Low lying states in 153Ho and 157Tm from electron capture and beta + decay of 153Er and 157Yb.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
C Zhang
Publications and source records attributed to C Zhang.
Purification and properties of a low-redox-potential tetraheme cytochrome c3 from Shewanella putrefaciens.
Shewanella putrefaciens is a facultatively anaerobic bacterium in the gamma group of the proteobacteria, capable of utilizing a wide variety of anaerobic electron acceptors. An examination of its cytochrome content revealed the presence of a tetraheme, low-redox-potential (E'o = -233 mV), cytochrome c-type cytochrome with a molecular mass of 12,120 Da and a pI of 5.8. The electron spin resonance data indicate a bis-histidine coordination of heme groups. Reduction of ferric citrate was accompanied by oxidation of the cytochrome. The biochemical properties suggested that this protein was in the cytochrome c3 group, which is supported by N-terminal sequence data up to the first heme binding site.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Complete inhibition of virion assembly in vivo with mutant procapsid RNA essential for phage phi 29 DNA packaging.
A highly efficient method for the inhibition of bacteriophage phi 29 assembly was developed with the use of mutant forms of the viral procapsid (or packaging) RNA (pRNA) indispensable for phi 29 DNA packaging. Phage phi 29 assembly was severely reduced in vitro in the presence of mutant pRNA and completely blocked in vivo when the host cell expressed mutant pRNA. Addition of 45% mutant pRNA resulted in a reduction of infectious virion production by 4 orders of magnitude, indicating that factors involved in viral assembly can be targets for efficient and specific antiviral treatment. The mechanism leading to the high efficiency of inhibition was attributed to two pivotal features. First, the pRNA contains two separate, essential functional domains, one for procapsid binding and the other for a DNA-packaging role other than procapsid binding. Mutation of the DNA-packaging domain resulted in a pRNA with no DNA-packaging activity but intact procapsid binding competence. Second, multiple copies of the pRNA were involved in the packaging of one genome. This higher-order dependence of pRNA in viral replication concomitantly resulted in its higher-order inhibitory effect. This finding suggested that the collective DNA-packaging activity of multiple copies of pRNA could be disrupted by the incorporation of perhaps an individual mutant pRNA into the group. Although this mutant pRNA could not be used for the inhibition of the replication of other viruses directly, the principle of using molecules with two functional domains and multiple-copy involvement as targets for antiviral agents could be applied to certain viral structural proteins, enzymes, and other factors or RNAs involved in the viral life cycle. This principle also implies a strategy for gene therapy, intracellular immunization, or construction of transgenic plants resistant to viral infection.
Bacillus Phages↗
Tethered Sir3p nucleates silencing at telomeres and internal loci in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Rap1p binds to sites embedded within the Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomeric TG1-3 tract. Previous studies have led to the hypothesis that Rap1p may recruit Sir3p and Sir3p-associating factors to the telomere. To test this, we tethered Sir3p adjacent to the telomere via LexA binding sites in the rap1-17 mutant that truncates the Rap1p C-terminal 165 amino acids thought to contain sites for Sir3p association. Tethering of LexA-Sir3p adjacent to the telomere is sufficient to restore telomeric silencing, indicating that Sir3p can nucleate silencing at the telomere. Tethering of LexA-Sir3p or the LexA-Sir3p(N2O5) gain-of-function protein to a telomeric LexA site hyperrepresses an adjacent ADE2 gene in wild-type cells. Hence, Sir3p recruitment to the telomere is limiting in telomeric silencing. In addition, LexA-Sir3p(N2O5) hyperrepresses telomeric silencing when tethered to a subtelomeric site 3.6 kb from the telomeric tract. This hyperrepression is dependent on the C terminus of Rap1p, suggesting that subtelomeric LexA-Sir3p(N205) can interact with Rap1p-associated factors at the telomere. We also demonstrate that LexA-Sir3p or LexA-Sir3p(N205) tethered in cis with a short tract of telomeric TG1-3 sequences is sufficient to confer silencing at an internal chromosomal position. Internal silencing is enhanced in rap1-17 strains. We propose that sequestration of silencing factors at the telomere limits the efficiency of internal silencing.
Bacterial Proteins↗
Endocytosis and Ca2+ are required for endotoxin-stimulated TNF-alpha release by rat Kupffer cells.
Endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] is a cell wall polymer derived from Gram-negative bacteria that stimulates macrophages to produce a variety of inflammatory mediators. In these studies, we examined LPS-stimulated formation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by cultured rat Kupffer cells. Cytochalasin B and methylpalmitate, blockers of endocytosis, decreased LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha release by > 92%. Bafilomycin A, monensin, and chloroquine, which prevent endosomal acidification, also blocked LPS-stimulated release of TNF-alpha by > 90%. Cytochalasin B and bafilomycin A decreased TNF-alpha mRNA levels by > 90% after LPS stimulation. Consistent with the requirement for LPS uptake and processing was the observation that Kupffer cells required 30 min of contact with LPS for maximal TNF-alpha release. LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha release was unaltered by incubation in Ca(2+)-free ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid medium, and A-23187, a Ca2+ ionophore, failed to stimulate TNF-alpha release in the absence of LPS. However, nisoldipine, a Ca2+ channel blocker, suppressed LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha release in cells cultured both in Ca(2+)-containing and Ca(2+)-free media. Although thapsigargin did not block TNF-alpha release, this depleter of intracellular Ca2+ stores blocked LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha synthesis in Ca(2+)-free medium and decreased TNF-alpha mRNA levels by 80%. Furthermore, LPS induced a late rise in intracellular free Ca2+ demonstrated by video microscopy of fura 2-loaded Kupffer cells. De novo protein and RNA synthesis were required, since cycloheximide and actinomycin D also inhibited LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha release. We compared free TNF-alpha secreted into culture supernatants with cell-associated TNF-alpha and found that cytochalasin B, bafilomycin A, chloroquine, monensin, and nisoldipine did not increase bound, cell-associated TNF-alpha. We conclude that endocytosis and endocytic processing may be necessary for LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha release from Kupffer cells. Ca2+ release, regulated by dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels, also appears to be necessary for LPS-induced signaling and may arise from intracellular stores associated with the endosome/lysosome compartment.
Animals↗
Effect of cAMP agonists on cell pH and anion transport by cultured rat inner medullary collecting duct cells.
The rat inner medullary collecting duct is capable of secreting anions. We previously showed that adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) stimulates anion secretion; the apical membrane anion exit pathway activated by cAMP appears to be the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel. The present experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that the entry pathway across the basolateral membrane is a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger operating in parallel with an Na+/H+ exchanger. We investigated the mechanism by measuring cell Cl-, cell pH, and short-circuit current under a variety of conditions designed to uncover these pathways. cAMP agonists caused little change in cell Cl-, but they produced a consistent intracellular acidification. This acidification was dependent on HCO3-, but not on Cl-, and was not inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS). The presence of the basolateral Cl-/HCO3- exchanger was demonstrated by several maneuvers, and its activity was inhibited by DIDS. Applied to the basolateral solution, DIDS did not inhibit the cAMP-dependent anion current but actually stimulated it. We conclude that cAMP-stimulated anion secretion does not require activation of the basolateral Cl-/HCO3- exchanger. The transporter responsible for Cl- entry across the basolateral membrane remains unknown and is not inhibited by a variety of anion transport inhibitors, including DIDS, bumetanide, and hydrochlorothiazide. The cell acidification induced by cAMP appears to be independent of acid secretion and is the result of activation of one or more HCO3- exit pathways that are resistant to DIDS but are inhibited by a nonspecific anion transport inhibitor, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpro-pylamino) benzoic acid. We present a revised model for anion transport by the rat inner medullary collecting duct.
1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
Cl- current in IMCD cells activated by hypotonicity: time course, ATP dependence, and inhibitors.
The hypertonic environment of the renal medulla can change rapidly according to the state of hydration of the animal. We used primary cultures of rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells to investigate the characteristics of Cl- currents activated by an acute reduction in osmolarity (ICl(osm)). Using the whole cell patch-clamp technique, we identified an outwardly rectifying current that decayed slowly at strongly depolarizing voltages. The onset of ICl(osm) began 6.7 min after the fall in bath osmolarity, a delay longer than reported in other cell types. Hypotonicity did not induce an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and activation of ICl(osm) did not require the presence of Ca2+. Intracellular ATP was needed to evoke ICl(osm) when the hypotonic stimulus was modest (50 mosmol/l or less) but was not necessary when the stimulus was stronger (100 mosmol/ l). ICl(osm) was inhibited by 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid but not by tamoxifen or glibenclamide. 4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid produced a voltage-dependent block. Acute reduction in osmolarity using cells grown on filters did not induce a Cl- secretory current. The ICl(osm) of IMCD cells appears to be on the basolateral membrane and displays some unique features.
Adenosine Triphosphate↗
The inhibition of vitamin K3 on rabbit fibroblast proliferation in vitro.
Vitamin K3 that is commonly used to treat hemorrhagic diseases can inhibit human lymphatic neoplasms in vitro. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of vitamin K3 on rabbit conjunctival fibroblast proliferation in cell culture. Vitamin K3 was added to cultured rabbit conjunctival fibroblasts. Remarkable inhibition was observed at a concentration of 4 mg/l. Because of its lower toxicity, vitamin K3 may prove to be of significant value in the treatment of intraocular proliferative disorders.
Animals↗
Cloning, DNA sequence, and alternative splicing of opossum amelogenin mRNAs.
The enamel layer that covers the surfaces of teeth is thickest and most highly mineralized in mammals. The durability of mammalian enamel may have allowed for selection against the lifelong replacement of teeth that is observed in other vertebrates. Variation in enamel structure among animals is thought to be the result of evolutionary changes in the constituents of the developing enamel matrix. In placental mammals, the principal component of this matrix is amelogenin. We have determined the complete primary structures of two opossum amelogenins through a combination of protein sequencing, cloning, and DNA sequencing. RNA messages were cloned that encode 202- and 57-residue amelogenins, which are presumed to be expressed from the same gene but differ due to alternative splicing of identical pre-mRNAs. Edman degradation of the larger amelogenin ran for 42 cycles and yielded the sequence: IPLPPHPGHPGYINFS YEVLTPLKWYQSMMRQQYPSYGYEPM. The derived 202-residue amelogenin, assuming that serine 16 is phosphorylated, has an isotope-averaged molecular mass of 23,023.75 Daltons and a pI of 6.2. This is the largest amelogenin yet characterized. The increase in length is due to the presence of a 30-residue tandem repeat of QP(I/M) in exon 6 in the same position as a similar, but shorter, repeat expressed from the bovine X-chromosome. The 57-residue amelogenin, which is known from other organisms as the leucine-rich amelogenin protein (LRAP), has an isotope-averaged molecular mass of 6764.75 Daltons and a pI of 5.5. The opossum enamel protein is highly homologous to those previously characterized in eutherians and demonstrates that amelogenins were refined structurally prior to the metatherian/eutherian divergence between 100 and 150 million years ago.
Alternative Splicing↗
Circulating factors and insulin resistance. II. The action of the novel myo-inositol cyclic 1,2-inositol phosphate phosphoglycan insulin antagonist from human plasma in regulating pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase.
A novel low mol wt inositol phosphoglycan antagonist of insulin action of oxidative glucose metabolism in isolated rat adipocytes was partially purified from normal human plasma and shown to be increased in type II diabetic plasma. It was characterized chemically as a myo-inositol phosphoglycan containing a cyclic 1,2-phosphate. This antagonist, termed fraction V3, is now shown to inhibit the action of an inositol glycan insulin pH 2.0 mediator that stimulates pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase in a similar manner to insulin. In addition, fraction V3 inhibits stimulation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) phosphatase by Mg2+, the enzyme's required metal, and by spermine, a polyamine. Fraction V3 does not inhibit active PDH itself. The inhibitory effect is dose dependent and apparently noncompetitive or nonsurmountable for the insulin inositol glycan pH 2.0 mediator, thus comparing kinetically with its insulin antagonistic action on intact adipocytes. Its inhibitory action on PDH phosphatase is dose dependent and competitive for Mg2+ stimulation of the phosphatase. Additionally, fraction V3 is shown to inhibit stimulation by Mg2+ of cloned recombinant PDH phosphatase catalytic subunit. Inhibition by fraction V3 of Mg(2+)-stimulated PDH phosphatase and its cloned catalytic subunit helps explain its mechanism of action to inhibit insulin-stimulated oxidative glucose metabolism in adipocytes and its potential clinical significance in insulin resistance.
Animals↗
Nuclear lamina and nuclear matrix organization in sperm pronuclei assembled in Xenopus egg extract.
Nuclear lamina and matrices were prepared from sperm pronuclei assembled in Xenopus egg extracts using a fractionation and extraction procedure. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed that while chromatin was efficiently removed from nuclei during the extraction procedure, the distribution of lamins was unaffected. Consistent with this data, the amount of lamin B3, determined by immunoblotting, was not affected through the extraction procedure. Nuclear matrices were visualised in DGD sections by TEM. Within these sections filaments were observed both at the boundary of the nucleus (the lamina) and within the body of the nucleus (internal nuclear matrix filaments). To improve resolution, nuclear matrices were also prepared as whole mounts and viewed using field emission in lens scanning electron microscopy (FEISEM). This technique revealed two distinct networks of filaments. Filaments lying at the surface of nuclear matrices interconnected nuclear pores. These filaments were readily labelled with monoclonal anti-lamin B3 antibodies. Filaments lying within the body of the nuclear matrix were highly branched but were not readily labelled with antilamin B3 antibodies. Nuclear matrices were also prepared from sperm pronuclei assembled in lamin B3 depleted extracts. Using FEISEM, filaments were also detected in these preparations. However, these filaments were poorly organised and often appeared to aggregate. To confirm these results nuclear matrices were also observed as whole mounts using TEM. Nuclear matrices prepared from control nuclei contained a dense array of interconnected filaments. Many (but not all) of these filaments were labelled with anti-lamin B3 antibodies. In contrast, nuclear matrices prepared from "lamin depleted nuclei' contained poorly organised or aggregated filaments which were not specifically labelled with anti-lamin B3 antibodies.
Animals↗
Age-related reductions in number and size of anterior horn cells at C6 level of the human spinal cord.
We examined numbers and sizes of anterior horn cells (AHCs) of the human spinal cord at C6 level with aging process. Spinal cords were obtained from twenty-four male cadavers, age ranged from 41 to 97 years without any accompanying pathological changes of the spinal cord. For quantitative investigation of the AHCs, spinal cord segments were embedded in celloidin after secondary fixation and dehydration; sections (20 microns thick) were stained with luxol fast blue-periodic acid-Schiff-hematoxylin and Klüver-Barrera methods; the neuronal number, the cell body area and the perimeter of AHCs in the gray matter (equivalent to the Rexed's lamina IX) were counted and measured using a combination of a microscope with a drawing tube, a digitizer and a computer at 400 times magnification. A marked reduction in number of AHCs was found in the aged subjects. Similarly, there were significantly age-related decreases in the cross-sectional area and perimeter of AHCs at C6 segment of the spinal cord. These findings indicate that the reduction in number and size of AHCs in the human spinal cord is associated with degenerative neuronal changes and loss of motoneurons during aging process.
Adult↗
A distinct G(i) protein-coupled receptor for sphingosylphosphorylcholine in human leukemia HL-60 cells and human neutrophils.
The sphingolipids, sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPPC) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP), induce a rapid and transient rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a variety of cell lines via activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors. We investigated whether these sphingolipids act on different receptors by testing the effect of varying concentrations of SPPC on [Ca2+]i in human leukemia HL-60 cells, which have been found to be nonresponsive to SPP. SPPC potently (EC50 = 1.5 microM) and rapidly increased [Ca2+]i in HL-60 cells in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. Differentiation of HL-60 cells through treatment with dibutyryl cAMP into granulocyte-like cells did not change the magnitude or the pertussis toxin sensitivity of the SPPC-induced [Ca2+]i rise, indicating that the receptor for SPPC is constitutively expressed in HL-60 cells. SPPC did not activate phospholipase C or D in HL-60 cells. However, SPPC, but not SPP, stimulated the generation of superoxide anions in dibutyryl cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells as well as in human neutrophils, suggesting that the SPPC receptor may play a role in the inflammatory defense against invading microorganisms. On the basis of these results, we conclude that there apparently is a heterogeneity of G protein-coupled receptors for sphingolipids in mammalian cells.
Calcium↗
[Iridoid glucosides from Phlomis mongolica Turcz].
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal↗
High level secretion of wild-type and mutant forms of human proapoA-I using baculovirus-mediated Sf-9 cell expression.
To facilitate the investigation of apoA-I structure:function relationships as they relate to LCAT activation and lipid binding, we have developed an apoA-I baculoviral expression and purification system that yields milligram quantities of wild-type or mutant proapoA-I. Baculovirus-infected Sf-9 cells, grown in suspension, were found to secrete high levels of human wild-type (40-50 mg/l) or mutant apoA-I protein (1-38 mg/l), which was determined to be > 95% pure following a two-step purification procedure. In the case of wild-type apoA-I, ELISA showed that approximately 13-18% of the total protein secreted into the culture medium was apoA-I. To isolate pure protein from culture medium, 72 h post-infection medium was subjected to preparative reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), followed by DEAE ion-exchange chromatography. Purity and molecular size determination of wild-type proapoA-I protein was verified by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, electrospray mass spectrometry, and N-terminal sequencing. In addition, recombinant discoidal apoA-I:phospholipid complexes prepared from wild-type or plasma apoA-I showed similar particle size and LCAT activation properties. To fully characterize the utility of this expression system, the expression levels of various mutant apoA-I proteins were compared to wild-type. Despite a lower production level seen with selected apoA-I mutants, milligram quantities of these purified mutant proteins were also obtained. In summary, we show that baculovirus-derived wild-type proapoA-I shows properties similar to plasma apoA-I relative to recombinant HDL formation, LCAT reactivity, and alpha-helical content. In addition, we show that a variety of mutant forms of human proapoA-I can be expressed and purified in abundant quantity from baculoviral-infected Sf-9 cells.
Animals↗
Selective arterial embolization in the management of internal bleeding caused by trophoblastic diseases.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective arterial embolization in the management of internal bleeding caused by trophoblastic diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients with internal bleeding caused by trophoblastic diseases were diagnosed with arteriography and treated with selective arterial embolization as a life-saving measure. Effect of controlling bleeding was assessed by follow-up arteriogram and clinical observation. RESULTS: The embolization successfully controlled the bleeding in all patients. Operation time was short with a mean of 42 minutes. The shock was corrected dramatically. Fever and pain were common complications. CONCLUSION: Selective arterial embolization is a life-saving measure in the management of internal bleeding caused by trophoblastic diseases.
Adult↗
[The purification and analysis of S-antigen in rabbit retina].
OBJECTIVE: S-antigen from rabbit retina was isolated and purified to investigate the immune mechanisms of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) and lay a foundation for its experimental treatment. METHOD: Two-step ion exchange chromatography was used for the purification of S-antigen and it was analyzed. RESULT: The analytical studies show that the molecular weight of the purified S-antigen is 55,000, its isoelectric point is 6.40, and non-polar amino acid constitutes a relatively large proportion in its amino acids. Scanning tunnel electron microscope was used to investigate the configuration of S-antigen. It is elliptic globe-like. The purified S-antigen successfully induced the model of EAU. CONCLUSION: S-antigen purified by two-step ion exchange chromatography can be used for its own analytical studies and induction of EAU model.
Amino Acids↗
Inhibition by toxin B of inositol phosphate formation induced by G protein-coupled and tyrosine kinase receptors in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells: involvement of Rho proteins.
G protein-coupled receptors activate phospholipase C (PLC)-beta isoforms by the alpha or beta gamma subunits of G proteins, whereas growth-factor receptors activate PLC-gamma isoforms by phosphorylating tyrosine residues of the enzyme. As a common substrate for PLC enzymes, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [Ptdins(4,5)P2] may play a pivotal role in the regulation of cellular PLC activity. Because small-molecular-weight G proteins have been implicated in the synthesis of Ptdins(4,5)P2, we studied the effect of Clostridium difficile toxin B, which glucosylates and thereby inactivates small G proteins of the Rho family, on receptor-stimulated PLC activity. We report here that in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells, stimulation of inositol phosphate formation by the G protein-coupled receptor agonists bradykinin and lysophosphatidic acid and by the tyrosine kinase receptor agonist platelet-derived growth factor is largely attenuated by toxin B treatment. Furthermore, inositol phosphate production stimulated by the stable GTP analog guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)-triphosphate in permeabilized N1E-115 cells was inhibited by C3 exoenzyme, which specifically inactivates Rho proteins. The inhibition by toxin B was apparently not caused by its effect on the cytoskeleton. In addition, the level of platelet-derived growth factor receptors, which was studied with immunoblotting, was unaffected by toxin B. Using exogenous Ptdlns(4,5)P2 as PLC substrate, it was found that the intrinsic enzymatic activity of PLC activated either by Ca2+ or by guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate was not altered by toxin B. However, toxin B decreased strongly, by up to 80%, the cellular level of Ptdins(4,5)P2 in a concentration-dependent manner, without changing those of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate. These results, together with the recent finding that Rho family proteins can regulate phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase activity, demonstrate that Rho proteins are presumably important regulators of Ptdins(4,5)P2 synthesis and, thereby, play an integral role in the regulation of cellular signaling by PLC enzymes.
ADP Ribose Transferases↗