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Alpha-interferon induces enhanced expression of HLA-ABC antigens and beta-2-microglobulin in vivo and in vitro in various subsets of human lymphoid cells.

The effect of cloned alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) on the in vitro and in vivo expression of HLA-ABC antigens and beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2-m) on subpopulations of human lymphoid cells was studied by flow cytometry. Mononuclear cells isolated from patients and cell cultures were labelled with saturating amounts of FITC conjugated monoclonal anti-HLA-ABC or anti-beta-2-m. Phycoerythrin conjugated monoclonal antibodies were simultaneously used for the selection of T lymphocytes. T helper lymphocytes, T suppressor lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and monocytes. In vitro, alpha-IFN induced a significant increase of beta-2-m on all subsets investigated. The increase was more pronounced on B lymphocytes (64%) and monocytes (69%) than on T lymphocytes (39%) (P less than 0.01). Also the pretreatment level of beta-2-m was found to be higher on B lymphocytes (0.64 arbitrary units (a.u.)) and monocytes (0.65 a.u.) than on T lymphocytes (0.24 a.u.) (P less than 0.001). In vivo, the expression of both HLA-ABC antigens and beta-2-m was studied in three patients 24 h after administration of 50 x 10(6) units alpha-IFN/m2 i.m. HLA-ABC antigens were significantly (P less than 0.05) increased on all subsets investigated, except for T suppressor lymphocytes. The increase in beta-2-m only reached significance on T lymphocytes. T helper lymphocytes and monocytes (P less than 0.02). At 48 h after administration of alpha-IFN, expression of HLA-ABC antigens and beta-2-m approached pretreatment levels. Enhanced expression of HLA-ABC antigens and beta-2-m could be reinduced by treatment of alpha-IFN on day 7.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Lack of expression of HLA-ABC antigens in choriocarcinoma and other human tumor cell lines.

We studied a panel of 21 human tumor and other cell lines, mainly of epithelial origin, for the expression of HLA-ABC antigens by an indirect radiobinding assay using monoclonal antibodies. Four of the lines, 2 choriocarcinomas, a breast tumor cell lin (MDA-MB-157), and a colon carcinoma (LoVo) showed no detectable reaction with the antibodies. The levels of binding in another breast tumor line (SkBr3) and a colon carcinoma line (LS174T) were much reduced. These cell lines plus some of the HLA-ABC positive lines from the panel were studied by immunoprecipitation of 35S-labeled cell extracts. Two mechanisms for alteration of the HLA-ABC antigen levels at the cell surface were apparent. In the choriocarcinomas and one breast tumor line, beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m) was expressed but little or no HLA-A, B, or C polypeptides were synthesized. The other HLA-ABC negative lines had defects similar to that in the previously reported Burkitt's lymphoma cell line DAUDI. In these lines, HLA-ABC polypeptides were produced but did not appear at the cell surface because beta 2m was not synthesized. The absence of HLA-ABC determinants from the cell surface is presumed to afford protection against T-cell immune attack whether naturally as against the trophoblast during pregnancy or in abnormal situations against certain tumors.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Axonal regeneration of Clarke's neurons beyond the spinal cord injury scar after treatment with chondroitinase ABC.

We have previously demonstrated that enzymatic digestion of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) at the scar promotes the axonal regrowth of Clarke's nucleus (CN) neurons into an implanted peripheral nerve graft after hemisection of the spinal cord. The present study examined whether degradation of CSPG using chondroitinase ABC promoted the regeneration of CN neurons through the scar into the rostral spinal cord in neonatal and adult rats. Following hemisection of the spinal cord at T11, either vehicle or chondroitinase ABC was applied onto the lesion site. The postoperative survival periods were 2 and 4 weeks. The regenerated CN neurons were retrogradely labeled by Fluoro-Gold injected at spinal cord level C7. In the sham group, there was no regeneration of injured CN neurons in both neonatal and adult rats. Treatment with 2.5 unit/ml chondroitinase ABC in neonates resulted in 11.8 and 8.3% of the injured CN neurons regenerated into the rostral spinal cord at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. In adults, 9.4 and 12.3%, at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, of the injured CN neurons regenerated their axons to the rostral spinal cord. The immunoreactivity for the carbohydrate epitope of CSPG was dramatically decreased around the lesion site after treatment with chondroitinase ABC compared to sham control in both neonatal and adult animals. Our results show that axonal regeneration in the spinal cord can be promoted by degradation of CSPG with chondroitinase ABC. This result further suggests that CSPG is inhibitory to the regeneration of neurons in the spinal cord after traumatic injury.

Age Factors↗

Purification and characterization of novel chondroitin ABC and AC lyases from Bacteroides stercoris HJ-15, a human intestinal anaerobic bacterium.

Two novel chondroitinases, chondroitin ABC lyase (EC 4.2.2.4) and chondroitin AC lyase (EC 4.2.2.5), have been purified from Bacteroides stercoris HJ-15, which was isolated from human intestinal bacteria with glycosaminoglycan degrading enzymes. Chondroitin ABC lyase was purified to apparent homogeneity by a combination of QAE-cellulose, CM-Sephadex C-50, hydroxyapatite and Sephacryl S-300 column chromatography with a final specific activity of 45.7 micromol.min-1.mg-1. Chondroitin AC lyase was purified to apparent homogeneity by a combination of QAE-cellulose, CM-Sephadex C-50, hydroxyapatite and phosphocellulose column chromatography with a final specific activity of 57.03 micromol.min-1.mg-1. Chondroitin ABC lyase is a single subunit of 116 kDa by SDS/PAGE and gel filtration. Chondroitin AC lyase is composed of two identical subunits of 84 kDa by SDS/PAGE and gel filtration. Chondroitin ABC and AC lyases showed optimal activity at pH 7.0 and 40 degrees C, and 5.7-6.0 and 45-50 degrees C, respectively. Both chondroitin lyases were potently inhibited by Cu2+, Zn2+, and p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonic acid. The purified Bacteroidal chondroitin ABC lyase acted to the greatest extent on chondroitin sulfate A (chondroitin 4-sulfate), to a lesser extent on chondroitin sulfate B (dermatan sulfate) and C (chondroitin 6-sulfate). The purified chondroitin AC lyase acted to the greatest extent on chondroitin sulfate A, and to a lesser extent on chondroitin C and hyaluronic acid. They did not act on heparin and heparan sulfate. These findings suggest that the biochemical properties of these purified chondroitin lyases are different from those of the previously purified chondroitin lyases.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Degree of degeneration and chondroitinase ABC treatment of human articular cartilage affect adhesion of chondrocytes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether degree of degeneration and chondroitinase ABC treatment of articular cartilage affect adhesion of chondrocytes to its surface. Human articular cartilage explants were harvested from patients undergoing total knee joint replacement arthroplasty, cut into discs of 0.5-0.8 mm thick and 3.75 mm in diameter, and then divided into three groups according to the degree of degeneration: G0, normal; G1, superficial fissures, and G2, deep fissures. These discs were stored at 70 degrees C until use. Chondrocytes (3 x 10(5) cell/mL in 100 microL of medium) isolated from articular cartilage by enzymatic digestion were transferred to a well plate containing cartilage discs and cultured for a maximum of 21 days. The cultures were divided into one of six groups according to the degree of degeneration and treatment of chondroitinase ABC of the disc. The morphologies of the disc surface and of cultured chondrocytes were assessed histologically. Chondrocyte adhesion, proliferation, and synthesis of proteoglycan and protein were analyzed. Chondrocyte adhesion significantly increased on the discs with higher degrees of degeneration, that is, maximum adhesion in G2, G1, and G0, subsequently. However, adhesion was not significantly different among the three groups at day 3. Chondrocyte adhesion on the chondroitinase ABC-treated disc significantly increased in comparison with that on the nontreated discs with the same degree of degeneration. However, proliferation of chondrocytes and synthesis of glycosaminoglycan and protein were not significant, regardless of degree of degeneration or chondroitinase ABC treatment. The present study demonstrated that chondrocyte adhesion on articular cartilage disc increased along with its degree of degeneration and with treatment of chondroitinase ABC, but that proliferation and synthesis of matrix of the cultured chondrocytes were not significantly influenced by both of them.

Aged↗

Synergistic effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and chondroitinase ABC on retinal fiber sprouting after denervation of the superior colliculus in adult rats.

Damage to the adult CNS often causes devastating and permanent deficits because of the limited capacity of the brain for anatomical reorganization. The finding that collateral sprouting of uninjured fiber tracts mediates recovery of function prompts the search for experimental strategies that stimulate axonal plasticity after CNS trauma. Here we characterize treatments that promote the sprouting of undamaged retinal afferents into the denervated superior colliculus (SC) after a partial retinal lesion in the adult rat. Delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was performed to enhance the intrinsic potential of retinal ganglion cells to reelongate their axons. Reduction of the neurite growth-inhibitory properties of the adult SC was accomplished via treatment with chondroitinase ABC (C-ABC), which degrades chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Retinal axons were labeled via intraocular injections of fluorescently tagged cholera toxin B subunit, and fiber sprouting within the denervated SC was measured by quantitative laser-scanning confocal microscopy 1 week after the retinal lesion. We found that both the administration of BDNF and the injection of C-ABC induce significant sprouting of retinal afferents into the collicular scotoma. Remarkably, the combined treatment with BDNF and C-ABC showed synergistic effects on axon growth. Colocalization analysis with anti-synapsin antibodies demonstrated synapse formation by the sprouting axons. These results suggest that the combined treatment with BDNF and C-ABC can be relevant in therapies for the repair of the damaged adult CNS.

Animals↗

Terpenoid indole alkaloid production by Catharanthus roseus hairy roots induced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens harboring rol ABC genes.

We have established Catharanthus roseus hairy root cultures transgenic for the rol ABC genes from T(L)-DNA of the agropine-type Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A4. The rol ABC hairy root lines exhibit a wild-type hairy root syndrome in terms of growth and morphology on solid medium. However, they differ from wild-type hairy root lines in that they more frequently have excellent adaptability to liquid medium and do not appear to form calli during cultivation. Moreover, they do not produce detectable levels of mannopine and agropine which, in contrast, are often synthesized abundantly in wild-type hairy root lines. The absence of these opines does not appear to cause the rol ABC lines to have higher levels of terpenoid indole alkaloids than wild-type hairy root lines. Unlike wild-type lines, rol ABC lines produce very similar levels of total alkaloids despite wide variations in individual alkaloid contents. This work demonstrates that the three genes rol ABC are sufficient to induce high-quality hairy roots in Catharanthus roseus.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗

Protein secretion by hybrid bacterial ABC-transporters: specific functions of the membrane ATPase and the membrane fusion protein.

The Erwinia chrysanthemi metalloprotease C and the Serratia marcescens haem acquisition protein HasA are both secreted from Gram-negative bacteria by a signal peptide-independent pathway which requires a C-terminal secretion signal and a specific ABC-transporter made up of three proteins: a membrane ATPase (the ABC-protein), a second inner membrane component belonging to the membrane fusion protein family and an outer membrane polypeptide. HasA and protease C transporters are homologous although the secreted polypeptides share no sequence homology. Whereas protease C can use both translocators, HasA is secreted only by its specific transporter. Functional analysis of protease C and HasA secretion through hybrid transporters obtained by combining components from each system demonstrates that the ABC-protein is responsible for the substrate specificity and that inhibition of protease C secretion in the presence of HasA results from a defective interaction between HasA and the ABC-protein. We also show that the outer membrane protein, TolC, can combine with the membrane fusion protein HasE in the presence of either ABC-protein to form a functional transporter but not with the membrane fusion protein, PrtE. This indicates a specific interaction between the outer membrane component and the membrane fusion protein.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

The area between curves (ABC)--measure in nutritional anthropometry.

This paper considers a statistic--recently suggested by Mora--for the deviation of a sample distribution from a reference distribution which typically arises in anthropometry when using the nutritional indicators height/age, weight/age or weight/height. The statistic measures the area between curves (ABC) and stands for the mass of the sample distribution which is not covered by the reference distribution. The paper provides a statistical framework for the ABC and includes some minor corrections of Mora's original paper. For the normal distribution situation with common or different variances, formulae are derived which include a partition of ABC into parts corresponding to malnourished and well-nourished groups. However, the main result is a non-parametric generalization of the ABC, motivated by the fact that the nutritional indicators often have skewed distributions with heavier left tails. Non-parametric statistical inference is provided by linking the ABC to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic.

Analysis of Variance↗

The pfr1 gene from the human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis encodes a half-ABC transporter that is transcribed in response to treatment with fluconazole.

We have isolated a gene that encodes a half-ABC-transporter, designated Pfr1, from the dimorphic human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which has high identity with members of the ABC-superfamily involved in multidrug resistance. The pfr1 gene is predicted to encode a 827 amino acid protein that, in common with mammalian Mdr1, has a TM-NBD topology. The transcription of the pfr1 gene is induced by the triazole drug fluconazole but not by amphotericin B, suggesting a role in transport-mediated azole resistance. However, Pfr1 has greatest identity to the mitochondrial ABC transporters Mdl1 and Mdl2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammalian ABC-me, with identities of 47.2%, 40.6% and 39.5%, respectively, over the length of these proteins. Furthermore, the N-terminus of Pfr1 is rich in positively charged residues, a feature of mitochondrial targeting sequences. Considering these features, it seems likely that Pfr1 is a mitochondrial protein. Previous studies have revealed that the acquisition of azole resistance in S. cerevisiae is linked to mitochondrial loss and, conversely, that mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to the upregulation of PDR transporters mediated by the transcription factor Pdr3. Our studies suggest that a mitochondrial ABC transporter is induced as part of the cellular response to drug treatment. The promoter region of pfr1 contains a PDRE-like consensus sequence to which Pdr3 binds, which may be the element responsible for the upregulation of Pfr1 in response to fluconazole. The nucleotide binding domain of Pfr1 was expressed and purified from Escherichia coli and shown to retain ATPase activity, consistent with Pfr1 functioning as a homodimeric transport ATPase.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Molecular cDNA cloning and tissue distribution of mRNA encoding a novel ATP-binding cassette (ABC) half-transporter.

The majority of proteins belonging to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily catalyzes translocation of substrates across biological membranes. Employing a reverse transcription-PCR approach with degenerate primers, we have identified a full-length cDNA from rat hepatocytes encoding a novel ABC transporter termed umat (ubiquitously expressed mammalian ABC half-transporter). The deduced sequence of 836 amino acids comprises an N-terminal membrane anchor domain and a single conserved C-terminal nucleotide binding fold, specifying umat as an ABC half-transporter. While the first 250 amino acid positions are highly divergent from other ABC transporters, clusters of conserved residues are evident along the rest of the protein. The greatest sequence similarity was observed with the fission yeast heavy metal tolerance protein hmt1 (44.5% identity in a 626-amino-acid overlap). Umat mRNA, expressed in all tissues analyzed, was most abundant in testis. Substantial umat mRNA expression in cultured primary rat hepatocytes suggests that hepatocyte cultures should represent an adequate model for investigation of umat function and regulation.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Erythrocyte membrane ATP binding cassette (ABC) proteins: MRP1 and CFTR as well as CD39 (ecto-apyrase) involved in RBC ATP transport and elevated blood plasma ATP of cystic fibrosis.

In addition to the better-known roles of the erythrocyte in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, the concept that the red blood cell is involved in the transport and release of ATP has been evolving (J. Luthje, Blut 59, 367, 1989; G. R. Bergfeld and T. Forrester, Cardiovasc. Res. 26, 40, 1992; M. L. Ellsworth et al., Am. J. Physiol. 269, H2155, 1995; R. S. Sprague et al., Am. J. Physiol. 275, H1726, 1998). Membrane proteins involved in the release of ATP from erythrocytes now appear to include members of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) family (C. F. Higgins, Annu. Rev. Cell Biol. 8, 67, 1992; C. F. Higgins, Cell 82, 693, 1995). In addition to defining physiologically the presence of ABC proteins in RBCs, accumulating gel electrophoretic evidence suggests that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1), respectively, constitute significant proteins in the red blood cell membrane. As such, this finding makes the mature erythrocyte compartment a major mammalian repository of these important ABC proteins. Because of its relative structural simplicity and ready accessibility, the erythrocyte offers an ideal system to explore details of the physiological functions of ABC proteins. Moreover, the presence of different ABC proteins in a single membrane implies that interaction among these proteins and with other membrane proteins may be the norm and not the exception in terms of modulation of their functions.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Inventory, assembly and analysis of Bacillus subtilis ABC transport systems.

We have undertaken the inventory and assembly of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter systems in the complete genome of Bacillus subtilis. We combined the identification of the three protein partners that compose an ABC transporter (nucleotide-binding domain, NBD; membrane spanning domain, MSD; and solute-binding protein, SBP) with constraints on the genetic organization. This strategy allowed the identification of 86 NBDs in 78 proteins, 103 MSD proteins and 37 SBPs. The analysis of transcriptional units allows the reconstruction of 59 ABC transporters, which include at least one NBD and one MSD. A particular class of five dimeric ATPases was not associated to MSD partners and is assumed to be involved either in macrolide resistance or regulation of translation elongation. In addition, we have detected five genes encoding ATPases without any gene coding for MSD protein in their neighborhood and 11 operons that encode only the membrane and solute-binding proteins. On the bases of similarities, three ATP-binding proteins are proposed to energize ten incomplete systems, suggesting that one ATPase may be recruited by more than one transporter. Finally, we estimate that the B. subtilis genome encodes for at least 78 ABC transporters that have been split in 38 importers and 40 extruders. The ABC systems have been further classified into 11 sub-families according to the tree obtained from the NBDs and the clustering of the MSDs and the SBPs. Comparisons with Escherichia coli show that the extruders are over-represented in B. subtilis, corresponding to an expansion of the sub-families of antibiotic and drug resistance systems.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Combination of the peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP)- and avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC)-techniques: an amplification alternative in immunocytochemical staining.

A combination of the PAP- and ABC-techniques was developed to enhance the intensity of the immunocytochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies at light and electron microscopical levels. This amplification technique could be performed in 4 (single PAP + ABC) or 6 (double PAP + ABC) sequential steps depending on the quality of the primary antibodies used and the processing of the tissue before the immunocytochemical reaction: First step--Incubation of the tissue sections with the monoclonal primary antibodies; Second step--biotinylated anti-rat or anti-mouse IgG; Third step--monoclonal PAP complex; Fourth step--ABC complex which binds to the biotinylated secondary antibody. If stronger enhancement of the immunostaining has required the steps 2 and 3 could be repeated followed by the 6th step--the ABC complex. Choline acetyltransferase-like immunoreactivity of the rat hypoglossal nucleus and desmin- and vimentin-like immunoreactivity of human testis were studied. After the 4- and more pronounced the 6-step reaction a significant increase of the staining intensity was observed for all the reactions under study. ChAT-like immunoreactivity was observed to longer distances of the nerve cell dendrites after their emerging from the perikarya and within a greater number of structures in the neuropil as compared to the standard techniques. At electron microscopical level the technique permits longer fixation of the tissue which is important for the better preservation of the ultrastructure as well as for the easier recognition of the reaction product even in the smallest dendrite branches and the axons of the nerve cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

The histochemical specificity of Streptomyces hyaluronidase and chondroitinase ABC.

Treatment of tissue sections with enzymes wich degrade specific types of glycosaminoglycans should provide a means for localizing glycosaminoglycans in tissue sections. The feasibility of this technique was examined by utilizing endogenously labelled glycosaminoglycans in chick and quail embryos. Less than 8% of the total glycosaminoglycans appear to be lost non-specifically during fixation and dehydration. Both Streptomyces hyaluronidase and chondroitinase ABC degraded more than 90% of their respective substrates and demonstrated minimal non-specific extraction of other glycosaminoglycans. The selectivity of chondroitinase ABC for sulphated glycosaminoglycans was substantially increased by raising the pH of the incubation buffer to 8.6. At this pH, chondroitinase ABC degraded negligible amounts of hyaluronic acid. Use of both Streptomyces hyaluronidase and chondroitinase ABC confirmed that embryonic hyaluronic acid binds Alcian Blue under conditions that were previously believed specific for sulphated glycosaminoglycans. We suggest that this may be due to the increased molecular weight of embryonic hyaluronic acid compared to the hyaluronic acid in adult tissues. The results presented suggest that treatment of adjacent sections with buffer, chondroitinase ABC at pH 8.6, and Streptomyces hyaluronidase and subsequent staining with Alcian Blue provides a method for localizing and quantitating glycosaminoglycans in tissue sections.

Alcian Blue↗

The role of ABC transporters from Aspergillus nidulans in protection against cytotoxic agents and in antibiotic production.

This paper describes the characterization of atrC and atrD (ABC transporters C and D), two novel ABC transporter-encoding genes from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, and provides evidence for the involvement of atrD in multidrug transport and antibiotic production. BLAST analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of AtrCp and AtrDp reveals high homology to ABC transporter proteins of the P-glycoprotein cluster. AtrDp shows a particularly high degree of identity to the amino acid sequence of Afu Mdr1p, a previously characterized ABC transporter from the human pathogen A. fumigatus. Northern analysis demonstrates an increase in transcript levels of atrC and atrD in fungal germlings upon treatment with natural toxic compounds and xenobiotics. The atrC gene has a high constitutive level of expression relative to attrD, which suggests its involvement in a metabolic function. Single knock-out mutants for atrC and atrD were generated by gene replacement using pyrG from A. oryzae as a selectable marker. DeltatrD mutants display a hypersensitive phenotype to compounds such as cycloheximide, the cyclosporin derivative PSC 833, nigericin and valinomycin, indicating that AtrDp is involved in protection against cytotoxic compounds. Energy-dependent efflux of the azole-related fungicide fenarimol is inhibited by substrates of AtrDp (e.g. PSC 833, nigericin and valinomycin), suggesting that AtrDp plays a role in efflux of this fungicide. Most interestingly, (delta)atrD mutants display a decrease in penicillin production, measured indirectly as antimicrobial activity against Micrococcus luteus. These results suggest that ABC transporters may be involved in secretion of penicillin from fungal cells.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

The ABC transporter structure and mechanism: perspectives on recent research.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are multidomain integral membrane proteins that utilise the energy of ATP hydrolysis to translocate solutes across cellular membranes in all phyla. ABC transporters form one of the largest of all protein families and are central to many important biomedical phenomena, including resistance of cancers and pathogenic microbes to drugs. Elucidation of the structure and mechanism of ABC transporters is essential to the rational design of agents to control their function. While a wealth of high-resolution structures of ABC proteins have been produced in recent years, many fundamental questions regarding the protein's mechanism remain unanswered. In this review, we examine the recent structural data concerning ABC transporters and related proteins in the light of other experimental and theoretical data, and discuss these data in relation to current ideas concerning the transporters' molecular mechanism.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Molecular analysis of the xylFGH operon, coding for xylose ABC transport, in Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus.

A xylose ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transport operon, xylFGH, was cloned from Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus, a thermophilic ethanol-producing eubacterium. The cistrons code for a periplasmic D-xylose-binding protein (XylF, partial sequence of 250 amino acids), ATP-binding protein (XylG, 505 amino acids), and integral membrane protein (XylH, 388 amino acids). These results, together with previous work, indicate that duplicate copies of both xylF and xylH are present in the T. ethanolicus chromosome, suggesting ancient gene duplication or lateral gene transfer events. XylG resembles other eubacterial monosaccharide ABC-ATPases in that its two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) are highly homologous, yet significantly different with respect to putative catalytic residues. Unlike most other integral membrane ABC transport proteins, XylH apparently contains 11 or 12 transmembrane segments (TMS) and is similar to a small group of ABC permeases that defy the "2 x 6" helix paradigm. This is the first report of a monosaccharide ABC transport operon in a thermophilic anaerobic eubacterium.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗