Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D A Kaiser

Publications and source records attributed to D A Kaiser.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Interaction of WASP/Scar proteins with actin and vertebrate Arp2/3 complex.

The Wiskott-Aldrich-syndrome protein (WASP) regulates polymerization of actin by the Arp2/3 complex. Here we show, using fluorescence anisotropy assays, that the carboxy-terminal WA domain of WASP binds to a single actin monomer with a Kd of 0.6 microM in an equilibrium with rapid exchange rates. Both WH-2 and CA sequences contribute to actin binding. A favourable DeltaH of -10 kcal mol(-1) drives binding. The WA domain binds to the Arp2/3 complex with a Kd of 0.9 microM; both the C and A sequences contribute to binding to the Arp2/3 complex. Wiskott-Aldrich-syndrome mutations in the WA domain that alter nucleation by the Arp2/3 complex over a tenfold range without affecting affinity for actin or the Arp2/3 complex indicate that there may be an activation step in the nucleation pathway. Actin filaments stimulate nucleation by producing a fivefold increase in the affinity of WASP-WA for the Arp2/3 complex.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed2000

Synthesis of (3R)-carboxy pyrrolidine (a beta-proline analogue) and its oligomer.

A decamer of a beta-amino acid analogue of L-proline, (3R)-carboxy pyrrolidine (beta-proline), was synthesized from a readily available (R)-glycidol. It was found to possess a rigid secondary structure, as evidenced by its CD spectrum. The beta-proline decamer, however, failed to bind to profilin, whereas the corresponding alpha-L-proline decamer bound tightly to this protein.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Direct observation of dendritic actin filament networks nucleated by Arp2/3 complex and WASP/Scar proteins.

Most nucleated cells crawl about by extending a pseudopod that is driven by the polymerization of actin filaments in the cytoplasm behind the leading edge of the plasma membrane. These actin filaments are linked into a network by Y-branches, with the pointed end of each filament attached to the side of another filament and the rapidly growing barbed end facing forward. Because Arp2/3 complex nucleates actin polymerization and links the pointed end to the side of another filament in vitro, a dendritic nucleation model has been proposed in which Arp2/3 complex initiates filaments from the sides of older filaments. Here we report, by using a light microscopy assay, many new features of the mechanism. Branching occurs during, rather than after, nucleation by Arp2/3 complex activated by the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) or Scar protein; capping protein and profilin act synergistically with Arp2/3 complex to favour branched nucleation; phosphate release from aged actin filaments favours dissociation of Arp2/3 complex from the pointed ends of filaments; and branches created by Arp2/3 complex are relatively rigid. These properties result in the automatic assembly of the branched actin network after activation by proteins of the WASP/Scar family and favour the selective disassembly of proximal regions of the network.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed2000

Mandibular centricity: centric relation.

Centric relation can be a confusing term because it continues to evolve in meaning. This article presents a discussion of the historical aspects of centric relation. Guidelines to decide when to use centric relation in clinical dentistry are included.

Centric Relation↗
PubMed2000

Surgical guide for dental implant placement.

Restorative problems with less than desirable implant placement can be challenging. A procedure is presented for the fabrication of a surgical guide stent that dictates placement of dental implants. This surgical guide can enhance implant placement in an efficient and acceptable manner so that final restorations can be properly contoured and esthetic.

Dental Implantation, Endosseous↗
PubMed2000

Structure of the human anti-apoptotic protein survivin reveals a dimeric arrangement.

Survivin is a 16.5 kDa protein that is expressed during the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and is hypothesized to inhibit a default apoptotic cascade initiated in mitosis. This inhibitory function is coupled to survivin's localization to the mitotic spindle. To begin to address the structural basis of survivin's function, we report the X-ray crystal structure of a recombinant form of full length survivin to 2.58 A resolution. Survivin consists of two defined domains including an N-terminal Zn2+-binding BIR domain linked to a 65 A amphipathic C-terminal alpha-helix. The crystal structure reveals an extensive dimerization interface along a hydrophobic surface on the BIR domain of each survivin monomer. A basic patch acting as a sulfate/phosphate-binding module, an acidic cluster projecting off the BIR domain, and a solvent-accessible hydrophobic surface residing on the C-terminal amphipathic helix, are suggestive of functional protein-protein interaction surfaces.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Guidelines for splinting implants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Teeth and implants have different mobility patterns. Thus, it has been believed that implant-supported restorations should not be connected to natural teeth. However, this is not always the case. PURPOSE: This article presents guidelines for connection of restorative components when implant abutments and natural teeth are involved. METHODS: Methods of connection are discussed. CONCLUSION: This article presents options for splinting of prosthetic components.

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMed2000

Overdenture abutments for fixed partial dentures.

Despite universal acceptance for retaining endodontically treated and filled roots for vertical support of removable prostheses, there is little evidence for the use of overdenture abutments with fixed prostheses. This article presents a review of clinical situations for using these teeth to support fixed partial dentures. These teeth provide vertical support during function and preserve alveolar bone levels.

Dental Abutments↗
PubMed2000

Implant-retained cantilever fixed prosthesis: where and when.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Many clinical situations are suitably treated with cantilevered implant-supported cemented fixed restorations. PURPOSE: This article details the indications for the restorative dentist to use a cantilever fixed prosthesis after insertion of ITI dental implants. CONCLUSION: The use of implants to support cantilevered fixed partial dentures has been successful in selected clinical situations.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed1999

Scar, a WASp-related protein, activates nucleation of actin filaments by the Arp2/3 complex.

The Arp2/3 complex, a stable assembly of two actin-related proteins (Arp2 and Arp3) with five other subunits, caps the pointed end of actin filaments and nucleates actin polymerization with low efficiency. WASp and Scar are two similar proteins that bind the p21 subunit of the Arp2/3 complex, but their effect on the nucleation activity of the complex was not known. We report that full-length, recombinant human Scar protein, as well as N-terminally truncated Scar proteins, enhance nucleation by the Arp2/3 complex. By themselves, these proteins either have no effect or inhibit actin polymerization. The actin monomer-binding W domain and the p21-binding A domain from the C terminus of Scar are both required to activate Arp2/3 complex. A proline-rich domain in the middle of Scar enhances the activity of the W and A domains. Preincubating Scar and Arp2/3 complex with actin filaments overcomes the initial lag in polymerization, suggesting that efficient nucleation by the Arp2/3 complex requires assembly on the side of a preexisting filament-a dendritic nucleation mechanism. The Arp2/3 complex with full-length Scar, Scar containing P, W, and A domains, or Scar containing W and A domains overcomes inhibition of nucleation by the actin monomer-binding protein profilin, giving active nucleation over a low background of spontaneous nucleation. These results show that Scar and, likely, related proteins, such as the Cdc42 targets WASp and N-WASp, are endogenous activators of actin polymerization by the Arp2/3 complex.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed1999

Provisionalization for a single cementable dental implant restoration.

This article presents a procedure for refining margins of provisional implant crowns. This procedure uses an analog of the implant and abutment. This procedure allows functional and esthetic considerations such as emergence profiles, symmetry, diastemas, embrasures, size, contours, position, angulation, and relation to other teeth to be evaluated.

Cementation↗
PubMed1999

Blockout technique for impressions of teeth with increased open gingival embrasures.

A dental technique is described that blocks out enlarged gingival embrasures to eliminate distortion of an impression and the resultant cast for removable partial or fixed partial dentures. This procedure consists of injecting polyvinyl siloxane impression material in embrasures to form custom blockout wedges. This technique provides a simple method for clean, customized blockout of potentially damaging undercuts that can distort impressions and casts. The ultimate accuracy of the cast results in a precise definitive prosthesis.

Crowns↗
PubMed1999

Profilin is predominantly associated with monomeric actin in Acanthamoeba.

We used biochemical fractionation, immunoassays and microscopy of live and fixed Acanthamoeba to determine how much profilin is bound to its known ligands: actin, membrane PIP(2), Arp2/3 complex and polyproline sequences. Virtually all profilin is soluble after gentle homogenization of cells. During gel filtration of extracts on Sephadex G75, approximately 60% of profilin chromatographs with monomeric actin, 40% is free and none voids with Arp2/3 complex or other large particles. Selective monoclonal antibodies confirm that most of the profilin is bound to actin: 65% in extract immunoadsorption assays and 74-89% by fluorescent antibody staining. Other than monomeric actin, no major profilin ligands are detected in crude extracts. Profilin-II labeled with rhodamine on cysteine at position 58 retains its affinity for actin, PIP(2) and poly-L-proline. When syringe-loaded into live cells, it distributes throughout the cytoplasm, is excluded from membrane-bounded organelles, and concentrates in lamellapodia and sites of endocytosis but not directly on the plasma membrane. Some profilin fluorescence appears punctate, but since no particulate profilin is detected biochemically, these spots may be soluble profilin between organelles that exclude profilin. The distribution of profilin in fixed human A431 cells is similar to that in amoebas. Our results show that the major pool of polymerizable actin monomers is complexed with profilin and spread throughout the cytoplasm.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed1998

A new gingival retraction impression system for a one-stage root-form implant.

Displacement of soft tissue adjacent to an implant abutment is arduous. Currently, gingival retraction cord is used before making an impression for cement-retained implant restoration. This article presents a new impression system for a cementable abutment/implant. The advantages of a cement-retained implant crown are described. This system provides efficient and accurate impressions.

Cementation↗
PubMed1998

The effect of sprue design on the marginal accuracy of titanium castings.

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of sprue number and position on cast titanium crown margins. Twenty-four complete veneer crown wax patterns were fabricated on a stainless steel die with a 30 degrees bevel finish line. Twelve wax patterns were sprued with one 8-gauge wax sprue and the remaining 12-gauge double sprued. All patterns were invested with a phosphate bonded investment. Castings were made with a titanium casting machine following the manufacturer's instructions and using commercially pure titanium (> 99.5%) ingots. The castings were than carefully cleansed and the margins were examined with indirect impression technique. Data were analysed with an ANOVA and the Student's t-test with confidence level at 95%. The results revealed that the marginal discrepancy for the double sprueing group (32.1 +/- 12.8 microm) has significantly less discrepancy (P < 0.001) than the single sprueing group (49.8 +/- 16.4 microm). There was no statistically significant differences in marginal discrepancy between locations within the sprueing techniques (P > 0.05). An improvement in the degree of casting accuracy of titanium crown was indicated by the double sprue design used in this investigation.

Analysis of Variance↗