- and alternative-pathway C3 convertases and on the utilization of C5 by cell-bound C5 convertases. C5b-9(m) complexes were unable to inhibit the lysis of cells bearing C5b-7(m) by C8 and C9. Addition of C5b-9(m) to whole human serum abolished its bactericidal effect on the serum-sensitive Escherichia coli K-12 strain W 3110 and suppressed its hemolytic function on antibody-sensitized, autologous erythrocytes. Feedback inhibition by C5b-9(m) represents a biologically relevant mechanism through which complement may autoregulate its effector functions.

Complement Activation↗
PubMed1988

Rhizobium meliloti host range nodH gene determines production of an alfalfa-specific extracellular signal.

The Rhizobium meliloti nodH gene is involved in determining host range specificity. By comparison with the wild-type strain, NodH mutants exhibit a change in host specificity. That is, although NodH mutants lose the ability to elicit root hair curling (Hac-), infection threads (Inf-), and nodule meristem formation (Nod-) on the homologous host alfalfa, they gain the ability to be Hac+ Inf+ Nod+ on a nonhomologous host such as common vetch. Using root hair deformation (Had) bioassays on alfalfa and vetch, we have demonstrated that sterile supernatant solutions of R. meliloti cultures, in which the nod genes had been induced by the plant flavone luteolin, contained symbiotic extracellular signals. The wild-type strain produced at least one Had signal active on alfalfa (HadA). The NodH- mutants did not produce this signal but produced at least one factor active on vetch (HadV). Mutants altered in the common nodABC genes produced neither of the Had factors. This result suggests that the nodABC operon determines the production of a common symbiotic factor which is modified by the NodH product into an alfalfa-specific signal. An absolute correlation was observed between the specificity of the symbiotic behavior of rhizobial cells and the Had specificity of their sterile filtrates. This indicates that the R. meliloti nodH gene determines host range by helping to mediate the production of a specific extracellular signal.

Escherichia coli↗
PubMed1988

Interference between Rhizobium meliloti and Rhizobium trifolii nodulation genes: genetic basis of R. meliloti dominance.

Transfer of an IncP plasmid carrying the Rhizobium meliloti nodFE, nodG, and nodH genes to Rhizobium trifolii enabled R. trifolii to nodulate alfalfa (Medicago sativa), the normal host of R. meliloti. Using transposon Tn5-linked mutations and in vitro-constructed deletions of the R. meliloti nodFE, nodG, and nodH genes, we showed that R. meliloti nodH was required for R. trifolii to elicit both root hair curling and nodule initiation on alfalfa and that nodH, nodFE, and nodG were required for R. trifolii to elicit infection threads in alfalfa root hairs. Interestingly, the transfer of the R. meliloti nodFE, nodG, and nodH genes to R. trifolii prevented R. trifolii from infecting and nodulating its normal host, white clover (Trifolium repens). Experiments with the mutated R. meliloti nodH, nodF, nodE, and nodG genes demonstrated that nodH, nodF, nodE, and possibly nodG have an additive effect in blocking infection and nodulation of clover.

Chromosome Deletion↗
PubMed1987

[Components of the classical complement pathway in systemic lupus erythematosus].

Measurements of complement components in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and some of their relatives indicated that decreased levels of CH50, C4 and C2 were mostly related to a genetic deficiency at one or both of the loci coding for C4, at least in those patients in whom decreased C4 levels were associated with normal C1 hemolytic activity. C4 deficiency is either isolated or associated with complement activation. In some patients with C4 deficiency, complement activation could only be demonstrated by measuring plasma level of the C3 cleavage fragment, C3a des Arg. Decreased concentration and/or hemolytic activity of C4 and C2 in SLE cannot be used to assess the activity of the disease.

Complement Activation↗
PubMed1987

Molecular weight dependency of the acquired anticomplementary and anticoagulant activities of specifically substituted dextrans.

Dextran that had been substituted with carboxylic and benzylamine sulphonated groups was fractionated by gel chromatography into fractions, of narrow molecular weight distribution from 6000 to 190,000 daltons and of similar chemical composition. The fractions exhibited anticomplementary and anticoagulant activities that rapidly increased with molecular weight and tended to plateau above approximately 20,000 and 40,000 daltons respectively. Anticoagulant activity was lower than that of heparin, whereas the capacity of the fractions to inhibit formation of the classical and alternative C3 convertases in a purified system was similar to that of heparin and their ability to inhibit CH50 in whole serum was higher than that of heparin. The data argue for a random distribution of structurally independent anticoagulant and anticomplementary sites along the macromolecular chains of substituted dextrans.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed1986

Assignment of symbiotic developmental phenotypes to common and specific nodulation (nod) genetic loci of Rhizobium meliloti.

Rhizobium meliloti nodulation (nod) genes required for specific infection and nodulation of alfalfa have been cloned. Transposon Tn5 mutagenesis defined three nod regions spanning 16 kilobases of the pSym megaplasmid. Genetic and cytological studies of 62 nodulation-defective mutants allowed the assignment of symbiotic developmental phenotypes to common and specific nod loci. Root hair curling was determined by both common (region I) and specific (region III) nod transcription units; locus IIIb (nodH gene) positively controlled curling on the homologous host alfalfa, whereas loci IIIa (nodFE) and IIIb (nodH) negatively controlled curling on heterologous hosts. Region I (nodABC) was required for bacterial penetration and infection thread initiation in shepherd's crooks, and the nodFE transcription unit controlled infection thread development within the alfalfa root hair. In contrast, induction of nodule organogenesis, which can be triggered from a distance, seemed to be controlled by common nodABC genes and not to require specific nod genes nodFE and nodH. Region II affected the efficiency of hair curling and infection thread formation.

Cloning, Molecular↗
PubMed1985

[Homozygotic C5 deficiency disclosed by purulent Neisseria meningitidis meningitis].

The complement system functions to protect the individual against infectious agents. Deficiencies of the late-acting complement proteins C5-C8 are associated with an increased susceptibility to Neisseria infection. This paper describes a deficiency in C5 in a Caucasoid family from the north of France that was revealed by the occurrence of a N. meningitidis meningitis in the homozygous C5-deficient propositus.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Anticomplementary activity of dextran derivatives.

Substitution with carboxylic and benzylamine sulphonated groups conferred on dextran both antithrombic activity and the capacity to inhibit formation of the amplification C3 convertase of complement. In dextrans substituted with carboxylic groups (greater than 40%), a high content of sulphonate (greater than 10%) resulted in both anticomplementary and antithrombic properties whereas a lower content of sulphonate resulted in high anticomplementary but weak antithrombic activity. The anticomplementary activity of highly substituted dextrans was similar to that of heparin, although anticoagulant activity was much lower than in heparin, confirming independent structural requirements for both activities in the heparin molecule.

Complement C3-C5 Convertases↗
PubMed1985

Identification of a Rhizobium meliloti pSym2011 region controlling the host specificity of root hair curling and nodulation.

In Rhizobium meliloti 2011 nodulation genes (nod) required to nodulate specifically alfalfa are located on a pSym megaplasmid. Nod- derivatives carrying large pSym deletions were isolated. By complementation of these strains with in vivo- and in vitro-constructed episomes containing pSym of sequences and introduction of these episomes into Agrobacterium tumefaciens, we show (i) that from a region of pSym of about 360 kilobases, genes required for specific alfalfa nodulation are clustered in a DNA fragment of less than 30 kilobases and (ii) that a nod region located between nifHDK and the common nod genes is absolutely required for alfalfa nodulation and controls the specificity of root hair curling and nodule organogenesis initiation.

Chromosome Deletion↗
PubMed1985

Deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass. A prospective study of bubble versus membrane oxygenation.

A number of hematologic and immunologic parameters that reflect erythrocyte and platelet damage and host defense mechanisms against infection were studied in 20 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass during coronary operations. The patients were randomly assigned to a group in which a bubble oxygenator or a hollow-fiber membrane oxygenator was used. Hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and significant release of beta thromboglobulin occurred in patients from the bubble oxygenator group and, to much lesser extent, in patients from the membrane oxygenator group. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes from bubble oxygenator patients demonstrated increased generation of reactive oxygen species in the resting state and in the presence of the stimulating agents N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, concanavalin A, and opsonized zymosan, as compared with cells from membrane oxygenator patients. No difference was found between bubble and membrane oxygenator patients in the time of occurrence or intensity of leukopenia during bypass, of leukocytosis at the end of bypass, nor in the rate of complement activation, as assessed by quantitation of plasma C3a antigen. Complement activation was dependent on the alternative pathway. Immunoglobulin M concentration significantly decreased during bypass in both groups of patients. The serum opsonizing capacity for endotoxin and serum bactericidal activity for Serratia marcescens were decreased in both groups, mainly because of hemodilution, although they were additionally affected by bubble oxygenation. Several deleterious hematologic consequences of cardiopulmonary bypass can be minimized by the use of a membrane oxygenator. However, complement activation remains a potential risk factor even in membrane oxygenator patients and requires further investigation to obtain better hemocompatible materials for cardiopulmonary bypass circuits.

Blood Bactericidal Activity↗
PubMed1985

Activation of the human classical complement pathway by a mouse monoclonal hybrid IgG1-2a monovalent anti-TNP antibody bound to TNP-conjugated cells.

A mouse hybridoma selected and cloned for anti-TNP specificity produced three distinct monoclonal antibody species that were separated on protein A-Sepharose by stepwise acid elution. The IgG1 kappa product of the parental myeloma was eluted at pH 6.0. An IgG2a kappa bivalent anti-TNP antibody was eluted at pH 4.5, whereas elution at pH 5.0 yielded a hybrid IgG1-2a kappa monovalent anti-TNP antibody. The IgG2a molecules agglutinated TNP-conjugated sheep erythrocytes (TNP-ES) and lysed TNP-ES in the presence of normal human serum (NHS). Hybrid IgG1-2a antibody was also capable of lysing the cells in NHS, although it did not agglutinate TNP-ES. A threshold in monovalent antibody input was necessary for the lysis of TNP-ES, indicating a requirement for a minimal density of bound monovalent IgG to trigger complement activation. Lysis occurred in NHS-VBS++ but not in NHS-MgEGTA, and it was associated with a dose-dependent consumption of C1, C4, and C2 hemolytic activities. Quantitation of the antibody bound to TNP-ES when using radiolabeled rabbit anti-mouse Fab antibody demonstrated that for similar inputs, 5.4 times as much bivalent as monovalent antibody bound to TNP-ES. When similar amounts of antibody were effectively bound to TNP-ES, monovalent hybrid IgG1-2a was five times less efficient than bivalent IgG2a to yield 50% cell lysis in the presence of NHS. These results indicate that neither bivalent binding nor the presence of two identical heavy chains are necessary requirements for antibody-dependent activation of the classical complement pathway.

Agglutination↗
PubMed1984

Membrane-bound hemagglutinin mediates antibody and complement-dependent lysis of influenza virus-treated human platelets in autologous serum.

Influenza A virus-treated human platelets were lyzed in autologous serum. Lysis required the presence of antibody and occurred predominantly through activation of the classical complement pathway. Binding of the virus followed by its elution at 37 degrees C resulted in a dose-dependent desialation of the cells with a maximal release of 45% of total platelet sialic acid. In contrast, platelets that had been treated with Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase and from which 55% of total sialic acid had been removed were not lyzed in autologous serum and did not bind C3 as shown in binding assays using radiolabeled monoclonal anti-C3 antibody. Thus, the immune-mediated lysis of virus-treated platelets in autologous serum did not involve neoantigens expressed by desialated cells. To assess the effect of viruses on the platelet surface, treated platelets were incubated with galactose oxidase and sodium [3H]borohydride prior to separation and analysis of the labeled glycoproteins by SDS-PAGE. Viral treatment resulted in a desialation of each of the surface glycoproteins. At the same time, a labeled component of Mr 72,000 (nonreduced) and Mr 55,000 (reduced) was observed that was not present when V. cholerae-desialated platelets were examined in the same way. Immunoblotting experiments performed using antiwhole virus and anti-hemagglutinin antibodies demonstrated this component to be viral hemagglutinin. Involvement of membrane-bound hemagglutinin in antibody and in complement-mediated lysis of virus-treated platelets in autologous serum was supported by the increased lytic activity of a postvaccinal serum containing an elevated titer of complement fixing anti-hemagglutinin antibodies. Binding of a viral protein to the platelet surface provides a model for immune thrombocytopenias occurring during acute viral infections at the time of the specific immune response.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Increase in proteins of the alternative complement pathway].

Increased activity of the complement alternative pathway proteins C3, B and H was found in the sera of 16 patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). This increased activity might depend on protein hypersynthesis secondary to in vivo low-grade complement consumption by abnormal erythrocytes in PNH patients, despite the fact that serum levels of C3d were found to be normal. B and H activities were directly related; however, the B/H ratio was higher in patients whose sera had been taken early after an episode of haemoglobinuria. Activation of the alternative pathway, which is known to result in vitro lysis of PNH erythrocytes, only accounts for part of the events leading to chronic haemolysis and haemoglobinuria in vitro.

Adult↗