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Biomedical subjects

J Wu

Publications and source records attributed to J Wu.

At least 1,153 records · Page 64Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Recombinant GST/CD36 fusion proteins define a thrombospondin binding domain. Evidence for a single calcium-dependent binding site on CD36.

CD36 is a multifunctional cell surface glycoprotein that acts as a surface receptor for thrombospondin (TSP), and thereby may mediate adhesive interactions between cells and substrata, platelets and other cells, and macrophages and apoptotic neutrophils. The identity of the TSP binding site on CD36 is controversial and may involve more than one structural domain. We have constructed a series of recombinant bacterial GST/CD36 fusion proteins that span nearly all of the CD36 molecule and have demonstrated that fusion proteins containing the region extending from amino acid 93 to 120 formed specific, saturable, and reversible complexes with TSP. As with intact CD36, binding was calcium-dependent, was independent of which ligand was immobilized, and was blocked by monoclonal antibodies to both CD36 and TSP. Stoichiometry and affinity of the fusion proteins for TSP were consistent with that of the intact protein. We also demonstrated that these fusion proteins competitively inhibited binding of TSP to purified platelet CD36 and to cell surface CD36 on peripheral blood monocytes and CD36 cDNA-transfected melanoma cells. These data demonstrate that the region between amino acids 93 and 120 has all of the characteristics required of the TSP binding domain.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1995

Molecular properties and myocardial salvage effects of morin hydrate.

Morin hydrate is a bioactive pigment found in yellow Brazil wood. Recently, we reported that morin hydrate prolongs the survival of three types of cells from the human circulatory system against oxyradicals generated in vitro. The protection excels that given by equimolar concentrations of ascorbate, mannitol, and Trolox. Here, we demonstrate that, in vivo, morin hydrate at 5 mumol/kg actually reduced by > 50% the tissue necrosis in post-ischemic and reperfused rabbit hearts. Mechanistically, morin hydrate not only scavenges oxyradicals, but also moderately inhibits xanthine oxidase, a free-radical generating enzyme from the ischemic endothelium. Among other possibilities, morin hydrate appears to chelate some metal ions (e.g. Fe2+) in oxyradical formation, although this needs to be examined further. Nuclear magnetic resonance (at 500 mHz) and electron-impact mass spectrometry also supported a molecular formula of C15H10O7 for morin hydrate. Only by X-ray crystallography was it clearly revealed that there are two water molecules attached by intermolecular hydrogen bonds to a morin molecule. Also, the three rings of morin hydrate approach coplanarity. This conformation favours a delocalization of electrons after oxyradical reduction, making morin an effective antioxidant. Thus, we have documented some of the molecular properties and myocardial salvage effects of morin hydrate.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Structure of the human gene encoding sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBF1) and localization of SREBF1 and SREBF2 to chromosomes 17p11.2 and 22q13.

Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP1) and SREBP2 are structurally related proteins that control cholesterol homeostasis by stimulating transcription of sterol-regulated genes, including those encoding the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA synthase. SREBP1 and SREBP2 are 47% identical, and they share a novel structure comprising a transcriptionally active NH2-terminal basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) domain followed by a membrane attachment domain. Cleavage by a sterol-regulated protease frees the bHLH-Zip domain from the membrane and allows it to enter the nucleus. SREBP1 exists in several forms, possibly as a result of alternative splicing at both the 5' and the 3' ends of the mRNA. The genes for SREBP1 (SREBF1) and SREBP2 (SREBF2) have not been studied. In this paper we describe the cloning and characterization of the human SREBF1 gene. The gene is 26 kb in length and has 22 exons and 20 introns. The 5' and 3' sequences that differ between the two SREBP1 cDNAs are encoded by discrete exons, confirming the hypothesis that they result from alternative splicing. The chromosomal locations of human SREBF1 and SREBF2 were determined by analysis of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The SREBF1 gene mapped to the proximal short arm of chromosome 17 (17p11.2), and the SREBF2 gene was localized to the long arm of chromosome 22 (22q13).

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1995

Ribosomal proteins of Thermomyces lanuginosus--characterisation by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and differential disassembly.

One- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis were employed to characterise the proteins derived from the ribosomes of the thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus. Approximately 32 (29 basic and 3 acidic) and 45 (43 basic and 2 acidic) protein spots were resolved from Th. lanuginosus small and large ribosomal subunits, respectively. The molecular weight of the small subunit proteins ranged from 9,800-36,000 Da with a number average molecular weight of 20,300 Da. The molecular weight range for the large subunit proteins was 12,000-48,500 Da with a number average molecular weight of 25,900 Da. Most proteins appeared to be present in unimolar amounts. These data are comparable with but not identical to those from other eukaryotic ribosomes. The sensitivities of the ribosomal proteins to increasing concentrations of NH4Cl were also evaluated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Most ribosomal proteins were gradually released over a wide range of salt concentrations but some were preferentially enriched in one or two salt conditions.

Ammonium Chloride↗
PubMed1995

Topological organization of the Rieske iron-sulphur protein and subunit IV in the cytochrome bc1 complex of Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

The ubiquinol-cytochrome c2 oxidoreductases (cytochrome bc1 complex) of Rhodobacter sphaeroides contains highly conserved cytochrome b, cytochrome c1 and Rieske FeS subunits, as well as a unique 14 kDa polypeptide, designated as subunit IV, thought to function as a ubiquinol-binding protein [Yu and Yu (1991) Biochemistry 30, 4934-4939]. As the topology of subunit IV is unknown and that of the FeS subunit remains a matter of debate, both the inner (cytoplasmic) and outer (periplasmic) surfaces of the intracytoplasmic membrane (ICM) were digested with proteinase K, and cleavage products were identified by immunoblotting. In uniformly oriented chromatophore vesicles (inner ICM surface exposed), fragments of approx. 4 and 1 kDa were removed from subunit IV and the FeS protein respectively. Neither subunit IV nor the FeS protein was cleaved from the outer ICM surface as exposed in osmotically protected spheroplasts or as presented to proteinase K after microencapsulation of the protease in unilamellar liposomes and fusion of these structures to chromatophore vesicles. Studies with the isolated bc1 complex, however, suggested that the C-terminal domain of the Rieske FeS, thought to reside on the periplasmic side of the ICM, was resistant to proteinase K. Overall, these results suggest a single N-terminal transmembrane helix for the FeS protein, with exposure of the N-terminus to the cytoplasm and an orientation in which a major, N-terminal portion of subunit IV is located in the cytoplasm with the predicted C-terminal transmembrane domain anchoring this polypeptide to the membrane.

Bacterial Chromatophores↗
PubMed1995

Determination of serum aluminium using an ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic-fluorimetric system with lumogallion.

An ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorimetric detection, using lumogallion [4-chloro-3-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylazo)-2-hydroxybenzene-1-sulphonic acid] as a ligand, has been successfully applied to the determination of aluminium in human serum. The highly fluorescent aluminium-lumogallion complex (lambda ex 505 nm, lambda em 574 nm) was separated on a LiChrosorb RP-18 column with an eluent consisting of 30% acetonitrile, 70% 0.02 M potassium hydrogen phthalate and 10 microM lumogallion. The proposed system offers a simple, rapid, selective and sensitive method for the determination of aluminium in serum. The detection limit for aluminium was 0.05 microgram/l in aqueous solution and the limit of determination was 2.2 micrograms/l in serum. The recovery of the method is generally over 90%.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1995

Application of capillary isoelectric focusing with absorption imaging detection to the quantitative determination of human hemoglobin variants.

The capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF)-absorption imaging detector is a multicapillary separation instrument. Several protein samples can be separated and detected in a single run. The analysis time for one run is only 3 min. Because an imaging detector is used, the mobilization process of conventional CIEF is not necessary, eliminating such drawbacks as long analysis time and poor reproducibility in mobilization speed. Human hemoglobin variants were quantitatively determined using the instrument. The peak areas of the analytes were proportional to their concentrations in the concentration range of 0-200 micrograms/mL. Hemoglobin variant A2, which only comprises 2% of the whole hemoglobin, can be quantitatively determined with a standard deviation of less than 10%. For the high concentration variants, such as variant S, the deviation is less than 1%.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed1995

Fluorescence imaging detection for capillary isoelectric focusing.

A simple laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) imaging detector and an ultrasensitive LIF imaging detector are described for capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF). An argon ion laser beam of 496.5 nm is used as excitation source. In the simple LIF imaging detector, the excitation beam is directed into a capillary column by an optic fiber array. In the ultrasensitive LIF imaging detector, the laser beam is first expanded, then is focused into the 4.5 cm long capillary column by a cylindrical lens. Fluorescence emission is detected by a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The feasibility and performance of the LIF imaging detector system for CIEF are first verified with a naturally fluorescent protein, b-phycoerythrin. Then, the ultrasensitive LIF imaging system is used as a detector for CIEF of proteins labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). Three FITC-labeled proteins (i) alpha-D-galatosylated FITC-albumin, (ii) insulin-FITC, and (iii) casein-FITC, are used as model samples. Fluorescence images of the model samples are measured during the CIEF process. The focusing of the protein samples is complete in about 1.5 min. The ultrasensitive detector's detection limits for the FITC-labeled proteins are at the level of 10(-10) M, and the mass detection limits are about 4.5 x 10(-17) mole, even though only 10% of the fluorescence emission is collected. Therefore, the method is capable of separating and detecting 10(-11) M or amole (10(-18) mole) level protein samples with a band-pass filter more specific to the fluorescence light.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Caseins↗
PubMed1995

Autoimmunity, apoptosis defects and retroviruses.

Autoimmunity and AIDS both share the common feature of increased expression of retroviral protein products and abnormal apoptosis of immune cells (81). This leads to a more global immunomodulatory defect (82-84). The challenge in the future will be to devise compounds that can either regulate the effect of the retroviral products on apoptosis, or that can inhibit apoptosis pathways in order to restore normal immune system function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Synaptogenesis and distribution of presynaptic axonal varicosities in low density primary cultures of neocortex: an immunocytochemical study utilizing synaptic vesicle-specific antibodies, and an electrophysiological examination utilizing whole cell recording.

Low-density primary cultures of neocortical neurons were utilized to examine: (i) early interactions of growing neurites with morphological characteristics of axons with other neuronal elements, and (ii) the distribution of presynaptic axonal varicosities closely apposed to MAP-2 immunoreactive, putatively postsynaptic, dendrites. At the light microscopical level axonal varicosities, presumably presynaptic terminals, were identified using immunocytochemistry incorporating antibodies specific for the synaptic vesicle antigens synaptophysin and synapsin. The presence of synaptophysin- and synapsin-immunoreactive swellings along axonal processes was first detected at 5 days post-plating and was also apparent in axons growing in isolation. At 5-7 days in vitro, immunolabelled axonal varicosities in close apposition to putative postsynaptic dendrites (MAP-2 immunoreactive) dendrites were detected. Electrophysiologically active synaptic contacts can also readily be detected at this stage. After 3 weeks in vitro presynaptic contacts do appear to be distributed heterogeneously along postsynaptic dendrites of many neurons in culture. As the culture matures a higher number of presynaptic profiles can be seen along dendrites, with a centrifugal distribution, e.g. a higher density of presynaptic axonal terminals in close apposition to more distal regions of larger dendrites, putatively considered to be apical dendrites of pyramidal-like neurons. In our cultures, the overall increase in the density and the pattern of distribution of presynaptic axon terminals immunoreactive for synaptic vesicle antigens closely apposed to putative post-synaptic structures mimics the general postnatal increase of synaptic density in the neocortex in vivo. Thus, low density primary cultures of neocortical neurons offer a valuable system to explore and manipulate (i) the molecular and cellular basis of neocortical synaptogenesis, and (ii) the pharmacology of neocortical synaptic transmission.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Phase I/II dose-escalation study of liarozole in patients with stage D, hormone-refractory carcinoma of the prostate.

BACKGROUND: Liarozole binds to the cytochrome P-450-dependent hydroxylating enzymes involved in steroid biosynthesis and retinoic acid catabolism. This phase I study investigated the clinical/endocrine toxicity profile of liarozole and determined the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) in hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients. METHODS: Groups of five patients were treated with oral liarozole caplets, starting at 37.5 mg twice daily. The dose was doubled for each subsequent group until the MTD was reached, after which, an additional 18 patients were entered into the MTD-1 dose stratum. The long-term safety of liarozole was assessed based on treatment-emergent signs and symptoms and clinically significant laboratory results. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were enrolled. The MTD was determined to be 300 mg twice daily. Side effects that defined the MTD included lethargy, somnolence, body rash, and paresthesias. Two deaths occurred during the trial (pneumonia and myocardial infarction). Four patients had a > 50% decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (two at 150 mg, two at 300 mg). Of nine patients with measurable disease, two had partial responses. CONCLUSIONS: Liarozole was generally well tolerated with no evidence of adrenal insufficiency. Preliminary evidence of activity in this indication was observed based on dose-dependent decreases in PSA levels and improvement in soft-tissue metastasis.

Aged↗