PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

V Ramakrishnan

Publications and source records attributed to V Ramakrishnan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Enhanced visibility of hydrogen atoms by neutron crystallography on fully deuterated myoglobin.

Although hydrogens comprise half of the atoms in a protein molecule and are of great importance chemically and structurally, direct visualization of them by using crystallography is difficult. Neutron crystallography is capable of directly revealing the position of hydrogens, but its use on unlabeled samples faces certain technical difficulties: the large incoherent scattering of hydrogen results in background scattering that greatly reduces the signal to noise of the experiment. Moreover, whereas the scattering lengths of C, N, and O are positive, that of hydrogen is negative and about half the magnitude. This results in density for hydrogens being half as strong and close to the threshold of detection at 2.0-A resolution. Also, because of its opposite sign, there is a partial cancellation of the hydrogen density with that from neighboring atoms, which can lead to ambiguities in interpretation at medium resolution. These difficulties can be overcome by the use of deuterated protein, and we present here a neutron structure of fully deuterated myoglobin. The structure reveals a wealth of chemical information about the molecule, including the geometry of hydrogen bonding, states of protonation of histidines, and the location and geometry of water molecules at the surface of the protein. The structure also should be of broader interest because it will serve as a benchmark for molecular dynamics and energy minimization calculations and for comparison with NMR studies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Association of asthma symptoms and severity with indoor bioaerosols.

BACKGROUND: In this study, repeated measurements were made of levels of mold spores, bacteria, and dust-mite allergens over a 7-month period in the homes of asthmatics, and relationships with measures of asthma severity were evaluated. METHODS: A sample of 57 asthmatic individuals, living in 44 homes in East Moline, Illinois, and nearby communities, participated in a panel study. The homes were visited up to nine times during the study to collect air and dust samples. Asthma severity indicators were derived from questionnaire data and from the daily health records from the panel study. Associations between indoor levels of mold spores, bacteria, and dust-mite allergens were tested with several asthma severity indicators. RESULTS: There was evidence of associations between all asthma severity measures and levels of total and gram-negative bacteria, but mold-spore abundance was associated only with emergency room (ER) visits for asthma. No significant associations were found with house-dust-mite allergen and any of the asthma severity indicators, but the levels of dust-mite allergen were low, with median concentrations of 0.18 microg/g dust Der f 1 and 0.19 microg/g dust Der p 1. CONCLUSIONS: Some evidence was found for associations of increased concentrations of gram-negative bacteria and mold spores with asthma severity, particularly with ER visits. No association was found between house-dust-mite allergen and asthma severity indicators; however, the mite-allergen levels in the study homes were generally well below the proposed threshold level of 2 microg/g dust.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2000

Free tissue transfer in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a non-organ specific, autoimmune disease characterised by antinuclear antibodies and vasculitis. This may manifest itself with areas of cutaneous necrosis which may require extensive excision and reconstruction. Major areas of skin and soft tissue loss may require coverage with either local or microvascular free tissue transfer. This presents potential difficulties in patients with generalised vasculitis. We present the case of a professional cellist with extensive soft tissue loss in her dominant hand, successfully reconstructed with a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap, treated with peri- and postoperative anticoagulation and corticosteroids.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Reconstruction of the high-risk chest wall with endoscopically assisted latissimus dorsi harvest and expander placement.

Certain patients requesting breast reconstruction may be described as having a high-risk chest wall with regard to implant loss and well-documented high complication rates. Such patients have a combination of one or more of the following: previous chest wall radiotherapy, heavy smoking, and thin, tethered chest wall flaps. If autologous transfer is not appropriate for such patients then reconstruction may be difficult. In this specific patient group the assistance of endoscopy has been used to raise the latissimus dorsi muscle to cover an expander placed within an endoscopically created chest wall pocket. The first 12 consecutive cases using this technique are discussed, showing an expander loss rate of 8% for the primary implant placement.

Breast Implantation↗
PubMed2000

Ultrastructural analysis of megakaryocytes in GPV knockout mice.

Lesions in the genes for GPIb alpha, GPIb beta or GPIX result in a bleeding diathesis, the Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS), which associates a platelet adhesion defect with thrombocytopenia, giant platelets and abnormal megakaryocytes (MK). The role of GPV, also absent in BSS, was recently addressed by gene targeting in mice. While a negative modulator function for GPV on thrombin-induced platelet responses was found in one model, the absence of GP V had no effect on GPIb-IX expression or platelet adhesion. Our study extends previous results and reports that electron microscopy of bone marrow from the GPV knockout mice revealed a normal MK ultrastructure and development of the demarcation membrane system (DMS). There was a usual presence of MK fragments in the bone marrow vascular sinus. Immunogold labelling of MK from the knockout mice showed a normal distribution of GPIb-IX in the DMS and on the cell surface. The distribution of fibrinogen, vWF and P-selectin was unchanged with, interestingly, P-selectin also localised within the DMS in both situations. Thus GPV is not crucial to MK development and platelet production, consistent with the fact that no mutation in the GPV gene has as yet been described in BSS.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Crystal structure of the histone acetyltransferase Hpa2: A tetrameric member of the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase superfamily.

We report the crystal structure of the yeast protein Hpa2 in complex with acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) at 2.4 A resolution and without cofactor at 2.9 A resolution. Hpa2 is a member of the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily, a family of enzymes with diverse substrates including histones, other proteins, arylalkylamines and aminoglycosides. In vitro, Hpa2 is able to acetylate specific lysine residues of histones H3 and H4 with a preference for Lys14 of histone H3. Hpa2 forms a stable dimer in solution and forms a tetramer upon binding AcCoA. The crystal structure reveals that the Hpa2 tetramer is stabilized by base-pair interactions between the adenine moieties of the bound AcCoA molecules. These base-pairs represent a novel method of stabilizing an oligomeric protein structure. Comparison of the structure of Hpa2 with those of other GNAT superfamily members illustrates a remarkably conserved fold of the catalytic domain of the GNAT family even though members of this family share low levels of sequence homology. This comparison has allowed us to better define the borders of the four sequence motifs that characterize the GNAT family, including a motif that is not discernable in histone acetyltransferases by sequence comparison alone. We discuss implications of the Hpa2 structure for the catalytic mechanism of the GNAT enzymes and the opportunity for multiple histone tail modification created by the tetrameric Hpa2 structure.

Acetyl Coenzyme A↗
PubMed1999

Increased thrombin responsiveness in platelets from mice lacking glycoprotein V.

A role for glycoprotein (GP)V in platelet function has been proposed on the basis of observations that GP V is the major thrombin substrate on intact platelets cleaved during thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, and that GP V promotes GP Ib-IX surface expression in heterologous cells. We tested the hypotheses that GP V is involved in thrombin-induced platelet activation, in GP Ib-IX expression, and in other platelet responses by generating GP V null mice. Contrary to expectations, GP V -/- platelets were normal in size and expressed normal amounts of GP Ib-IX that was functional in von Willebrand factor binding, explaining why defects in GP V have not been observed in Bernard-Soulier syndrome, a bleeding disorder caused by a lack of functional GP Ib-IX-V. Moreover, in vitro analysis demonstrated that GP V -/- platelets were hyperresponsive to thrombin, resulting in increased fibrinogen binding and an increased aggregation response. Consistent with these findings, GP V -/- mice had a shorter bleeding time. These data support a role for GP V as a negative modulator of platelet activation. Furthermore, they suggest a new mechanism by which thrombin enhances platelet responsiveness independent of activation of the classical G-protein-coupled thrombin receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Crystal structure of the conserved subdomain of human protein SRP54M at 2.1 A resolution: evidence for the mechanism of signal peptide binding.

Protein SRP54 is an integral part of the mammalian signal recognition particle (SRP), a cytosolic ribonucleoprotein complex which associates with ribosomes and serves to recognize, bind, and transport proteins destined for the membrane or secretion. The methionine-rich M-domain of protein SRP54 (SRP54M) binds the SRP RNA and the signal peptide as the nascent protein emerges from the ribosome. A focal point of this critical cellular function is the detailed understanding of how different hydrophobic signal peptides are recognized efficiently and transported specifically, despite considerable variation in sequence. We have solved the crystal structure of a conserved functional subdomain of the human SRP54 protein (hSRP54m) at 2.1 A resolution showing a predominantly alpha helical protein with a large fraction of the structure available for binding. RNA binding is predicted to occur in the vicinity of helices 4 to 6. The N-terminal helix extends significantly from the core of the structure into a large but constricted hydrophobic groove of an adjacent molecule, thus revealing molecular details of possible interactions between alpha helical signal peptides and human SRP54.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Structure of a bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit at 5.5 A resolution.

The 30S ribosomal subunit binds messenger RNA and the anticodon stem-loop of transfer RNA during protein synthesis. A crystallographic analysis of the structure of the subunit from the bacterium Thermus thermophilus is presented. At a resolution of 5.5 A, the phosphate backbone of the ribosomal RNA is visible, as are the alpha-helices of the ribosomal proteins, enabling double-helical regions of RNA to be identified throughout the subunit, all seven of the small-subunit proteins of known crystal structure to be positioned in the electron density map, and the fold of the entire central domain of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA to be determined.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1999

A detailed view of a ribosomal active site: the structure of the L11-RNA complex.

We report the crystal structure of a 58 nucleotide fragment of 23S ribosomal RNA bound to ribosomal protein L11. This highly conserved ribonucleoprotein domain is the target for the thiostrepton family of antibiotics that disrupt elongation factor function. The highly compact RNA has both familiar and novel structural motifs. While the C-terminal domain of L11 binds RNA tightly, the N-terminal domain makes only limited contacts with RNA and is proposed to function as a switch that reversibly associates with an adjacent region of RNA. The sites of mutations conferring resistance to thiostrepton and micrococcin line a narrow cleft between the RNA and the N-terminal domain. These antibiotics are proposed to bind in this cleft, locking the putative switch and interfering with the function of elongation factors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Location of translational initiation factor IF3 on the small ribosomal subunit.

The location of translational initiation factor IF3 bound to the 30S subunit of the Thermus thermophilus ribosome has been determined by cryoelectron microscopy. Both the 30S.IF3 complex and control 30S subunit structures were determined to 27-A resolution. The difference map calculated from the two reconstructions reveals three prominent lobes of positive density. The previously solved crystal structure of IF3 fits very well into two of these lobes, whereas the third lobe probably arises from conformational changes induced in the 30S subunit as a result of IF3 binding. Our placement of IF3 on the 30S subunit allows an understanding in structural terms of the biochemical functions of this initiation factor, namely its ability to dissociate 70S ribosomes into 30S and 50S subunits and the preferential selection of initiator tRNA by IF3 during initiation.

Cell Fractionation↗
PubMed1999

Sexual orientation and suicidality: a co-twin control study in adult men.

BACKGROUND: Several recent studies have found a higher lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts in homosexual males compared with heterosexual control subjects or population rates. These studies used either convenience samples, most without controls, or population-based samples in which confounding factors such as depression and substance abuse were not measured. METHODS: This study used twins from the population-based Vietnam Era Twin Registry, Hines, Ill. An analytic sample of 103 middle-aged male-male twin pairs from the registry was identified in which one member of the pair reported male sex partners after age 18 years while the other did not. Four lifetime symptoms of suicidality as measured by the Diagnostic Interview Schedule were analyzed: thoughts about death, wanting to die, thoughts about committing suicide, and attempted suicide. A composite measure of reporting at least one suicidality symptom was also assessed. RESULTS: Same-gender sexual orientation is significantly associated with each of the suicidality measures. Unadjusted matched-pair odds ratios follow: 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 - 4.6) for thoughts about death; 4.4 (95% CI, 1.7 - 11.6) for wanted to die; 4.1 (95% CI, 2.1 - 8.2) for suicidal ideation; 6.5 (95% CI, 1.5 - 28.8) for attempted suicide; and 5.1 (95% CI, 2.4 - 10.9) for any of the suicidal symptoms. After adjustment for substance abuse and depressive symptoms (other than suicidality), all of the suicidality measures remain significantly associated with same-gender sexual orientation except for wanting to die (odds ratio, 2.5 [95% CI, 0.7 - 8.81). CONCLUSIONS: The substantially increased lifetime risk of suicidal behaviors in homosexual men is unlikely to be due solely to substance abuse or other psychiatric comorbidity. While the underlying causes of the suicidal behaviors remain unclear, future research needs to address the inadequacies in the measurement of both sexual orientation and suicidality in population-based samples.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Purification and characterization of a cobalt-activated carboxypeptidase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus.

A novel metallocarboxypeptidase (PfuCP) has been purified to homogeneity from the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Pyrococcus furiosus, with its intended use in C-terminal ladder sequencing of proteins and peptides at elevated temperatures. PfuCP was purified in its inactive state by the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and dithiothreitol (DTT) to purification buffers, and the activity was restored by the addition of divalent cobalt (K, = 24 +/- 4 microM at 80 degrees C). The serine protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) had no effect on the activity. The molecular mass of monomeric PfuCP is 59 kDa as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 58 kDa by SDS-PAGE analysis. In solution, PfuCP exists as a homodimer of approximately 128 kDa as determined by gel filtration chromatography. The activity of PfuCP exhibits a temperature optimum exceeding 90 degrees C under ambient pressure, and a narrow pH optimum of 6.2-6.6. Addition of Co2+ to the apoPfuCP at room temperature does not alter its far-UV circular dichroism (CD) or its intrinsic fluorescence spectrum. Even when the CoPfuCP is heated to 80 degrees C, its far-UV CD shows a minimal change in the global conformation and the intrinsic fluorescence of aromatic residues shows only a partial quenching. Changes in the intrinsic fluorescence appear essentially reversible with temperature. Finally, the far-UV CD and intrinsic fluorescence data suggest that the overall structure of the holoenzyme is extremely thermostable. However, the activities of both the apo and holo enzyme exhibit a similar second-order decay over time, with 50% activity remaining after approximately 40 min at 80 degrees C. The N-blocked synthetic dipeptide, N-carbobenzoxy-Ala-Arg (ZAR), was used in the purification assay. The kinetic parameters at 80 degrees C with 0.4 mM CoCl2 were: Km, 0.9 +/- 0.1 mM; Vmax, 2,300 +/- 70 U mg(-1); and turn over number, 600 +/- 20 s(-1). Activity against other ZAX substrates (X = V, L, I, M, W, Y, F, N, A, S, H, K) revealed a broad specificity for neutral, aromatic, polar, and basic C-terminal residues. This broad specificity was confirmed by the C-terminal ladder sequencing of several synthetic and natural peptides, including porcine N-acetyl-renin substrate, for which we have observed (by MALDI-TOF MS) stepwise hydrolysis by PfuCP of up to seven residues from the C-terminus: Ac-Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-Ser.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

The role of alpha and beta platelet-derived growth factor receptor in the vascular response to injury in nonhuman primates.

Restenosis remains a significant clinical problem associated with mechanical interventional procedures for arterial revascularization or repair, including coronary angioplasty and stenting. Studies with rodents have established that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a potent chemotactic and mitogenic agent for vascular smooth muscle cells, is a key mediator of lesion formation after vascular injury. To further explore this hypothesis in a more clinically relevant model, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were used to examine the effect of selective inhibition of alpha or beta PDGF receptor (PDGFR) on neointima formation in nonhuman primates. Carotid arteries were injured by surgical endarterectomy and femoral arteries by balloon catheter dilatation. Immunostaining revealed that both injuries induced cell proliferation and the upregulation of beta PDGFR but not alpha PDGFR. By 7 days after injury, beta PDGFR staining was limited to the luminal region of the media, the small areas of neointima, and the adventitia. Nearly all bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells were found in these regions as well. After 30 days, a concentric neointima that stained strongly for beta PDGFR had formed in the carotid and femoral arteries. Treatment of baboons with anti-beta PDGFR mAb 2A1E2 for 6 days after injury reduced the carotid artery and femoral artery lesion sizes by 37% (P<0.05) and 48% (P<0.005), respectively, when measured at 30 days. Under the same conditions, treatment with anti-alpha PDGFR mAb 2H7C5 had no effect. These findings suggest that PDGF mediates neointima formation through the beta PDGFR, and that antagonism of this pathway may be a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing clinical restenosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Chicago community-based asthma intervention trial: feasibility of delivering peer education in an inner-city population.

The most effective means of educating children with asthma and their families has not been clearly demonstrated in previous studies. Peer education is uniquely suited to the complex problems encountered in underserved populations. The purpose of this study was to show the feasibility of delivering a peer education program for children with asthma and the effect of the program on indoor allergen levels in an inner-city population in Chicago. Overall, the program was well received. Baseline allergen levels were consistent with some previous studies in showing low levels of mite allergens and high levels of cockroach allergens, with 79.6% of samples having levels > 8 U/g. A total of 28.2% of samples had cat allergen levels > 2 microg/g, although only 9.7% of homes had cats, confirming previous reports that cat allergen is ubiquitous. Mold levels were seasonal, with the highest levels in the summer. Results from this study suggest that intervention programs should focus more on elimination of cockroaches than was previously appreciated, while minimizing the use of pesticides, and on identification of the sources of cat allergen. Structural and psychosocial issues in homes need to be addressed in future studies. This study has demonstrated the feasibility of delivering peer education in a inner-city population and highlighted the need for comprehensive intervention strategies addressing complex issues facing underserved neighborhoods.

Adolescent↗