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G Bauw

Publications and source records attributed to G Bauw.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Analysis of ascorbate in plant tissues by high-performance capillary zone electrophoresis.

We describe here a simple and rapid capillary electrophoresis method for the determination of ascorbic acid (L-AA) and isoascorbic acid (D-AA) in vegetative tissues. For optimal yields and stabilization, samples are extracted with cold 3% metaphosphoric acid. Hydrophobic contaminants are then removed by passage through a C18 solid-phase extraction cartridge. The analysis itself is performed on a fused silica capillary with 200 mM borate, pH 9, as the carrier electrolyte, using on-line diode array detection over the range 190-350 nm. Quantitation was performed at 260 nm, the uv-absorption maximum for ascorbate at this pH. This method has a minimum detection limit of 84 fmol/injection and linearity of detector response was observed up to at least 12 pmol/injection. We also describe the influence of electrolyte concentration, pH, and the presence of detergent on separations of L-AA, D-AA, and L-galacturonic acid-1,4-lactone. The protocol has been demonstrated to be suitable for the analysis of L-AA in Arabidopsis, parsley, and mushroom. The method has superior resolution to comparable HPLC separations, a comparable analysis time, but lower sensitivity because of the concentration limitations of the detection system.

Arabidopsis↗

Cloning of a cDNA encoding a developmentally regulated 22 kDa polypeptide from tobacco leaf plasma membrane.

A polypeptide doublet (P18-P19, ca 22 kDa, pI 4.5) has been shown to accumulate in tobacco leaf plasma membrane in a development-dependent way, under constant environmental conditions. P18 and P19 were purified by 2D-PAGE and microsequenced. Microsequences revealed only small differences between the two polypeptides. A PCR-based cloning strategy identified a cDNA displaying a 591 bp ORF. The encoded polypeptide contained P19 specific microsequences. It was expressed in E. coli and a specific rabbit antiserum was raised. Western-blots confirmed its identification as P19. The accumulation pattern of hybridizable mRNA around the floral induction period was similar to that of P18 and P19. Searching of databases revealed no significant hits except unidentified plant ESTs. P18 and P19 are proposed as the first example of plant-specific and developmentally regulated plasma membrane proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A thiol protease and an anionic peroxidase are induced by lowering cytokinins during callus growth in Petunia.

We previously identified a group of proteins that increase early in Petunia hybrida calli subcultured on a low-cytokinin medium, unlike the calli subcultured on a high-cytokinin medium. The calli on the low-cytokinin medium do not regenerate (J.-P. Renaudin, C. Tournaire, B, Teyssendier de la Serve [1991] Physiol Plant 82: 48-56). Two of these proteins, P21 and P17, have been identified by peptide sequencing and cloned. P21 is highly homologous to a group of thiol proteases, including barely aleurain, rice oryzain gamma, Arabidopsis SAG2, and mammalian cathepsin H. P17 is highly homologous to a group of anionic peroxidases from potato and tomato. A study of their expression in two P. hybrida lines, PC6 and St40 which differ in their ability to regenerate, showed that the genes for P21 and P17 are differentially expressed depending on the type and the age of the organ, with the highest expression in senescing leaves and in aged calli. The data are in favor of these genes being associated with an early step of senescence, which may be due, in part, to a reduction in total cytokinin. The two Petunia lines are, thus, functionally different concerning the action of cytokinin in two developmental phenomena: in vitro organogenesis and senescence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular and physiological responses to abscisic acid and salts in roots of salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant Indica rice varieties.

The Indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties Pokkali and Nona Bokra are well-known salt tolerance donors in classical breeding. In an attempt to understand the molecular basis of their tolerance, physiological and gene expression studies were initiated. The effect of abscisic acid (ABA) on total proteins in roots from 12-d-old seedlings of Pokkali, Nona Bokra, and the salt-sensitive cultivar Taichung N1 were analyzed on two-dimensional gels. The abundance of ABA-induced proteins was highest in the most tolerant variety, Pokkali. Three ABA-responsive proteins, present at different levels in roots from tolerant and sensitive varieties, were further characterized by partial amino acid analysis. A novel histidine-rich protein and two types of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins were identified. Protein immunoblotting revealed that the levels of dehydrins and group 3 LEA proteins were significantly higher in roots from tolerant compared with sensitive varieties. Endogenous ABA levels showed a transient increase in roots exposed to osmotic shock (150 mM NaCl). Peak ABA concentrations were 30-fold higher for Nona Bokra and 6-fold higher for Pokkali compared with Taichung N1. Both the salt-induced endogenous ABA levels and a greater molecular response of root tissue to ABA were associated with the varietal differences in tolerance.

Abscisic Acid↗

Isolation and characterisation of arcelin-5 proteins and cDNAs.

Arcelins are seed storage proteins present in some wild bean accessions (Phaseolus vulgaris). They are implicated in the resistance phenotype of these wild beans towards the Mexican bean weevil. Arcelin 5, one of six arcelin electrophoretic variants, has been characterised in detail. The purified arcelin-5 protein fraction contained two major polypeptides of 32.2 and 31.5 kDa, designated arcelin 5a and arcelin 5b, respectively, and one minor polypeptide of 30.8 kDa, designated arcelin 5c. The three polypeptides have an identical isoelectric point and are identical for their first nine N-terminal amino acids. Arcelin 5a and arcelin 5b are glycoproteins whereas arcelin 5c is not glycosylated. Native arcelin 5 has a molecular mass corresponding to a dimer form. Using amino acid sequence analysis and PCR techniques, two different arcelin-5 cDNA sequences were obtained, designated arc5-I and arc5-II. Both encode proteins of 261 amino acids with a signal peptide of 21 amino acids. The identity between the two is 99% at the DNA level and 97% at the level of the deduced amino acid sequences. The arc5-I and arc5-II cDNAs encode arcelin 5a and arcelin 5b, respectively. Sequence comparisons and protein characteristics show clearly that arcelin 5 is related to, but distinct from, other arcelin variants and lectins of P. vulgaris.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An S18 ribosomal protein gene copy at the Arabidopsis PFL locus affects plant development by its specific expression in meristems.

In Arabidopsis, mutation at PFL causes pointed first leaves, reduced fresh weight and growth retardation. We have cloned the wild-type PFL gene by T-DNA tagging, and demonstrate that it complements the mutant phenotype. PFL codes for ribosomal protein S18, based on the high homology with rat S18 and on purification of S18-equivalent peptides from plant ribosomes. pfl represents the first mutation in eukaryotic S18 proteins or their S13 prokaryotic counterparts, involved in translation initiation. Arabidopsis contains three S18 gene copies dispersed in the genetic map; they are all transcribed and code for completely identical proteins. No transcript is detected from the mutated gene, S18A. The activity of the S18A promoter is restricted to meristems, with a markedly high expression at the embryonic heart stage, and to wounding sites. This means that plants activate an extra copy of this ribosomal protein gene in tissues with cell division activity. We postulate that in meristematic tissues plants use transcriptional control to synthesize extra ribosomes to increase translational efficiency. In analogy with this, an additional, developmentally regulated gene copy might be expected for all ribosomal proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Distinct phenotypes generated by overexpression and suppression of S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthetase reveal developmental patterns of gene silencing in tobacco.

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine synthetase (SAM-S) catalyzes the conversion of L-methionine and ATP into S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Tobacco plants that were transformed with a construct allowing high transcription levels of an Arabidopsis sam-s gene could be grouped into two main classes based on their morphology. One class developed yellow-green leaves and had high SAM-S activity and transgene mRNA levels, whereas the other class was stunted and had leather-like leaves, very low SAM-S activity, and suppressed mRNA level of the transgene. Because both overexpression and silencing of transgene expression led to distinct, abnormal phenotypes, the developmental pattern of transgene silencing was visualized. In the lower leaves, the suppressed phenotype was associated with the veins. In successive leaves, the area of the suppressed tissue increased until all newly developed leaves displayed the suppressed phenotype. In this study, a hypothesis is presented for this developmental gene silencing. Furthermore, transgenic plants with suppressed SAM-S activity had a characteristic smell, a consequence of the accumulation of L-methionine that is converted into the volatile methanethiol.

Amino Acids↗

Production and purification of recombinant human interleukin-6 secreted by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The coding region of the human interleukin-6 (hIL6) gene was fused to the prepro secretion signal of the alpha-mating factor gene in several yeast host strains. It was found that the KEX-2 protease was unable to cleave the prepro-Lys-Arg-Pro-IL6 sequence, but that unspecific cleavage of the precursor protein had occurred. The prepro-Lys-Arg-Ala-Pro-IL6 sequence, however, was correctly recognized and cleaved by the KEX-2 protease, and IL6 was efficiently secreted into the culture medium. The N-terminal Ala-Pro peptide was removed during processing by wild-type yeast strains, but was retained in a ste13 mutant. IL6 as well as the aberrant proteins were not glycosylated. The transformed cells could secrete up to 30 micrograms/ml IL6. The protein was purified from the medium to homogeneity by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration, and had a specific activity of about 2 x 10(8) IU/mg in a proliferation assay.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Differential effects of elicitors on the viability of rice suspension cells.

We have compared the effects of two elicitors of defense-related processes on rice (Oryza sativa L.) suspension cells. Both chitosan and salicylic acid induced the accumulation of extracellular chitinase, thickening of the cell wall, and a variety of cytological changes in treated cells. Chitosan also induced the production of a brown pigment and cell death. Both of these effects depended on the availability of reactive oxygen species, because the damage was greatly reduced by either catalase or free-radical scavengers. Pretreating cells with salicylic acid also protected them from the cytotoxic effects of chitosan. This type of induced tolerance persisted when salicylic acid was removed and was not simply due to the release of extracellular substances, because salicylic acid-treated cells did not protect untreated cells from chitosan-induced death. Salicylic acid also stimulated the production of a 10-kilodalton subtilisin inhibitor that was not produced by chitosan-treated cells. Most of these changes are associated with the hypersensitive response of many plant species, including monocotyledons, and may serve as an in vitro model for investigating the biochemistry of some diseases.

Journal Article↗

A two-dimensional gel protein database of noncultured total normal human epidermal keratinocytes: identification of proteins strongly up-regulated in psoriatic epidermis.

A two-dimensional (2-D) gel database of proteins from noncultured total normal human epidermal keratinocytes has been established. A total of 1449 [35S]methionine labelled proteins (1112 isoelectric focusing, 337 nonequilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis) were resolved and recorded using computer assisted (PDQ-SCAN and PDQUEST software) 2-D gel electrophoresis. By matching the protein patterns of total keratinocytes and transformed human amnion cells (master database; Celis et al., Leukemia 1988, 2, 561-602) as well as by 2-D immunoblotting and microsequencing of keratinocyte proteins, it was possible to identify 72 polypeptides in the keratinocyte database. The database also includes data on polypeptides that are synthesized at a higher level by keratinocytes enriched in basal cells, and on six secreted proteins which are produced, albeit at a reduced rate, by normal keratinocytes and that are strongly up-regulated in psoriatic epidermis (Celis et al., FEBS Letters, in press).

Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional↗

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, protein electroblotting and microsequencing: a direct link between proteins and genes.

We have used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis as a general "preparative" method to purify proteins for microsequencing analysis. In the first experiments, proteins derived from a total extract of Nicotiana tabacum leaf tissue were directly blotted from the gel onto poly(4-vinyl-N-methylpyridinium iodide)-coated glass fiber sheets. The major spots were excised and subjected to NH2-terminal sequence analysis, which made it possible to identify five of the eight selected proteins, while two more were recognized by generated internal sequences. In a second set of experiments, proteins of human origin were separated on multiple two-dimensional gels and the Coomassie Brilliant Blue-stained spots were excised from the gels. The combined spots were re-eluted and concentrated in a new gel and blotted on Immobilon. They were fragmented by in situ proteolysis and the generated peptides were separated by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography and sequenced. At the average, the internal sequences that were obtained covered 35 residues per protein and allowed unambiguous identification of 13 of the 23 proteins analyzed so far. The sequence information obtained of the unidentified proteins is sufficient for further cloning. These results demonstrate that systematic sequence analysis of the major proteins seen in two-dimensional gels is within the reach of current technologies. This offers a unique opportunity to link information contained in protein databases with known or forthcoming DNA sequence data.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Comparative two-dimensional gel analysis and microsequencing identifies gelsolin as one of the most prominent downregulated markers of transformed human fibroblast and epithelial cells.

A systematic comparison of the protein synthesis patterns of cultured normal and transformed human fibroblasts and epithelial cells, using two-dimensional gel protein analysis combined with computerized imaging and data acquisition, identified a 90-kD protein (SSP 5714) as one of the most striking downregulated markers typical of the transformed state. Using the information stored in the comprehensive human cellular protein database, we found this protein strongly expressed in several fetal tissues and one of them, epidermis, served as a source for preparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Partial amino acid sequences were generated from peptides obtained by in situ digestion of the electroblotted protein. These sequences identified the marker protein as gelsolin, a finding that was confirmed by two-dimensional immunoblotting of human MRC-5 fibroblast proteins using specific antibodies and by coelectrophoresis with purified human gelsolin. These results suggest that an important regulatory protein of the microfilament system may play a role in defining the phenotype of transformed human fibroblast and epithelial cells in culture.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of a rice gene showing organ-specific expression in response to salt stress and drought.

Protein changes induced by salinity stress were investigated in the roots of the salt-sensitive rice cultivar Taichung native 1. We found eight proteins to be induced and obtained partial sequences of one with a molecular mass of 15 kilodaltons and an isoelectric point of 5.5. Using an oligonucleotide probe based on this information, a cDNA clone, salT, was selected and found to contain an open reading frame coding for a protein of 145 amino acid residues. salT mRNA accumulates very rapidly in sheaths and roots from mature plants and seedlings upon treatment with Murashige and Skoog salts (1%), air drying, abscisic acid (20 microM), polyethylene glycol (5%), sodium chloride (1%), and potassium chloride (1%). Generally, no induction was seen in the leaf lamina even when the stress should affect all parts of the plant uniformly. The organ-specific response of salT is correlatable with the pattern of Na+ accumulation during salt stress.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Auxin binding proteins from maize coleoptiles: purification and molecular characterization.

To understand precisely the mechanisms by which hormones like auxins regulate plant differentiation and development, it is essential to isolate putative hormone receptors. We have purified the major auxin binding protein from maize coleoptiles to homogeneity. The protein has an apparent molecular weight of 22,000 Da and binds 1-naphthylacetic acid with a KD of 2.4 x 10(-7) M. Protein sequence analysis allowed the construction of oligonucleotide probes to isolate a corresponding cDNA coding for this protein. The open reading frame of this cDNA predicts a protein of 201 amino acids and 21,990 Da in size. The amino acid sequence includes a cleavable N-terminal signal sequence and a C-terminal signal element consisting of the amino acids Lys Asp Glu Leu known to be responsible for preventing secretion of proteins from the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Response of murine cell lines to an IL-1/IL-2-induced factor in a rat/mouse T hybridoma (PC60): differential induction of cytokines by human IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta and partial amino acid sequence of rat GM-CSF.

We analyzed the proliferative response of the growth factor-dependent murine cell lines FDCp1, DA1-a, 32DC1, Ea3.15, 7TD1, BCL1 and of femural bone marrow cells for their sensitivity to various cytokines, viz. rhIL-1 beta, rhTNF, rhIL-2, mIL-3, rmIL-4, rmIL-5, rhIL-6, rhG-CSF and rmGM-CSF. We also tested for IL-1 and TNF-mediated cytokine secretion by several T cell lines and thymocytes. In all T cell systems, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta were equally active in the induction of cytokine production, except for the rat/mouse T cell hybridoma PC60. This cell line exhibited a 10-fold difference in specific activity for the induction of cytokine secretion between rhIL-1 alpha and the other human or murine IL-1 species. Furthermore, IL-1 and IL-2 synergistically induced PC60 cells to produce a factor, which was preferentially active on FDCp1-cells, provisionally called FDCp1-growth factor. SDS-PAGE analysis of partially purified FDCp1-GF showed 19 kDa and 24 kDa-associated biological activities. Amino-terminal and internal amino acid sequences of both bands were determined and on this basis, we identified FDCp1-GF as rat GM-CSF.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A single cDNA encodes two isoforms of stathmin, a developmentally regulated neuron-enriched phosphoprotein.

Stathmin, a 19-kDa neuron-enriched soluble phosphoprotein, has been recently proposed as an ubiquitous intracellular relay for the diverse extracellular signals regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and functions through various second messenger pathways (Sobel, A., Boutterin, M.C., Beretta, L., Chneiweiss, H., Doye, V., and peyro-Saint-Paul, H. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 3765-3772). Internal sequences of the protein from rat brain were determined after purification by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, electrotransfer onto Immobilon, and in situ proteolysis. Oligonucleotide mixtures based on these sequences were used to clone a cDNA for stathmin from a rat PC12 cell lambda gt 10 library. The deduced amino acid sequence reveals partial homologies with the coiled coil structural regions of several intracellular matrix phosphoproteins. Using this cDNA as a probe, we show that the expression of stathmin mRNA parallels that of the protein during brain ontogenesis, reaching a maximum at the neonatal stage. In vitro translation of the derived cRNA yielded all the known molecular forms of stathmin, namely its alpha and beta isoforms in their unphosphorylated and phosphorylated states. Thus, a single cDNA codes for both biologically relevant isoforms of the protein, indicating that they differ by co- or post-translational modifications.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗