PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

K Altland

Publications and source records attributed to K Altland.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Two transthyretin variants (TTR Ala-49 and TTR Gln-89) in two Sicilian kindreds with hereditary amyloidosis.

We report the biochemical and molecular characterization of two new transthyretin (TTR) variants in two Italian families with hereditary amyloidosis. Both families presented neuropathy and cardiomyopathy but they differ in other clinical features. These TTR variants were previously detected by isoelectric focusing (IEF); one is a neutral TTR variant and the other one is basic. By protein and DNA analysis the neutral variant was found to have a substitution of an alanine for a threonine residue at position 49 (TTR Ala-49) of the polypeptide chain. The basic variant has a glutamine residue replacing glutamate at position 89 (TTR Gln-89).

Amino Acid Sequence

Improved screening test for abnormal hemoglobins from dried blood samples.

A method is described wherein blood samples taken from adults or newborns and dried on filter paper can be used for hemoglobin analysis within 2 years after sampling. The samples are eluted in 8 M urea in the presence of 5% 2-mercaptoethanol and 2% of the neutral detergent Nonidet P-40. Then the individual alpha, beta, gamma, and epsilon chains are separated by means of electrofocusing in 8 M urea-PAA gels. Up to 96 samples can be applied to a gel using multiple syringes. Several hundred samples can be analyzed daily by one person. This method may be especially useful for preventive programs against sickle cell anemia as well as for human mutation monitoring systems.

Adult

Structural difference at the active site of dibucaine resistant variant of human plasma cholinesterase.

Human plasma cholinesterase from five different genotypes -- E1U E1U, E1U E1A, E1A E1A, E1U E1S, E1A E1S, and E1U E1U C5+ -- was purified 8,000 fold from serum by a two-step procedure involving chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and preparative disc electrophoresis. The esterases were labeled with diisopropyl-1, 3-C14-fluorophosphate (DFP) aminoethylated, and digested by trypsin. The trytic digests were subjected to high voltage electrophoresis, and the radioactive peptides were detected by radioautography. Comparison of the peptides revealed different electrophoretic mobilities of the usual and atypical (dibucaine resistant) plasma cholinesterase peptides. The results are consistent with a structural abnormality of the active center in the variant enzyme. No difference was observed an the esteratic site of the enzyme with C5 component.

Binding Sites

Demonstration of a factor in the serum of homozygotes and heterozygotes for cystic fibrosis by a non-biological technique.

A factor has been isolated from serum of homozygotes and obligate heterozgotes for cystic fibrosis using isoelectric focusing and disc electrophoresis as analytical methods. The factor is focused within an IgG-fraction with an isoelectric point of pH 8 to 9 but differs from IgG in its lower molecular weight. It is thus similar to, if not identical with, the ciliary dyskinesia factor.

Blood Protein Electrophoresis