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SNF6 encodes a nuclear protein that is required for expression of many genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The SNF6 gene appears to affect transcription from a variety of promoters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The gene was cloned, and sequence analysis revealed two completely overlapping open reading frames of 996 and 1092 nucleotides on opposite strands. The SNF6 coding sequence was identified by selective mutagenesis. The predicted 37,604-dalton SNF6 protein is highly charged but overall neutral. A bifunctional SNF6-beta-galactosidase fusion protein was localized in the nucleus, as judged by immunofluorescence microscopy. The N terminus of SNF6 contains a sequence homologous to nuclear localization signals and was sufficient to direct beta-galactosidase to the nucleus. The 5' ends of the SNF6 RNA were heterogeneous and included ends mapping downstream from the first ATG codon. Construction of a frameshift mutation provided evidence that translational initiation at the second ATG yields a partially functional SNF6 product. Null mutations in SNF6 caused a wider range of pleiotropic defects than the previously isolated point mutation, including slow growth. Genetic and molecular evidence suggested that SNF6 is functionally related to the SNF2 and SNF5 genes. These genes may function together to affect transcription.

Alleles↗

Effect of meal viscosity and nutrients on satiety, intragastric dilution, and emptying assessed by MRI.

The relationship between the intragastric distribution, dilution, and emptying of meals and satiety was studied using noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging techniques in 12 healthy subjects with four polysaccharide test meals of varying viscosity and nutrient content as follows: 1) low-viscosity nonnutrient, 2) low-viscosity nutrient, 3) high-viscosity nonnutrient, and 4) high-viscosity nutrient. Increasing the nutrient content of the high-viscosity meal delayed gastric emptying from 46 +/- 9 to 76 +/- 6 min (P < 0.004), whereas increasing viscosity had a smaller effect. The volume of secretions within the stomach 60 min after ingestion was higher for the high-viscosity nutrient meal (P < 0.04). A simple model to calculate the total volume of secretion added to the test meal is presented. Color-coded dilution map images showed the heterogeneous process of progressive gastric dilution of high-viscosity meals, whereas low-viscosity meals were uniformly diluted. Fullness was found to be linearly related to total gastric volumes for the nutrient meals (R(2) = 0.98) and logarithmically related for the nonnutrient meals (R(2) = 0.96). Fullness was higher for high- compared with low-viscosity meals (P < 0.02), and with the nutrient meals this was associated with greater antral volumes (P < 0.05).

Adult↗

Dispersion-based reentry: mechanism of initiation of ventricular tachycardia in isolated rabbit hearts.

The aim of the study was to determine whether facilitation of reentry by potassium-channel openers is related to dispersion of refractoriness and/or modification of anisotropic properties of ventricular myocardium. The dispersion of ventricular effective refractory period (VERP), longitudinal and transverse ventricular conduction velocities (thetaL and thetaT, respectively), and wavelength [lambda = VERP x theta(L or T)] were studied in Langendorff-perfused left ventricular epicardium in 20 rabbits during infusion of incremental doses of levcromakalim or nicorandil. Dispersion of refractoriness was assessed using standard deviation of VERP mean (SD-VERP), dispersion index (DI; SD-VERP/mean VERP), and maximum dispersion (Dmax = VERPmax - VERPmin). Ventricular conduction velocities and anisotropic ratio were not modified, whatever the dose used. VERP and lambda were significantly shortened at high concentrations of levcromakalim and nicorandil. At these doses, SD-VERP, DI, and Dmax were increased significantly. Analysis of ventricular tachycardia induction, performed using a high-resolution ventricular mapping system, confirmed that heterogeneity and shortening of VERP were factors inducing functional conduction block. Our data suggest that, in rabbit left ventricular epicardium, functional conduction block facilitating the occurrence of reentry could be initiated by shortening and, especially, by dispersion of refractoriness during infusion of potassium-channel openers.

Animals↗

Use of isolated populations in the study of a human obesity syndrome, the Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a pleiotropic genetic disorder with the cardinal features of obesity, photoreceptor degeneration, polydactyly, hypogenitalism, renal abnormalities, and developmental delay. Other associated clinical findings in BBS patients include diabetes, hypertension, and congenital heart defects. The clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of at least four of the cardinal symptoms. BBS is recognized to be a genetically heterogeneous autosomal recessive disorder mapping to eight known loci. Positional cloning and candidate gene evaluation have resulted in the identification of six BBS genes. Mutation of one of these genes, BBS6, also causes McKusick-Kaufman syndrome. The BBS6 gene is predicted to code for a protein with sequence similarity to the chaperonin family of proteins. The predicted BBS1, BBS2, BBS4, BBS7, and BBS8 gene products do not seem to be molecular chaperones, on the basis of a lack of sequence similarity to the chaperonin family of proteins. The identification of BBS8 suggests a possible role in cilia function for BBS gene products. It remains to be determined whether the multiple BBS proteins are part of a multisubunit complex or do not directly interact with each other but are part of a common pathway. The study of BBS illustrates the value of using isolated inbred populations for the study of human genetic diseases and suggests strategies for facilitating the study of complex diseases and traits.

Animals↗

The effect of apolipoprotein(a)-, apolipoprotein E-, and apolipoprotein A4- polymorphisms on quantitative lipoprotein(a) concentrations.

The effects of apolipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein-E, and apolipoprotein-A4 isoforms on quantitative lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels were assessed in a sample of 142 Dutch families consisting of two parents and their adolescent twin offspring. A total heritability of 95% was estimated for plasma Lp(a) concentrations. The largest part of this heritability was due to the apo(a) locus which explained 61% of the total variance in Lp(a) levels. The pattern of familial correlations for the residual part of the Lp(a) variance that could not be attributed to the apo(a) isoforms, suggested genetic influences on the residual variance. We addressed the question whether this residual genetic variance could be ascribed to the apoE or the apoA4 locus. A simultaneous analysis of all three loci showed that both the apoE and the apoA4 polymorphism did not contribute significantly to Lp(a) variation.

Adolescent↗

Application of high resolution microfocus X-ray CT for the observation of human tooth.

The calcification degree of extracted human teeth was observed by using high resolution microfocus X-ray CT. As samples, upper and lower first premolars extracted from a 21-year-old female were used. The computed tomograms were produced by high resolution microfocus X-ray CT with a open vacuum X-ray source, rotating sample stage, and image sensor. The distinction between enamel and dentin was very clear, and the shape of the pulp cavity was also clearly identified. The secondary dentin was visible in the circumpulpal dentin. The color map displays showed the heterogeneity of the calcification degree not only in the dentin but also in the enamel. The enamel was divided into three layers according to the calcification degree. High resolution microfocus X-ray CT was very useful for the observation of the internal structure of human teeth without destroying the samples.

Adult↗

Identification of phage-displayed peptides which bind to the human HnRNPA1 protein-specific monoclonal antibody.

We have screened a peptide phage display library to examine if monoclonal antibody-binding phages could be isolated from the library and thereby predict the antigenic epitopes of the antibodies from the isolated phages. The library was screened for high-avidity binding to monoclonal antibodies by an affinity purification technique called biopanning. Among the monoclonal antibodies examined, the human hnRNPA1 protein-specific monoclonal antibody 9H10 showed selective binding of phages. After two rounds of the biopanning, twelve clones of high-avidity-binding phages were chosen and their inserts were sequenced. Nucleotide sequence comparison of the 12 clones showed that there were 5 different species, with two species containing four members, implying that they were predominantly selected by the biopanning. The amino acid sequences of the inserts of the 12 clones were compared with that of the human hnRNPA1 protein in order to find the putative epitope of the human hnRNPA1 protein for 9H10. The C-terminal region of the human hnRNPA1 protein shows significant homology with the peptide sequences of the selected phage clones. These results show that this peptide phage display library can be useful in defining the epitope of some monoclonal antibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Late infantile acid maltase deficiency: a case report.

A five-year-old boy with late-infantile (juvenile) form of acid maltase deficiency is presented. His symptoms were restricted to skeletal muscle. There is commonly a correlation between the amount of residual acid maltase activity and the severity of the clinical picture. Although the residual enzyme level was very low in our patient, no progression of his neurological findings have been observed during the follow-up period of two years.

Age of Onset↗

Heterogeneity of the first cluster of differentiation: characterization and epitopic mapping of three CD1 molecules on normal human thymus cells.

In humans, the presence of two non-HLA class 1-like molecules, whose expression, similar to murine Tla, is restricted to cortical thymocytes, has been shown with monoclonal antibodies defining the first cluster of differentiation (CD1). We report here with the use of 12 anti-CD1 antibodies and a combination of technical approaches, the characterization of a third CD1 molecule. We show that we can presently define seven different epitopes on the three CD1 molecules: four epitopes are restricted to the 49,000 dalton molecule, two epitopes to the 45,000 dalton molecule, and one epitope to the 43,000 dalton molecule. We show that the association of the newly identified 45,000 dalton heavy chain with human beta2-microglobulin is weak. In addition we show the presence of a fourth non-HLA class I molecular species on the surface of normal human thymus cells.

Animals↗

The two major phosphoproteins in growth cones are probably identical to two protein kinase C substrates correlated with persistence of long-term potentiation.

Regulation of neural protein kinase C (PKC) activity appears to directly affect the persistence of long-term potentiation (LTP; Akers and Routtenberg, 1985; Lovinger et al., 1985, 1986, 1987; Routtenberg et al., 1985, 1986; Akers et al., 1986; Linden et al., 1987), a model of neural plasticity (Bliss and Lomo, 1973). In addition, the in vitro phosphorylation of a brain-specific PKC substrate, protein F1 (Mr 47 kDa, pl 4.5), has been directly correlated with persistence of LTP (Lovinger et al., 1986). Because PKC has been implicated in neurite outgrowth and is present at high levels in growth cone-rich areas of fetal brain, we investigated and characterized PKC substrates in a preparation of isolated nerve growth cone fragments from fetal rat brain and compared them with PKC substrates found in adult rat hippocampus. Four major proteins in the growth cone preparation showed endogenous phosphorylation levels at least 10-fold greater than any other phosphoproteins. Three of these 4 phosphoproteins, termed pp40, pp46, and pp80 (Katz et al., 1985), were phosphorylated by exogenous PKC in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that PKC activity might be of particular importance relative to other kinases in growth cone function. The 2 most highly labeled PKC substrates, pp46 and pp80, comigrated on 2-dimensional gels with the adult hippocampal proteins F1 and "80k" (Mr 78-80 kDa, pl 4.0), respectively. In addition, similarities in charge heterogeneity, 2-dimensional phosphopeptide maps, and increased phosphorylation in the presence of exogenous PKC or PKC stimulators suggest that protein F1 and 80k are highly homologous to, if not identical to, pp46 and pp80, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Cytogenetic and flow cytometry DNA analysis of regional heterogeneity in a low grade human glioma.

This study combined flow cytometry with standard cytogenetic analysis of first division cells to evaluate regional heterogeneity in 38 spatially mapped regions of a low grade human oligoastrocytoma. Histologically, the tumor was relatively homogeneous. In contrast, flow cytometry and cytogenetic analyses identified variable percentages of near-diploid (ND; 35 to 57 chromosomes/metaphase) and near-tetraploid (81-103 chromosomes/metaphase) populations. The largest proportion of cells in the ND population was 46,XY with normal Giemsa bands; however, four karyotypically unrelated ND clones also were identified. The development of these clonal populations centered around a region in which more than 50% of the cells contained nonclonal abnormalities and which demonstrated more histological pleomorphism than any other region. The frequency of the nonclonal karyotypes suggested that this region was genetically unstable. Three of the clonal ND populations resided in small, spatially discreet areas of the tumor. The largest and the most widely distributed clonal population, 47,XY,+7, underwent further evolution to give rise to seven additional sidelines. This investigation demonstrates that low grade gliomas have areas of genetic instability capable of generating mutant cells with the capacity to proliferate and to form cellular foci. As a result, multiple, spatially distinct clonal populations can exist in low grade gliomas, some of which are capable of further cytogenetic evolution and clonal expansion, resulting in tumor progression.

Adult↗

Molecular cloning of partial cDNAs for rat DNA topoisomerase II isoforms and their differential expression in brain development.

cDNA segments for DNA topoisomerase II were amplified from rat brain RNA after reverse transcription by the polymerase chain reaction, using degenerate oligonucleotide primers deduced from the conserved regions of topoisomerase II of higher eukaryotes. The cDNA product from a successful amplification was homogeneous in length but heterogeneous in sequence. Restriction mapping of the cloned cDNA fragments revealed that they consisted of two distinct sequence groups. DNA sequencing of representative clones from each group, designated A and B, showed that they are highly homologous to cDNAs of human topoisomerase II isoforms, alpha and beta, respectively. Northern blot analysis indicated that the transcript level for rat topoisomerase II alpha was high in embryonic brain and in the cerebellum of 2-day newborns, followed by rapid decrease to a undetectable level at 4 weeks after birth. In contrast, rat topoisomerase II beta transcript was present throughout the embryonic and postnatal stages. In the developing cerebellum, cells expressing topoisomerase II alpha were confirmed exclusively to the outer mitotic zone of the external granular layer, whereas the transcript of topoisomerase II beta was detected over the entire cortical region. These results clearly indicate that the isoform alpha is expressed only in proliferating cells. The differential expression of topoisomerase II isozymes was also observed among developed tissues. Therefore, the isozymes are most likely to be involved in the following different physiological processes: topoisomerase II alpha in cell proliferation, and topoisomerase II beta in some processes unrelated to cell proliferation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The genetics of atopy.

Since the original introduction by Coca and Coombs in 1923, the concept of atopy has always been linked to the relevance of an inherited predisposition in causing immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions to common allergens. However, the mechanisms underlying this predisposition have long been vague and controversial. Only recently, the better knowledge of the basic pathophysiological abnormalities of atopy as well as the availability of molecular biology techniques for gene mapping, have renewed the interest of several research groups for the genetics of atopy and have produced substantial progress in its understanding.

Asthma↗

Zonal and regional differences identified from precision mapping of vitamin A-storing lipid droplets of the hepatic stellate cells in pig liver: a novel concept of addressing the intralobular area of heterogeneity.

Knowledge of hepatic heterogeneity has been strikingly increased, while an accurate means for addressing intralobular positions is still lacking. We examined pig liver preparations of the gold impregnation method for vitamin A-storing lipid droplets in hepatic stellate cells. Droplet morphometry was performed under oil immersion, and the calculated volumes plotted on computerized maps. The heterogeneous results were assessed with five concentric zones and five radial regions; the latter were determined based on midseptum visualized by portal injection. Zonation and regionation thus subdivided lobules into 5-zone/5-region (5Z/5R) compartmentalization. Distribution of values exhibited a distinct zonal gradient, heightened at peripheral zones 1 and 2, decreased over intermediate zone 3 toward centrilobular zones 4 and 5; peak was always found at zone 2. Within a single zone, variations were obvious, forming a regional gradient. Values were significantly higher at periportal than midseptal regions. Digitized mapping showed that low values filled up centrilobular zones, whereas high values concentrated in periportal regions. Along the periphery, inlet venules were quantified, revealing an occurrence rate of 60% at periportal, and 5% at midseptal regions, closely compatible with the regional gradient of vitamin A-storing capacity. The interweaving between zonal and regional gradients results in a vitamin A-low territory, a compound area composed of centrilobular zones plus extensions into midseptal regions. Because the results could account for physiological and pathological events, we regard the 5Z/5R compartmentalization a model worth routine adoption for a precise description of any morphofunctionally demonstrable heterogeneity of the liver lobules.

Adipocytes↗

Mapping of a second locus for familial hemiplegic migraine to 1q21-q23 and evidence of further heterogeneity.

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is an autosomal dominant variety of migraine with aura. We previously mapped an FHM gene on the short arm of chromosome 19. Mutations in this gene, recently shown to be the alpha1 subunit of a P/Q-type voltage-dependent calcium channel, CACNL1A4, are involved in approximately 50% of unselected FHM families and in all families where migraine attacks are associated with permanent cerebellar ataxia. As a first step toward the identification of other FHM genes, we conducted a genetic linkage analysis in one large French pedigree and showed significant linkage to two microsatellite markers D1S2635 (Zmax: 3.33 at theta = 0.05) and D1S2705 (Zmax: 3.64 at theta = 0.05), establishing the existence of a second locus for FHM (FHM2) on chromosome 1q21-q23. Analysis of six additional FHM families favored linkage to this locus in two of them; linkage was excluded in the last four families, indicating further heterogeneity. Chromosome 1-linked families differ from the ones linked to chromosome 19, because penetrance in those families is much lower, and in some of their members, epileptic seizures occur during severe migraine attacks.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Genetic heterogeneity in schizophrenia: stratification of genome scan data using co-segregating related phenotypes.

Despite considerable effort to identify susceptibility loci for schizophrenia, none have been localized. Multiple genome scans and collaborative efforts have shown evidence for linkage to regions on chromosomes 1q, 5q, 6q, 8p, 13q, 10p and 22q.(1-9) Heterogeneity is likely. We previously mapped schizophrenia susceptibility loci (SSL) to chromosomes 13q32 (P = 0.00002) and 8p21-22 (P= 0.0001) using 54 multiplex pedigrees and suggested linkage heterogeneity. We have now stratified these families based on co-segregating phenotypes in non-schizophrenic first degree relatives (schizophrenia spectrum personality disorders (SSPD); psychotic affective disorders (PAD)). Genome scans were conducted for these phenotypic subgroups of families and broadened affected phenotypes were tested. The SSPD group provided its strongest genome-wide linkage support for the chromosome 8p21 region (D8S1771) using either narrow (non-parametric lod (NPL) P= 0.000002) or broadened phenotypes (NPL P = 0.0000008) and a new region of interest on 1p was identified (P = 0.006). For PAD families, the peak NPL in the genome scan occurred on chromosome 3p26-p24 (P = 0.008). The identification of multiple susceptibility loci for schizophrenia may be enhanced by stratification of families using psychiatric diagnoses of the non-schizophrenic relatives.

Family Health↗

Intercellular heterogeneity of early mitogenic events: cAMP generalizes the EGF effect on c-Fos protein appearance but not on MAP kinase phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in dog thyroid epithelial cells.

When quiescent dog thyroid epithelial cells in primary culture are stimulated for 48 h with thyrotropin (TSH), forskolin acting through cAMP, or with cAMP-independent mitogens including epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and a tumor promoting phorbol ester (TPA), only 30-60% of cells progress through the cell cycle. A more general growth response requires the combination of EGF and TSH or forskolin. In this study we ask whether this intercellular heterogeneity in mitogen sensitivity could depend on a similar heterogeneity at early stages of the mitogenic stimulation process, i.e., at the levels of p42/p44 MAP kinase nuclear translocation and c-Fos protein appearance. We used indirect immunofluorescence microscopy with photometric quantitation and corroborated data using Western blotting. We analyzed the double staining of c-Fos and p42/p44 MAP kinases, since the nuclear translocation of these MAP kinases has been suggested as a key step for the stimulation of c-fos transcription. (i) EGF and HGF induced c-Fos accumulation and MAP kinase translocation in variable fractions of the cell population that corresponded to their relative potency as mitogens. c-Fos appearance and MAP kinase translocation poorly correlated in individual cells. Many cells accumulated c-Fos without any detectable p42/p44 MAP kinase translocation. The heterogeneity of proliferative responses to EGF could be due to the lack of c-Fos or MAP kinase responsiveness of many cells. (ii) TPA induced c-Fos accumulation and MAP kinase translocation within the whole cell population, which did not explain the heterogeneity of the growth response to this factor and showed that these events are not sufficient to elicit DNA synthesis, (iii) TSH and forskolin induced a weak c-Fos accumulation in only a minority of cells but, as previously shown, no p42/p44 MAP kinase phosphorylation and translocation. An important c-Fos expression was thus dispensable for the strong DNA synthesis stimulation exerted by cAMP-dependent mitogens. (iv) Forskolin potentiated the EGF effect on c-Fos expression but not on p42/p44 MAP kinase phosphorylation and translocation. This reflected the fact that EGF induced c-Fos accumulation in 90% of cells in the presence of forskolin but in 30-50% of cells in its absence. This kind of potentiation, which specifically implies an increase in the fraction of responding cells, is termed "generalization" in the present study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

The effects of a selective cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, rolipram, on methamphetamine-induced behavior.

The effects of rolipram, a selective cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on locomotor activity, rearing, and stereotyped behavior (sniffing, repetitive head movements) induced by methamphetamine (MAP) over 1 hour were investigated in rats. Coadministration of rolipram (4 mg/kg IP) significantly attenuated the responses of locomotor activity, rearing and repetitive head movements to MAP (2,4 or 8 mg/kg IP). Rolipram (0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mg/kg IP) dose-dependently inhibited locomotor hyperactivity and rearing induced by 4 mg/kg of MAP. The rearing was completely inhibited by 4 mg/kg of rolipram, whereas the maximal inhibition of the locomotor hyperactivity was about 50%. However, rolipram did not alter MAP-induced sniffing and repetitive head movements. These results indicate that there is heterogeneity in the response of MAP-induced behavior to rolipram, suggesting that MAP-induced behavioral alteration may be partly regulated by cAMP levels in the brain.

Animals↗