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Publications and source records attributed to V Jackson.
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We have developed a method for the separation of transcriptionally engaged chromatin from inactive genes as well as from active genes which are not being transcribed. This approach is dependent upon the integrity of the growing transcript and is reflected in a significant decrease in the density of the chromatin during transcription. The decrease in density appears to be due to an association between the growing transcript and a large zone of lower density, possibly the nuclear matrix. These interactions are preserved after fixation of the nuclear material with formaldehyde. Hormonal induction of transcriptional activity causes a shift of the genetic material for the stimulated gene from the high density domain to the low density region. The vast majority of the polymerase II which is engaged with the chromosomal material is also found in this lower density zone. We find that most of the fast form of histone acetylation occurs on those histones which are associated with the active chromatin, further supporting the idea that this modification is involved in some way with the transcriptional process. The merits of this approach are discussed, as are the possibilities for its further exploitation.
Density labeling procedures have been utilized to study the dynamics of histone-histone interactions in vivo. Cells were labeled for 60 min with dense amino acids, and the label was chased for up to 22 h (two replication events for these cells). Nuclei were isolated and treated with formaldehyde to stabilize the histone-histone interactions with a covalent cross-link that produces an octameric complex of two each of H3, H2B, H2A, and H4. This complex was then extracted from the DNA and analyzed on density gradients. The results indicate that new H3,H4 deposits as a tetramer and does not dissociate in the subsequent chases. New H2A,H2B deposited as a dimer and also does not dissociate in subsequent chases. These new histones form hybrid octamers with old histones. On the basis of the new:old ratio in the hybrid octamers, we propose that additional old H2A,H2B from elsewhere in the genome interacts with tetramers of new H3,H4 to form the newly synthesized nucleosomes. It is also observed that 5% of the cross-linked complexes produced by formaldehyde are octamer-octamer (dioctamer). Upon analysis of the density of the dioctamer, the hybrid octamers were found adjacent to octamers that were homogeneous with respect to containing normal density histones. Control experiments are presented to demonstrate that the octamer-octamer cross-links are a product of intrastrand and not interstrand interactions between nucleosomes. These same control experiments also indicate that these procedures do not induce histone exchange during the preparative procedure prior to density gradient analysis. The significance of these results with regard to the dynamics of histone-histone interactions at the replication fork and the potential role in the maintenance of differentiation is discussed.
We have developed procedures to study histone-histone interactions during the deposition of histones in replicating cells. Cells are labeled for 60 min with dense amino acids, and subsequently, the histones within the nucleosomes are cross-linked into an octameric complex with formaldehyde. These complexes are sedimented to equilibrium in density gradients and octamer and dioctamer complexes separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. With reversal of the cross-link, the distribution of the individual density-labeled histones in the octamer is determined. Newly synthesized H3 and H4 deposit as a tetramer and are associated with old H2A and H2B. Newly synthesized H2A and H2B deposit as a dimer associated with old H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. The significance of these results with respect to the dynamics of histone interactions in the nucleus is discussed. Control experiments are presented to test for artifactual formation of these complexes during preparative procedures. In addition, reconstitution experiments were performed to demonstrate that the composition of these octameric complexes can be determined from their distribution on density gradients.
We have reinvestigated studies using Lomant's reagent to cross-link newly synthesized density-labeled histones into octameric complexes to determine the nature of histone deposition. The analysis has additionally included procedures for reversal of the cross-link in order to analyze the individual histones in these complexes. These studies indicate that density-labeled, newly synthesized histones form hybrid octameric structures composed of both new and old histones. These studies also suggest that previous interpretations by other investigators for the production of homogeneous complexes (100% dense octamer containing 100% new histones) are misinterpretations due to the presence of non-histone protein that contaminates the preparation, even under conditions where much of this non-histone protein is removed by use of ion-exchange resins. These non-histone proteins can be fractionated on density gradients as un-cross-linked proteins with molecular weights that mimic those of cross-linked histone complexes.
The deletion end-points of a number of type I (less than monomeric) plasmid deletants obtained by transforming recA+ or recA- E. coli with linear pBR322 DNA were determined by DNA sequencing. In both monodirectional and bidirectional deletions the recyclization point was normally characterized by recombination between directly repeated sequences of between 4 and 10 bp present on each arm of the linearized pBR322 molecule. Frequently, short tracts of uninterrupted homology involved in recombinational recircularization were embedded in regions of relative non-homology. A model predicting the probability of matching sequences in either end of a linear plasmid molecule is presented. It is proposed that exonucleolytic processing of the exposed termini of linear plasmid molecules generates substrates for subsequent recombinational recyclization and deletion. The activity of host recombination and repair functions in recircularizing linear DNA molecules explains the generation of many of the aberrant recombinant DNA constructs obtained during gene cloning procedures.
Hepatoma tissue culture cells were synchronized in G1 and in S phase in order to examine the level of synthesis of different histone types and to determine the rate, timing, and location of their deposition onto DNA. We observe a basal level of synthesis in G1 (5% of that seen in S phase) for H2A.1, H2A.2, H3.2, H2B, and H4. The minor histone variants X and Z are synthesized at 30% of the rate observed in S cells. The rate of synthesis of the ubiquinated histones uH2A.1,2 is not as depressed in G1 cells as seen for H2A.1 and H2A.2. Histones synthesized in G1 are not deposited on the DNA of these cells at equivalent rates. Thus, histones H3.2 and H4 are not deposited significantly until S phase begins, at which time deposition occurs selectively on newly synthesized DNA. The deposition of H2A.1, H2A.2, H2B, X, and Z proceeds in G1; however, it occurs to a 2-4-fold lower extent than seen for the deposition of H1, HMG 14, and HMG 17. The deposition of all histones synthesized in S phase occurs rapidly, but there are variations in the sites of deposition. Thus, newly synthesized H3.1, H3.2, and H4 deposit primarily on newly replicated DNA whereas H2A.1, H2A.2, uH2A.1, 2, and H2B deposit only partially on new DNA (30%) and mostly on old. H1, HMG 14, and HMG 17 are deposited in an apparently fully random manner over the chromatin. To interpret these observations, we propose a model which includes a measure of histone exchange on the chromatin fiber. The model emphasizes the dynamics of histone-histone and histone-DNA interactions in regions of active genes and at replication forks.
We have reinvestigated the mode of segregation of preexisting histones onto replicating chromosomes. Since our previous data have indicated that only histones H3 and H4 do not appear to move from their association with the DNA strand with which they are bound until the next round of replication, we have concentrated our attention on these two histones. The strategy we have employed involved density labeling of DNA and radiolabeling of the histones of interest. Subsequently, we followed the association of histones and DNA during further rounds of DNA replication. One can make predictions concerning the nature of the association between specific histones and particular DNA strands depending on the mode of deposition. The results have confirmed our previous findings that histones segregate randomly. The possibility that such a result is a consequence of turnover of radiolabel in non-histone proteins and subsequent reutilization for histone synthesis has been tested directly. This process appears to be occurring to only a very limited extent. The implications of these conclusions for chromatin structure and gene control are discussed.
Prophylactic administration of lithium significantly attenuated the serotonin depleting effects of reserpine. In rat brain, lithium did not change the capacity of the storage protein, serotonin binding protein to bind the amine either in vivo or in vitro nor did it change its sensitivity to reserpine. However, the chronic administration of lithium significantly decreased reserpine levels in plasma and brain tissue of treated rats compared with rats which were treated only with reserpine. It is concluded that the antagonism between reserpine and lithium does not involve the serotonin binding protein but may be due to the lithium-induced reduction of reserpine levels.
To determine the frequency of biochemical vitamin E deficiency and of the clinical signs of the vitamin E deficiency neurologic syndrome in children with prolonged neonatal cholestatic disorders, we studied 46 children (aged 1 month to 17.0 years) with chronic forms of intrahepatic neonatal cholestasis and 47 children (aged 4 months to 8.0 years) with extrahepatic biliary atresia. Based on serum vitamin E concentrations and the ratios of serum vitamin E concentration to total serum lipid concentration, 64% of the intrahepatic and 77% of the extrahepatic cholestasis groups were vitamin E deficient. Prior to age 1 year, neurologic function was normal in all children. Between ages 1 and 3 years, neurologic abnormalities were present in approximately 50% of the vitamin E-deficient children; after age 3 years, neurologic abnormalities were present in all vitamin E-deficient children. Areflexia was the first abnormality to develop between ages 1 and 4 years; truncal and limb ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, and ophthalmoplegia developed between ages 3 and 6 years. Neurologic dysfunction progressed to a disabling combination of findings by ages 8 to 10 years in the majority of vitamin E-deficient children. Neurologic function was normal in the vitamin E-sufficient children. We conclude that vitamin E status should be evaluated in infants in whom cholestasis is diagnosed, and effective therapy should be initiated to prevent or treat vitamin E deficiency at an early age.
Coagulation factor VIII and IX concentrates produced in Scotland inhibited human lymphocyte transformation induced by lectins or the recall antigen, purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD). Although concanavalin A could bind factor VIII directly and PHA could bind factor IX directly, most of the inhibition was not due to direct clotting factor - lectin interaction nor to simple toxicity. Most of the inhibitory activity from both clotting factors could be removed by dialysis. A similar degree of inhibition was observed when the buffers used to prepare the concentrates were substituted for the concentrates themselves, and a comparable concentration of sodium citrate was also found to be inhibitory. Coagulation factor VIII partially purified by gel filtration was not found to have an appreciable effect on lymphocyte transformation in vitro.
HTC cells have been labeled by short exposures to [3H]thymidine in order to identify newly synthesized DNA. By either isolating nuclei directly or isolating them after an extensive fixation with formaldehyde, we have been able to identify two phases in the maturation process of newly replicated chromatin. The first phase which is relatively brief (less than 5 min) is reflected in a diffuse, irregular organization of nucleosomes on new DNA immediately postreplicatively . The second phase which lasts from 5 to 30 min postreplication is characterized by a normal repeat length for the nucleosomes which are nonetheless more weakly bound than bulk nucleosomes. This is reflected in increased sliding during nuclease digestion as well as increased nuclease sensitivity and the presence of easily dissociated histones which has been described by other workers.
Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) has a transitory beneficial effect on patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The possibility that this effect is mediated by dopamine (DA) receptors was investigated in the rat brain. Repeated ECT or chronic haloperidol treatment induced supersensitivity of putative autoreceptors in the nigrostrital and mesolimbic DA pathways as reflected by enhanced apomorphine-induced inhibition of DA synthesis. Effect of simultaneous administration of ECT plus haloperidol on DA receptor sensitivity were not additive. Chronic haloperidol treatment induced significant elevations in the density of 3[H]-spiperone striatal binding sites. Concurrent administration of ECT had no effect on the neuroleptic-induced supersensitivity. ECT alone was also without effect on 3[H]-spiperone binding. Thus, ECT-induced increases in the sensitivity of presynaptic autoinhibition of DA release was not reflected by changes in the striatal 3[H]-spiperone binding sites. This suggests that effects of ECT on the DA system are not mediated by dopamine D2 receptors.
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Long-term lithium treatment attenuated the hypokinetic effect of reserpine in a patient with tardive dyskinesia. In rats, prophylactic lithium administration inhibits reserpine-induced dopamine depletion in the brain. These data indicate that lithium may limit the therapeutic efficacy of reserpine in tardive dyskinesia.
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Chronic administration of haloperidol induced supersensitivity of the pre- and postsynaptic dopaminergic receptors in rat brain. The response of the presynaptic receptors was determined by an enhanced inhibitory effect of apomorphine on dopamine synthesis after gamma-butyrolactone injection. This change in the receptor function was detected both in the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways. Haloperidol also increased the 3H-spiperone binding sites in striatal membranes, indicating supersensitivity of the postsynaptic receptors. Subsequent prolonged treatment with high doses of L-DOPA/carbidopa resulted in a decrease in 3H-spiperone binding sites, but had no effect on the supersensitive presynaptic receptors. It is suggested that tardive dyskinesia may be a state of both pre- and postsynaptic dopamine receptor supersensitivity and that chronic L-DOPA treatment may have a differential effect on these sites.