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Methyl labeling of HeLa cell hnRNA: a comparison with mRNA.

The majority of the mRNA molecules in HeLa cells contain 1-2 residue(s) of m6Ap and one blocked, methylated 5' terminal "cap" structure. The hnRNA, which is longer than mRNA, contains both m6Ap and caps but 4-6 times as many m6Ap residues per chain. In addition, nuclear molecules contain T2 RNA ase-resistant, methyl-labeled oligonucleotides ("di-" and "tri-" nucleotides) which are not found in mRNA. Some of the dinucleotides may be precursors to the 2'-0-methylated nucleotides in the cap structures. These results are compatible with internal methylation of hnRNA molecules (both m6Ap and 2'-0-methyl) followed by hnRNA cleavage and the addition of the cap structure to generate at least some of the HeLa cell mRNA. It also appears that some hnRNA molecules, which are longer than most mRNA molecules, contain cap structures suggesting the derivation of some mRNA molecules from the 5' regions of hnRNA.

Cell Nucleus↗

The "trigger factor cycle" includes ribosomes, presecretory proteins, and the plasma membrane.

Trigger factor is a soluble, 63,000 dalton protein of E. coli that stabilizes proOmpA, the precursor form of a major outer-membrane protein, in a conformation competent for in vitro membrane assembly. There is approximately one trigger factor molecule bound to each 70S ribosome isolated from cell extracts in physiological buffers. Trigger factor dissociates from ribosomes in 1.5 M LiCl and reassociates with salt-washed ribosomes in low-salt buffer. Binding is exclusively to the 50S (large) subunit, known to contain the exit domain for nascent polypeptide chains. In addition to its associations with proOmpA and ribosomes, excess trigger factor can compete with the proOmpA-trigger factor complex for a limited number of membrane sites that are essential for translocation of proOmpA. These data suggest a model of trigger factor cycling between the cytoplasm, the ribosome, presecretory proteins, and membrane receptor proteins.

Amino Acid Isomerases↗

Chimeric interleukin 2 receptor alpha chain antibody derivatives with fused mu and gamma chains permit improved recruitment of effector functions.

In order to investigate the feasibility of shuffling effector functions of monoclonal antibodies, we constructed chimeric antibodies with fused heavy chains. The derivatives studied are based on a monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha chain of the human Il2-R. Derivatives studied were the IgG1 and IgM isotypes; IgM delta, lacking the ability of multimerization due to a deletion; IgMc gamma 1 and IgGlc mu, with fused mu and gamma 1 chains and vice versa. IgG1, IgM delta and IgMc gamma 1 were secreted as monomers, IgM and IgG1c mu as polymers. The Ki values for competition with radio-iodinated Il2 with respect to binding to the Il2-R were markedly lower for polymeric than for monomeric derivatives (300-400 pM versus 2500-6500 pM). Recruitment of complement mediated by the deposition of C3 fragments, either of heterologous (rabbit) or homologous (human) origin, was mediated only by the polymeric derivatives IgM and IgG1c mu. ADCC was mediated by monomeric IgG1 and polymeric IgG1c mu, the latter derivative being active at concentrations 100-fold lower than the former. Together, the results demonstrate that both CDC and ADCC effector functions can be combined on a polymeric antibody derivative with fused gamma 1 and mu chains. In addition, such a derivative, due to its polymeric nature, has a high binding affinity. These properties may be important for the elimination of target cells in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Heterogeneity of the genes encoding the major surface glycoprotein of Leishmania donovani.

The major surface glycoprotein of Leishmania (GP63) is present on all known species of Leishmania and likely plays an integral role during the infection of macrophages in the mammalian host. To identify regions of GP63 which may be of functional significance, the nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding GP63 of Leishmania donovani was determined and compared to the sequences reported for GP63 genes of Leishmania major and Leishmania chagasi. The GP63 nucleotide and predicted protein sequence was highly conserved among the 3 species despite their diverse geographical distribution. L. donovani GP63 is encoded by a multigene family and the gene locus contains at least 7 tandemly repeated genes and at least 3 genes which are dispersed from the tandem array. In addition, polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analyses demonstrated that there was size heterogeneity within the pro-peptide coding regions of the multiple GP63 genes of L. donovani and that such genes were expressed concurrently in the promastigote life stage.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of arachidonic-acid-metabolizing enzymes in adult Schistisoma mansoni.

Schistosoma mansoni has previously been reported to synthesize a wide range of eicosanoids including prostaglandins, leukotrienes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). Our analysis of arachidonic acid metabolites synthesized by microsomal and cytosolic extracts from adult S. mansoni using thin-layer chromatography and radioimmunoassay techniques indicate the presence of a soluble, enzymatically active lipoxygenase (Lox) and the absence of any cyclooxygenase (Cox) activity. The S. mansoni Lox activity catalyzed the formation of a 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE)-like species. This activity was calcium-independent and inhibitable by inhibitors of mammalian and plant Lox. The conversion of linoleic acid to a 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE)-like product by S. mansoni extracts indicates that the parasite Lox-homologue is similar to mammalian 15-Lox. Immunoblot analysis of S. mansoni extracts using antisera to different mammalian lipoxygenases detects two immunoreactive proteins with molecular weights similar to plant and mammalian lipoxygenases. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of Lox-like sequences from S. mansoni genomic DNA using degenerate primers based on conserved plant and mammalian Lox sequences, generated two PCR products which hybridized to a human 15-Lox cDNA probe. While the role of eicosanoid production in the physiology of S. mansoni is not known, eicosanoids may be essential for normal physiological processes as is the case in other invertebrates. Interestingly, 15-HETE has previously been shown to have immunosuppressive effects in mammals, and this may be related to the ability of the parasite to overcome host immune responses.

Animals↗

Interaction of purified brush-border membrane aminopeptidase N and dipeptidyl peptidase IV with lectin-sepharose derivatives.

The glycoprotein nature of two peptidases purified from the rat intestinal brush-border membrane was examined by their interaction with several lectin-Sepharose derivatives. Aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2), which contains 20% carbohydrate by weight, was bound minimally (less than 30%) by columns of Con A-, RCAI- and WGA-Sepharose. Alternatively, a greater proportion of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (EC 3.4.14.-) was bound by these immobilized lectins with 50% of the enzyme binding to Con A-Sepharose. Treatment of both enzymes with neuraminidase enhanced the binding of aminopeptidase to RCAI-Sepharose by 4-fold but did not alter the binding patterns of dipeptidyl peptidase IV. A sequential fractionation of the two peptidases with columns of Con A- and RCAI-Sepharose gave four fractions of each enzyme with differing lectin-binding specificities. Approximately 60% of the dipeptidyl peptidase IV interacted with either one or both of the lectins while only 30% of the aminopeptidase N did so. Kinetic analysis of the four isolated fractions revealed some differences, possibly related to variations in the carbohydrate moiety. The findings confirm that these two purified rat intestinal brush-border membrane peptidases are glycoproteins and, while they share a common physiologic function and source, they apparently have very different and possibly unique asparagine-linked oligosaccharide side-chains. In addition, a considerable degree of microheterogeneity exists in the carbohydrate structure of these two enzymes.

Aminopeptidases↗

Proteolysis of the heavy chain of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens by complement component C1s.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens contain a light chain, beta 2-microglobulin, non-covalently associated to the transmembrane heavy alpha-chain carrying the allotypic determinants. Since the C1q complement component is known to associate with beta 2-microglobulin, and we recently found that activated C1s complement was capable of cleaving beta 2-microglobulin, we decided to investigate the proteolytic activity of C1 complement towards the heavy chain of class I antigens. Our results demonstrate that human C1s complement cleaves the heavy chain of human class I antigens into at least two fragments, with apparent molecular weights of 22,000 and 24,000 g/mol on sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), under both reducing and non-reducing conditions. The cleavage of the heavy chain is inhibited by the presence of C1 esterase inhibitor. The molecular weights of the fragments are in agreement with the cleavage located in the area between the disulphide loops of the alpha 2-and alpha 3-domains of the heavy chain. In addition human C1s complement is able to cleave H-2 antigens from mouse in a similar fashion but not rat MHC class I antigen or mouse MHC class II antigen (I-Ad). Mouse MHC class I antigen-specific determinants could also be detected in supernatant from mouse spleen cells incubated with C1r and C1s. These results indicate the presence in the body fluids of a non-membrane-bound soluble form of the alpha 1-and alpha 2-domains which represent the binding site for antigenic peptides.

Animals↗

Monitoring of the production of monoclonal antibodies by hybridomas. Part I: Long-term cultivation in hollow fibre bioreactors using serum-free medium.

The long-term cultivation of hybridoma cells in hollow fibre bioreactors using serum-free medium, was monitored with respect to quantitative and qualitative aspects of the produced mAbs, cell viability, LDH and proteolytic activity. During the culture periods of hybridoma cells producing mAb OT-1C and 3A, the mAb concentration showed a decreasing trend with a concomitant increase of IgG fragments. The major IgG fragments did not bind the antigen and the molecular weights were significantly different from the corresponding IgG heavy and light chains. In addition, a good correlation was found between cell lysis, the presence of acid protease(s) and IgG fragments. The physicochemical and immunochemical properties of the "intact" mAbs (such as molecular weights, IEF patterns and affinity) did not change significantly during the culture period.

Agglutination↗

Characterization of the oligosaccharide moiety of VIP receptor from the human pancreatic cell line BxPC-3.

The human pancreatic cell line BxPC-3 displays two classes of binding sites with high and low affinity for VIP. The order of potency of VIP-related peptides in inhibiting either [125I]VIP or [125I]N-AcPACAP27 binding and in stimulating cAMP production was typical of the human VIP receptor. By combining affinity labeling with glycosidase treatments, we have characterized the VIP receptor as a M(r) = 68,200 glycoprotein, consisting of a M(r) = 39,300 polypeptide core with at least three N-linked oligosaccharide chains. In addition, our results revealed the presence of a low amount of sialic acid residues in the carbohydrate moiety of receptor.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Identification of three class II antigens, DR7, MB2, and MT3, from a homozygous human cell line.

The class II antigens from a homozygous DR7 human B cell line were isolated by immunoprecipitation with human alloantisera or monoclonal antibodies. Three class II light chains and three class II heavy chains were identified. The heavy and light chain subunits of the DR7 antigen were distinct from those of the MB2 antigen as assessed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A third light chain in addition to the DR7 and MB2 subunits was precipitated by some alloantisera containing MT3 antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies examined immunoprecipitated one or more of the three class II antigens. The MB2 antigen appeared to be the same as the major antigen recognized by L227 and the DS7 antigen precipitated by SG171.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

First-trimester human trophoblast is class II major histocompatibility complex mRNA+/antigen.

Lack of expression of the polymorphic class I and class II MHC antigens in the cytotrophoblast is one of the major factors determining the privileged immunologic status of the placenta. In this report, we show that first-trimester human placental cytotrophoblast cells display moderate to strong expression of class II MHC (HLA-DR alpha and -DR beta) and Ii chain transcripts, apparently in absence of detectable class II antigens and Ii chain. In addition, DR alpha, DR beta, and Ii mRNAs, but not antigens, are consistently upregulated by IFN-gamma. Constitutive expression and upregulation of mRNAs are detectable in trophoblast cells kept in short term as well as prolonged (2-3 weeks) culture. These results are reminiscent of an analogous mRNA+/antigen- dissociation occurring, in the case of class I MHC gene products, in a subpopulation of first-trimester cytotrophoblast cells. Thus, analogous mechanisms prevent the expression of potentially hazardous class I and II allodeterminants at early stages of semiallogeneic pregnancy.

Blotting, Northern↗

Structural and immunological homology of human and porcine pituitary and plasma IRCM-serine protease 1 to plasma kallikrein: marked selectivity for pairs of basic residues suggests a widespread role in pro-hormone and pro-enzyme processing.

IRCM-serine protease 1 (SP1), originally isolated from porcine pituitaries and exhibiting preference for cleavage at pairs of basic residues has now been isolated in sufficient quantities to be structurally characterized from both porcine and human pituitaries and plasmas. Whereas the porcine protease shows a high degree of amino acid sequence homology to human plasma pre-kallikrein, the human homologue exhibits an identity of sequence in the first 25 residues of each chain (regulatory and catalytic chains). In addition, human plasma and pituitary IRCM-SP1 and human plasma pre-kallikrein show virtually identical immunological and molecular properties. These data strongly suggest that IRCM-SP1 and plasma pre-kallikrein originate from the same gene product. Purified extracts from perfused rat pituitaries show that 32% of the IRCM-SP1 activity found in normal rat pituitaries, still remain. These data together with the demonstrated association of IRCM-SP1 with particulate fractions of the pituitary suggest that IRCM-SP1 represents a tissue form of plasma pre-kallikrein. The characterization of the digestion products obtained upon reaction of IRCM-SP1 with pro-insulin, ACTH1-39, pro-dynorphin and pro-enkephalin-derived peptides, somatostatin-28, and a pro-renin-like peptide confirmed the high degree of cleavage selectivity of this enzyme for pairs of basic residues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Yolk-sac transmission and post-hatching ontogeny of serum immunoglobulins in the duck (Anas platyrhynchos).

1. To investigate the immunoglobulin (Ig) class which is active in yolk-sac transmission of maternal antibodies in ducks, sera from laying ducks, yolks from their eggs, and sera from ducklings 0-87 days of age were examined by immunoelectrophoresis (IE), and Na2SO4-precipitated Igs from these sera and yolks were run in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) under reducing conditions. 2. In yolk, 7.8S IgG was greatly enriched compared to 5.7S IgG and IgM, and was the only Ig to reach the sera of newly hatched ducklings. 3. The levels of maternally derived 7.8S IgG in duckling sera decreased after 5 days of age, reaching minimum levels at about 14 days of age. 4. Increases in the serum levels of 7.8S IgG, 5.7S IgG and IgM occurred after 20 days of age, reflecting de novo synthesis by the duckling, and the adult serum profile was achieved by 71 days of age. 5. The involvement of 7.8S rather than 5.7S IgG in yolk-sac transmission was probably determined by the additional heavy chain components of this molecule.

Animals↗

Histochemical analysis of glycoconjugates in gelatinous membranes of the gerbil's inner ear.

The gelatinous membranes of the gerbil inner ear were analyzed histochemically for glycoconjugates with a battery of twenty horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins. Glycoconjugates with mannose (Man) and/or glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), fucose (Fuc), N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc) were detected in the tectorial and otolithic membranes and cupula. Differences in lectin reactivity were observed between tectorial and vestibular membranes and also among zones and between the medial and lateral regions of the middle zone of the tectorial membrane. The distribution of staining differed markedly for several lectins that bind specifically to GalNAc or to GlcNAc but vary in affinity for oligosaccharides containing these sugars in different sequences or linkages. The findings suggest presence of the terminal disaccharides GalNAc alpha 1,3Gal in tectorial membrane and Gal beta 1,3GalNAc in vestibular membranes. Lectin binding profiles provided evidence that the limbal zone's fibrous and attachment layers contain mainly O-glycosidically linked oligosaccharides whereas the middle zone's medial fibrous layer contains both O- and N-linked chains. The remaining regions of the tectorial membrane contain mainly N-linked oligosaccharides with bisected biantennary type chains predominating. Additionally, the marginal band and the middle zone's basal layer contain abundant N-linked oligosaccharides with a triantennary structure.

Animals↗

In vivo magnetic resonance study of the histochemistry of coconut (Cocos nucifera).

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and localized proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) techniques have been applied for studying different maturation processes in the histochemistry of coconut (Cocos nucifera). Images of the tender and mature coconut are characterized by protons of the aqueous solution present in the cavity and from the surrounding pulp, whereas the image of the dry coconut is from the protons of the fat present in the pulp. Localized proton MR spectra of the water present in the cavity from the tender and the mature coconut show several resonances due to different chemical constituents of coconut water, whereas typical spectra of the pulp from dry coconut reveal a profile of the hydrogens present in the saturated and unsaturated fatty acid chains. In addition, images obtained from a rancid coconut show the extent of internal damage and degradation due to fungal growth; the corresponding localized MR spectra of the coconut water reveal that several proton resonances are absent.

Cocos↗

Nucleotide sequence of the human autoantibody 2E7 specific for the platelet integrin IIb heavy chain.

The platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa complex figures prominently as an immunogen in autoimmune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). 2E7 is a human monoclonal IgM autoantibody, derived from splenocytes of a patient with ITP, that recognizes a specific octapeptide amino acid sequence, Phe-Asp-Gly-Tyr-Trp-Gly-Tyr-Ser, on the heavy chain of GPIIb. This represents the first precise identification of an epitope on GPIIb-IIIa recognized by a human antibody. In this study, we have isolated total mRNA from 2E7, synthesized the corresponding cDNA using reverse transcriptase, and amplified the immunoglobulin mu and kappa chain cDNA by the Taq 1 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. The 2E7 mu chain variable region is encoded by a VH3 gene segment that is 98% homologous to the germline gene VH1.9III, a D-gene that is not homologous to any of the germline D-genes reported to date, and a JH6 gene segment that is essentially germline. The heavy-chain sequence, save for the unique D-gene, is similar to that of a number of human autoantibodies. The 2E7 kappa variable region is encoded by a Vk1 gene segment linked to a Jk1 gene segment. The Vk1 sequence of 2E7, with the exception of one nucleotide, is identical to that of autoantibody HF2-1/17, a prototype of SLE-associated anti-DNA autoantibodies bearing the 16/6 idiotype. The single base substitution results in a relatively conservative exchange of Asp for Glu at position 70 of the protein sequence. Despite this near identity in sequence, 2E7 does not bind to either single-stranded or double-stranded DNA. From these results, we conclude that specificity of 2E7 is likely to reside in either or both the D-JH region (CDR3) of the mu chain and the Jk region (CDR3) of the kappa chain. In addition to the identification of a novel D-gene, we also provide evidence that the 2E7 VHIII gene is probably a prototype of a VHIII subfamily, that the germline Vk1 gene shared by 2E7 and autoantibodies of the 16/6 idiotype probably represents a separate Vk family, and that this Vk gene cannot itself attribute specificity for DNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The phylogenetic relationships of flies in the family Drosophilidae deduced from mtDNA sequences.

The phylogenetic relationships of several taxa from representative genera, subgenera, groups, and subgroups in the Drosophilidae were examined using sequences from a 905-bp mtDNA fragment. Conventional cloning and sequencing techniques were used to obtain nucleotide sequences. In addition, polymerase chain reaction primers were designed for the rapid amplification and sequencing of this region for the species examined in the Drosophilidae. Phylogenetic analysis was done by cladistic techniques. Because of the coding nature of the 905-bp mtDNA fragment, several separate analyses of these sequences were performed. The genera Scaptomyza and Hirtodrosophila occupy ancestral branching positions in the molecular phylogeny. The genera Chymomyza and Zaprionus have intermediate branching positions, while the subgenera Drosophila and Sophophora are in the most derived position in the molecular phylogeny. Within the subgenus Sophophora, there is little resolution using these sequences, while within the subgenus Drosophila, D. melanica, D. funebris, and D. pinicola form a clade in a derived part of the phylogeny, with D. robusta and D. immigrans branching in an intermediate position in the phylogeny. D. mercatorum, a member of the repleta species group, occupies an ancestral position in the molecular phylogeny.

Animals↗

Peripheral region for core cross-beta plays important role in amyloidogenicity.

The role of the peripheral sequence neighboring the core cross-beta region was investigated using a peptide library constructed with all possible combinations of Lys, Glu, Ser, and Leu at three residue positions (X1-X3) forming the N-terminal region linked to the amyloid core sequence of the barnase-derived segment (A4-K22). By means of CD spectra and thioflavin T binding assay for 64 peptides, not only the composition but also the sequence in the peripheral region were found to be responsible for amyloid formation. The preferences of amino acid residues in the peripheral region of the amyloid-forming peptides were in the order of Leu approximately SerGlu>>Lys. A balance of positive and negative charges was found to be essential for amyloid formation, suggesting that the electrostatic interaction at the surface of the amyloid fibrils is relevant to their stability. On the basis of the maximum fluorescence wavelength of fibril-bound thioflavin T, the highly amyloidogenic peptides were classified into two classes, which exhibited the sequence preferences of (Leu, Ser/Glu, and Leu) and (Glu, Leu, and Ser) for the peripheral sequence (X1, X2, and X3). The former class can be rationally assigned to the structural model with deep grooves along the fibril axis. Thus, the peripheral sequence regulates the manner of molecular packing in the fibrils as well as the amyloidogenicity. In addition, the chains of the peripheral sequence are most likely to form thioflavin T binding sites.

Amino Acids↗