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R H Silverman

Publications and source records attributed to R H Silverman.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Affinity labelling and characterization of the ppp(A2'p)nA-dependent endoribonuclease from different mammalian sources.

The ppp(A2'p)nA-dependent endoribonucleases from a number of different mammalian sources have been investigated. The enzyme from reticulocyte lysates shows optimal activity of 50-150 mM KCl and requires the presence of Mg2+. Whilst the enzyme is inactivated after passage of reticulocyte lysates through Sephadex columns in the absence of ATP, it retains full activity provided ATP is included in the column buffer. The activity of the partially purified nuclease was unaffected by the addition of reticulocyte RNase inhibitor, which, in contrast, effectively inhibited other endogenous endonucleases. The ppp(A2'p)nA-dependent Rnase co-purified with a ppp(A2'p)nA-binding protein and with a protein which could be specifically covalently labelled with an oxidised radioactive analogue of ppp(A2'p)nA. This covalent labelling could be carried out either with the partially purified RNase or in crude extracts from rabbit reticulocytes, mouse Krebs and Ehrlich ascites tumour cells and human lymphoblastoid (Daudi) or HeLa cells. In each case the affinity labelled protein migrated to a position corresponding to a apparent molecular weight of about 85 000 on electrophoresis on dodecylsulphate/polyacrylamide gels. In all cases labelling could be prevented by the addition of an excess of unlabelled ppp(A2'p)nA but not, for example, by a similar excess of the biologically inactive dimer ppp(A2'p)'A. It is concluded that the RNase and ppp(A2'p)nA binding activities are likely to reside in the same molecule.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Control of the ppp(a2'p)nA system in HeLa cells. Effects of interferon and virus infection.

HeLa cells have an unusually high level of ppp(A2'p)nA synthetase (n = 2 to greater than or equal to 4) even in the absence of interferon treatment. In accord with this ppp(A2'p)nA and ppp(A2'p)nA-mediated ribosomal RNA cleavage occur naturally in response to encephalomyocarditis virus infection in control as well as in interferon-treated cells. Despite this, in the absence of interferon treatment, encephalomyocarditis virus grows well in these cells. A possible explanation for this paradox is that the ppp(A2'p)nA dependent RNase is lost or inactivated at later times post-infection in control but not in interferon-treated cells. It appears, therefore, to be the prevention by interferon of the virus-mediated inhibition of the ppp(A2'p)n-dependent nuclease rather than the absolute level or induction of the ppp(A2'p)nA synthetase which is crucial for the activity of the ppp(A2'p)nA system in HeLa cells. These results provide evidence for a further level of control in the ppp(A2'p)nA system and show that limited ppp(A2'p)nA-mediated ribosomal RNA cleavage alone is not sufficient to cause an inhibition of virus growth.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

The ppp(A2'p)nA and protein kinase systems in wild-type and interferon-resistant Daudi cells.

Daudi cells, a human lymphoblastoid line, are exceptionally sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of interferon, 1 unit/ml being sufficient to inhibit cell growth. In addition, interferon treatment of these cells severely inhibits the incorporation of exogenous thymidine into DNA and causes cells to accumulate in the G1(G0) at the expense of the S phase of the cell cycle. The possible involvement of ppp(A2'p)nA(n = 2 to less than or equal to 4) in these effects has been investigated. No (less than 1 nM) ppp(A2'p)nA or (A2'p)nA or alternative products of the ppp(A2'p)nA synthetase [e.g. NAD (2'pA)2] were detected in interferon-treated cells. In addition no evidence was obtained for the occurrence of ppp(A2'p)nA-mediated ribosomal RNA cleavage in these cells even after several days of treatment with relatively high doses of interferon. A line of Daudi cells which is resistant to all three of the above effects of interferon was selected. The wild type and resistant lines were compared with respect to the ppp(A2'p)nA and interferon and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated protein kinase systems. The resistant line was not receptor-negative as it responded to interferon by the production of elevated levels of the ppp(A2'p)nA synthetase similar to those observed in extracts from wild-type cells. There was no detectable difference between the lines in the levels of the (2'-5')phosphodiesterase responsible for the degradation of ppp(A2'p)nA. There was, however, about a twofold increase in the ppp(A2'p)nA-dependent endoribonuclease activity in response to interferon with extracts from the wild-type but not the resistant cells. In addition, although the dsRNA-dependent protein kinase activity increased in both types of cell there was a striking reduction in the level of protein phosphorylation in general in response to interferon with material from the wild-type but not the resistant cells.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

Ribosomal RNA cleavage, nuclease activation and 2-5A(ppp(A2'p)nA) in interferon-treated cells.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in intact ribosomes is cleaved into discrete products on incubation of reticulocyte lysates or L-cell extracts with ppp(A2'p)3A. Cleavage of rRNA may, therefore, provide a useful assay for 2-5A (ppp)A2'p)nA; n = 2 to 4) or for the presence of a 2-5A-dependent nuclease. The results with reticulocyte lysates differed from those obtained in the L-cell-free system in that (a) a different RNA cleavage pattern was produced (with added L-cell ribosomes) and (b) cleavage was fully activated by the analogue ppp(A2'p)3A3'pCp. As might be expected from the relatively high levels of 2-5A present in interferon-treated, encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC)-infected L-cells, rRNA extracted from these cells was also cleaved. The cleavage pattern observed overlapped with that obtained on incubation of an L-cell-free system with 2-5A. Thus, not only is 2-5A present, but the 2-5A-dependent nuclease also appears to be active, in interferon-treated, EMC-infected L-cells.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Synthesis, characterization and properties of ppp(A2'p)nApCp and related high-specific-activity 32P-labelled derivatives of ppp(A2'p)nA.

T4 RNA ligase (EC 6.5.1.3) has been used to link cytidine 3',5'-[5'-32P]bisphosphate or unlabelled cytidine 3',5'-bisphosphate (pCp) covalently to the 3'-OH of individual components of 5'-triphospho-oligo[(2'-5')adenylyl]adenosine [ppp(A2'p)nA with n = 2 or 3] and adenylyl(2'-5')adenylyl(2'-5')adenosine [(A2'p)2A] to yield 5'-triphospho-oligo[(2'-5')adenylyl]adenylyl(3'-5')cytidine 3'-phosphate [ppp(A2'p)nApCp with n = 2 or 3] and adenylyl(2'-5')adenylyl(2'-5')adenylyl(3'-5')cytidine 3'-phosphate (A2'p)2ApCp], respectively. The radioactive products isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography had specific activities greater than 10(6) Ci/mol. These products were found to be effective probes for use in radiobinding and radioimmune assays for ppp(A2'p)nA and (A2'p)nA [M. Knight et al. (1980) Nature 288, 189-192]. ppp(A2'p)nA is unstable in cell-free systems and in intact cells. ppp(A2'p)nApCp, however, was found to be much more stable than ppp(A2'p)nA in extracts of rabbit reticulocytes or Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. (A2'p)2Ap, (A2'p)2ApC (reticulocyte only) or (A2'p)2ApCp were also more stable than unmodified (A2'p)2A in these systems. The results are consistent with a specific degradation pathway for ppp(A2'p)nA which proceeds from the 3' terminus. ppp(A2'p)3ApCp activated the ppp(A2'p)nA-dependent RNase and inhibited protein synthesis in a reticulocyte cell-free system at least as well as unmodified tetramer ppp(A2'p)3A, suggesting that an unmodified 3' terminus is not required for full activity in this system. In extracts from mouse Ehrlich ascites tumour or L-cells, however, ppp(A2'p)nApCp was greater than or equal to 30 fold less active (if directly active at all).

Adenine Nucleotides↗

The 2-5A (pppA2'p5'A2'p5'A) and protein kinase systems in interferon-treated and control cells.

With respect to interferon action in general: multisite models and analogies with hormone action are in vogue. More particularly, concerning the 2-5A system, the structure of 2-5A has been confirmed. We know that in the cell-free system and intact cell it is unstable and in the absence of a regenerating system transiently activates a nuclease. This nuclease shows some specificity; preferentially cleaving RNA on the 3'-side of UN doublets (UA and UU are preferred). When introduced into the intact cell 2-5A can inhibit protein and DNA synthesis and virus growth. In addition, both 2-5A and core occur naturally in amounts sufficient for them to play a part in the antiviral and antigrowth activities of interferon. Finally, it is possible that the 2-5A system may have a significance beyond its role in interferon action in the control of cell growth or development.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Radioimmune, radiobinding and HPLC analysis of 2-5A and related oligonucleotides from intact cells.

The enzyme (2-5A synthetase) which synthesizes ppp(A2'p)nA where n=2 to 4 (collectively referred to as 2-5A) is widely distributed in a variety of cells and tissues in amounts which increase response to interferon and vary with growth and hormone status. 2-5A activates a nuclease which inhibits protein synthesis. The non-phosphorylated 'core' of 2-5A ((A2'p)nA, n=2 to 4) can inhibit DNA synthesis and cell growth. Here we describe convenient and sensitive radioimmune (RI) and radiobinding (RB) assays for core and 2-5A. In combination with more satisfactory high performance liquid chromatography (HPCL) methods using reverse-phase C18 columns, these assays have been used to detect core and 2-5A in crude extracts from interferon-treated cells. The novel 2-5A synthetase products NAD2'p5' A2'p5'A and A5'p45'A2'p5'A2'p5'A (ref. 13), which can also be detected using the RB assay, were not found in significant amounts. The natural occurrence of core has not been described previously.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

Unusual effects of 5a,6-anhydrotetracycline and other tetracyclines. Inhibition of guanosine 5'-diphosphate 3'-diphosphate metabolism, RNA accumulation and other growth-related processes in Escherichia coli.

5a,6-Anhydrotetracycline was discovered to be unique among several tetracycline derivatives tested in its ability to inhibit RNA accumulation in vivo at low concentration (20 microgram/ml and less). In addition, in vivo protein, DNA, and guanosine 5'-diphosphate 3'-diphosphate (ppGpp) synthesis were completely inhibited by 20 microgram/ml 5a,6-anhydrotetracycline. ppGpp decay in a spoT strain was inhibited by 20 microgram/ml 5a,6-anhydrotef RNA synthesis by a 5a,6-anhydrotetracycline may be due, in part, to reduced UTP and CTP synthesis. The effects of tetracyclines on in vitro ppGpp synthesis by crude stringent factor in the absence of ribosomes were investigated. It was determined that of six tetracyclines tested, four strongly inhibited the reaction (oxytetracycline, chlorotetracycline, dedimethylaminotetracycline, and tetracycline) whereas 5a,6-anhydrotetracycline gave a moderate inhibition and alpha-6-deoxyoxytetracycline resulted in only a slight reduction in ppGpp synthesis. It is proposed that tetracyclines interfere with factors involved in ppGpp metabolism and function.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Regression of uveal malignant melanomas following cobalt-60 plaque. Correlates between acoustic spectrum analysis and tumor regression.

Parameters derived from computer analysis of digital radio-frequency (rf) ultrasound scan data of untreated uveal malignant melanomas were examined for correlations with tumor regression following cobalt-60 plaque. Parameters included tumor height, normalized power spectrum and acoustic tissue type (ATT). Acoustic tissue type was based upon discriminant analysis of tumor power spectra, with spectra of tumors of known pathology serving as a model. Results showed ATT to be correlated with tumor regression during the first 18 months following treatment. Tumors with ATT associated with spindle cell malignant melanoma showed over twice the percentage reduction in height as those with ATT associated with mixed/epithelioid melanomas. Pre-treatment height was only weakly correlated with regression. Additionally, significant spectral changes were observed following treatment. Ultrasonic spectrum analysis thus provides a noninvasive tool for classification, prediction and monitoring of tumor response to cobalt-60 plaque.

Cobalt Radioisotopes↗

Correlation of microcirculation architecture with ultrasound backscatter parameters of uveal melanoma.

Ultrasound tissue characterization parameters of size and acoustic concentration can be used to sub-classify uveal melanoma and estimate the patient's risk of death. Histologically determined microcirculation patterns have also been found to sub-classify uveal melanoma and predict patient's risk of death. This study examines the spatial relationship between tumor features detected by the two techniques. Three dimensional ultrasound images that depict the size and relative concentration of scattering elements in uveal melanoma within a range of approximately 50-120 microns were compared with PAS (without hematoxylin) stained histological sections graded and localized according to tumor microvascular patterns. Both ultrasound parameter imaging and histopathology were accomplished by workers masked to the other procedure. In three of five patients vascular networks were identified histopathologically. The predominant ultrasound feature seen in the regions of the histologically identified networks were clusters of scatterers in the range of approximately 50-80 microns. In the two cases without a network vascular pattern, lower range scatterers dominated the tumor volume. All the cases could be distinguished by the size and distribution of contiguous spatial clusters of acoustic scatterers. Scatterer size features detected in three dimensional ultrasound parameter images can identify tumor regions containing a specific microvascular pattern. Ultrasound tissue characterization features used to sub-classify uveal melanoma may have a biophysical basis related to patterns of tumor microcirculation.

Blood Vessels↗

The shape of Bowman's layer in the human cornea.

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to derive a mathematical model for Bowman's layer, the interface between the epithelium and stroma, in the human cornea. METHODS: The central epithelial thickness distribution within 14 normal human corneas was measured in vivo using high frequency ultrasonic digital signal processing with a measurement precision of 2 microns. The results per eye were averaged and incorporated into existing algorithms for the estimation of the shape of the anterior surface of Bowman's layer using terminology in accordance with Baker's equation. RESULTS: The average radius of Bowman's layer was 7.34 mm (SE +/- 0.17 mm). Descriptions of this boundary ranged from a steepening or prolate ellipse to a hyperbola. However, the typical Bowman's layer is hyperbolic with a shape factor, p = -0.22 (SE +/- 1.81). CONCLUSION: The results support previous cadaver studies where Bowman's layer was found to be steeper than the anterior corneal surface but disagree with the concept that the average Bowman's layer is akin to a prolate ellipse. The hyperbolic nature of the average Bowman's layer has the potential to influence the optical performance of the eye.

Basement Membrane↗

Arc-scanning very high-frequency digital ultrasound for 3D pachymetric mapping of the corneal epithelium and stroma in laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To test and demonstrate measurement precision, imaging resolution, 3D thickness mapping, and clinical utility of a new prototype 3D very high-frequency (VHF) (50 MHz) digital ultrasound scanning system for corneal epithelium, flap, and residual stromal thickness after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: VHF ultrasonic 3D data was acquired by arc-motion, meridional scanning within a 10-mm zone. Digital signal processing techniques provided high-resolution B-scan imaging, and I-scan traces for high-precision pachymetry in 4 eyes. Thickness maps of individual corneal layers were constructed. Reproducibility of epithelial, flap, and full corneal pachymetry was assessed for single-point and 3D thickness mapping by repeated measures. Thickness mapping of the epithelium, stroma, flap, and full cornea were determined before and after LASIK. Preoperative to postoperative difference maps for epithelium, flap, and stroma were produced to demonstrate anatomical changes in the thickness profile of each layer. RESULTS: Surface localization precision was 0.87 microm. Central reproducibility for single-point pachymetry of epithelium was 0.61 microm; flap, 1.14 microm; and full cornea, 0.74 microm. Reproducibility for central pachymetry on 3D thickness mapping was 0.5 microm for epithelium and 1.5-microm for full cornea. B-scans and 3D thickness maps after LASIK demonstrated resolution of epithelial, stromal component of the flap, and residual stromal layers. Large epithelial profile changes were demonstrated after LASIK. Topographic variability of flap thickness and residual stromal thickness were significant. CONCLUSIONS: VHF digital ultrasound arc-B scanning provides high-resolution imaging and high-precision three-dimensional thickness mapping of corneal layers, enabling accurate anatomical evaluation of the changes induced in the cornea by LASIK.

Corneal Stroma↗