The c-fos serum response element (SRE) is a primary nuclear target for intracellular signal transduction pathways triggered by growth factors. It is the target for both protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent and -independent signals. Function of the SRE requires binding of a cellular protein, termed serum response factor (SRF). A second protein, p62TCF, recognizes the SRE-SRF complex to form a ternary complex. A mutated SRE that bound SRF but failed to form the ternary complex selectively lost response to PKC activators, but retained response to PKC-independent signals. Thus, two different signaling pathways act through discrete nuclear targets at the SRE. At least one of these pathways functions by recruitment of a pathway-specific accessory factor (p62TCF). These results offer a molecular mechanism to account for the biological specificity of signals that appear to act through common DNA sequence elements.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Development of Sertoli cell junctional specializations and the distribution of the tight-junction-associated protein ZO-1 in the mouse testis.

Basally located tight junctions between Sertoli cells in the postpubertal testis are the largest and most complex junctional complexes known. They form at puberty and are thought to be the major structural component of the "blood-testis" barrier. We have now examined the development of these structures in the immature mouse testis in conjunction with immunolocalization of the tight-junction-associated protein ZO-1 (zonula occludens 1). In testes from 5-day-old mice, tight junctional complexes are absent and ZO-1 is distributed generally over the apicolateral, but not basal, Sertoli cell membrane. As cytoskeletal and reticular elements characteristic of the mature junction are recruited to the developing junctions, between 7 and 14 days, ZO-1 becomes progressively restricted to tight junctional regions. Immunogold labeling of ZO-1 on Sertoli cell plasma membrane preparations revealed specific localization to the cytoplasmic surface of tight junctional regions. In the mature animal, ZO-1 is similarly associated with tight junctional complexes in the basal aspects of the epithelium. In addition, it is also localized to Sertoli cell ectoplasmic specializations adjacent to early elongating, but not late, spermatids just prior to sperm release. Although these structures are not tight junctions, they do have a similar cytoskeletal arrangement, suggesting that ZO-1 interacts with the submembrane cytoskeleton. These results show that, in the immature mouse testis, ZO-1 is present on the Sertoli cell plasma membrane in the absence of recognizable tight junctions. In the presence of tight junctions, however, ZO-1 is found only at the sites of junctional specializations associated with tight junctions and with elongating spermatids.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Reducing disinfectant wastage.

In order to lower departmental costs in an ophthalmological outpatient department by reducing wastage, the stability of available chlorine at levels of 280 ppm and 560 ppm in litre solutions of sodium dichloroisocyanurate was investigated over a three-week period. There was no significant decay in available chlorine at these levels in solutions kept at 20 degrees C. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate may be prepared on a weekly instead of a daily basis with an annual saving of 1200 pounds to 1400 pounds.

Chlorine↗

PubMed1991

Management of suppliers.

A proper balance of power is essential between purchasers and suppliers of goods and services to the NHS. Rory Graham gives some advice to those taking on responsibilities as buyers.

Contract Services↗

PubMed1990