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R D Thompson

Publications and source records attributed to R D Thompson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

The role of multiple binding sites in the activation of zein gene expression by Opaque-2.

Opaque-2 (O2) encodes a transcriptional activator of the basic domain-leucine zipper (bZIP) class, which controls the expression level in maize endosperm of the 22kD alpha-zeins and a number of non-storage proteins. The interaction of the O2 protein at three clustered binding sites on an isolated 22 kD zein gene promoter has been investigated. O2 is shown to transactivate transcription from these sites in tobacco mesophyll protoplasts as well as in maize endosperm cells transformed by particle bombardment. The binding sites have been mutated by base exchanges, singly or in different combinations, to determine their contribution to transactivation in vivo in both the leaf protoplast and the maize endosperm system. The effect of these mutations on binding of O2 in vitro was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), using O2 protein expressed in E. coli. Two of the sites seemed to be equally effective in responding to Opaque-2 in vivo in both cell types, although one of them does not contain an ACGT core sequence, and has a lower affinity for O2 in vitro than the ACGT-containing binding site. A third site, which has the lowest affinity of all three, confers no detectable O2-dependent promoter activation alone, but significantly increases activation in combination with either one of the other sites. Hence, weaker O2 binding sites can still mediate major O2-dependent effects when present in target promoters in vivo.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1996

Regulation of cytosolic pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase expression in developing maize endosperm.

Pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK, E.C. 2.7.9.1) is an abundant enzyme in the leaves of C4 plants associated with the dicarboxylic acid pathways of CO2 fixation in the dark. PPDK activity has also been detected in the seeds of maize and other, non-C4 cereals, where its role has yet to be established. Using an anti-PPDK serum, two cross-reacting species of M(r) close to 90 000 were detected in developing maize endosperm of wild-type plants. In two independent opaque-2 mutant lines, one of the polypeptides was absent and the other was reduced in level. Similarly, endosperm PPDK mRNA levels were greatly reduced in the opaque-2 maize lines compared to wild type, suggesting that endosperm PPDK gene expression is under Opaque-2 control. However, a low level of PPDK mRNA could still be detected in these mutants, indicating that PPDK gene expression is not absolutely dependent on Opaque-2 but rather can be modulated by it. This interpretation was reinforced by the demonstration that the distribution of PPDK transcripts is not affected in o2 mutants, although the level is reduced, and that PPDK mRNA is detectable prior to 02 mRNA during the maturation of wild-type maize endosperm. Using oligonucleotides specific for the different maize PPDK genes, the o2 mutations were shown to affect only cyPPDKZml gene expression in maize line A69Y.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

ZEMa, a member of a novel group of MADS box genes, is alternatively spliced in maize endosperm.

The identification of a number of cis-elements which direct gene expression in maize endosperm, and the characterization of corresponding DNA binding proteins, point to the interaction of different classes of transcription factors in this tissue. To assess whether MADS box genes are also involved in maize endosperm development, cDNA and genomic MADS box clones have been isolated. The three cDNA clones ZEM1, ZEM2 and ZEM3 were cloned from a maize endosperm cDNA library using a probe based on sequences conserved in plant MADS box genes. Further transcripts were cloned by RT-PCR experiments and designated ZEM4 and ZEM5. Analysis of the corresponding genomic clones led to the identification of the ZEM2 MADS box gene family, three members of which were characterized sharing 97% sequence identity in corresponding domains. 100% sequence identities between cDNA and one of the genomic clones, conserved exon-intron boundaries and the demonstration of in vivo splicing in a maize endosperm transient expression system, show that the transcripts ZEM1-5 are derived by alternative splicing of ZEMa, one ZEM2 member. The ZEMa transcripts are present in almost all maize tissues, but specific differentially spliced forms accumulate preferentially in maturing endosperm and leaf. The function of the ZEMa gene is discussed in the light of similarities in the expression pattern with members of the human MEF2/RSRF gene family.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1995

Characterization of the effects of an airborne mixture of chemicals on the respiratory tract and smoothing polynomial spline analysis of the data.

We expanded a previously published (Vijayaraghavan et al. 1994) computerized system to analyze the breathing pattern of unanesthetized mice in order better to recognize and quantify the effects of an airborne mixture of chemicals at three different levels of the respiratory tract. The airborne chemical mixture used was a machining fluid. Such fluids are widely used in industry and a large number of workers are exposed to these airborne mixtures. We found this mixture to be capable of inducing three types of effects on the respiratory tract: sensory irritation of the upper respiratory tract (S), airflow limitation along the conducting airways (A) and pulmonary irritation (P). Depending upon the exposure concentration, mainly S or P effects were obtained but an A effect was also identified. The three types of effects occurred at various times during the exposures and, furthermore, within a group of exposed animals some exhibited one type of effect while others exhibited another type. In order to analyze such complex data sets, two statistical methods for smoothing polynomial splines were utilized: the maximum likelihood (ML) method and generalized cross validation (GCV) method. The results indicated the previous methods used to characterize a single effect of airborne chemicals can now be extended to evaluate mixtures likely to induce multiple types of effects. However, statistical analysis methods, either the ML or GCV methods, or other appropriate methods are needed to evaluate the responses obtained due to the complex effects that a mixture can induce in comparison to single chemicals.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1995

Molecular analysis of opaque-2 alleles from Zea mays L. reveals the nature of mutational events and the presence of a hypervariable region in the 5' part of the gene.

Ten recessive Opaque-2 (O2) alleles of independent origin were characterized at the molecular level. The results revealed a high level of polymorphism at the O2 locus. In addition, our data suggest the possible cause for the recessive character of some of the alleles investigated, and allow us to infer some conclusions concerning the degree of relationship between the o2 mutations. Comparison of genomic sequences spanning the first exon and obtained from a series of wild-type and recessive alleles revealed the presence of a hypervariable region, involving different dipeptides, in the N-terminal part of the O2 protein.

Alleles↗
PubMed1995

Molecular characterization of BET1, a gene expressed in the endosperm transfer cells of maize.

A cDNA clone, BET1 (for basal endosperm transfer layer), was isolated from a cDNA bank prepared from 10-days after pollination (DAP) maize endosperm mRNA. BET1 mRNA was shown to encode a 7-kD cell wall polypeptide. Both the mRNA and protein were restricted in their distribution to the basal endosperm transfer layer and were not expressed elsewhere in the plant. BET1 expression commenced at 9 DAP, reached a maximum between 12 and 16 DAP, and declined after 16 DAP. The initial accumulation of the BET1 polypeptide reached a plateau by 16 DAP and declined thereafter, becoming undetectable by 20 DAP. The antibody raised against the BET1 protein reacted with a number of polypeptides of higher molecular mass than the BET1 monomer. Most of these were present in cytosolic fractions and were found in nonbasal cell endosperm extracts, but three species appeared to be basal cell specific. This result and the reactivity of exhaustively extracted cell wall material with the BET1 antibody suggest that a fraction of the protein is deposited in a covalently bound form in the extracellular matrix. We propose that the BET1 protein plays a role in the structural specialization of the transfer cells. In addition, BET1 provides a new molecular marker for the development of this endosperm domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Characterization of two affinity states of adenosine A2a receptors with a new radioligand, 2-[2-(4-amino-3-[125I]iodophenyl)ethylamino]adenosine.

Adenosine analogs substituted in the 2-position with arylamino groups have been found to have high affinity and selectivity for A2a adenosine receptors. Two such compounds, 2-[2-(4-aminophenyl)ethylamino]adenosine and 2-[2-4-amino-3-iodophenyl)ethylamino]adenosine (I-APE), were synthesized and found to be potent coronary vasodilators (ED50 < 3 nm). These compounds bind weakly to A1 adenosine receptors of rat cortex (Ki > 150 nM). 125I-APE was synthesized and the new radioligand was found to bind to two affinity states of rat striatal A2a adenosine receptors (Kd = 1.3 +/- 0.1 nM and 19 +/- 4.5 nM). The high affinity site represents a previously unrecognized small (15-20%) fraction of A2a adenosine receptors coupled to G proteins. Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) reduces specific binding of 125I-APE half-maximally at a concentration of 45 +/- 2 nM. [3H]CGS21680 also binds to two affinity states of A2a receptors on striatal membranes (Kd = 3.9 +/- 0.9 and 51 +/- 5.5 nM), although in previous studies single Kd values ranging from 5 to 15 nM have been reported. This high affinity site is substantiated by the finding that the IC50 of CGS21680 in competition with 125I-APE binding to striatal membranes is shifted leftward in membranes diluted for 4 min before filtration, to selectively dissociate radioligand from low affinity receptors. Assuming that agonist radioligands bind to both coupled and uncoupled forms of striatal A2a adenosine receptors, we could simulate with the computer the finding that the decrease in specific binding induced by GTP gamma S (100 microM) is variable and depends on radioligand concentration, ranging from 20 to 90%. Unlike 125I-APE, [3H]CGS21680 is charged at physiological pH, and treatment of membranes with the pore-forming antibiotic alamethicin uncovers cryptic [3H]CGS21680 but not 125I-APE binding sites. We conclude that the GTP gamma S-sensitive high affinity form of the A2a adenosine receptor can be preferentially labeled by 125I-APE, due to both its high specific activity and its physicochemical properties. Possible functional manifestations of poor coupling of A2a adenosine receptors to G proteins are discussed.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1994

Differences in cell type-specific expression of the gene Opaque 2 in maize and transgenic tobacco.

The Opaque 2 (O2) gene encodes a transcriptional activator of the basic region/leucine zipper family, which controls the synthesis of a major storage protein class in maize endosperm, the 22 kDa alpha-zeins, and of several other non-zein polypeptides including b32. We demonstrate, by analysing O2 mRNAs in different organs of maize plants, that the O2 gene is only active in the endosperm. Its transcription is precisely controlled during seed development: O2 mRNAs are first detected 10 days after pollination and accumulate in the endosperm over a period of 20 days. When introduced into tobacco plants, the O2 promoter directs the expression of the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in endosperm, but also in the embryo, cotyledons and pollen. The first 185 bp of the O2 promoter is sufficient for developmentally regulated expression in tobacco seeds. A distinct cis-acting element, located between positions -185 and -520, directs expression in the cotyledons of tobacco seedlings. The possible origins of this breakdown in promoter specificity in the heterologous host are discussed.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Structural and functional analysis of an Opaque-2-related gene from sorghum.

The Opaque-2 (O2) gene from maize encodes a transcriptional activator of the b-ZIP class. We have isolated and characterized a gene from sorghum, related in sequence to the O2 gene from maize. A single copy of the gene is present in sorghum. Both genomic and cDNA sequences of the O2-related sorghum gene were determined. The sequence is highly homologous to maize O2 both in the promoter and in the coding region. The most closely related sequences contain the b-ZIP domain with only 11 amino acid substitutions in a total of 122 residues. In transient expression assays, the sorghum O2-related coding sequence, expressed from a CaMV 35S promoter, activates expression from the maize b-32 promoter as effectively as that obtained with the maize O2 sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by adenosine receptor agonists.

2-(Ar)alkoxyadenosines, which are agonists selective for the A2AAR in PC 12 cell and rat striatum membranes, are also agonists at the A2AR coupled to adenylate cyclase (AC) that mediates the inhibition of platelet aggregation. A panel of twelve well-characterized adenosine analogues stimulated human platelet AC and inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation at sub- to low-micromolar concentrations with a potency ranking CGS 21680 > adenosine > R-PIA. There were significant correlations between the EC50 of anti-aggregatory activity and either the EC50 of stimulation of platelet and PC 12 cell AC (r2 = 0.66 and 0.67, respectively) or the Ki of inhibition of [3H]NECA binding to the rat striatum membranes (r2 = 0.75). Likewise, platelet AC stimulation correlated well with stimulation of PC 12 cell AC and with [3H]NECA binding (r2 = 0.94 and 0.91, respectively). Ten 2-(ar)alkoxyadenosines stimulated platelet AC at EC50s ranging between 0.16 and 2.3 microM and inhibited platelet aggregation at EC50s ranging between 2 and 30 microM. There were no correlations between the EC50s of anti-aggregatory activity and either the EC50s of the stimulation of platelet or PC 12 AC (r2 = 0.08 and 0.06, respectively) or with the Ki of the inhibition of [3H]NECA binding to the A2aAR in rat striatum (r2 = 0.02). The EC50s of the stimulation of platelet AC correlated with those of the stimulation of PC 12 AC (r2 = 0.48), and also with the Ki of [3H]NECA binding (r2 = 0.71). Each of the 23 adenosines completely inhibited platelet aggregation and thus, functionally, all behaved as full agonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗
PubMed1994

Computer programs for calculation of median effective dose (LD50 or ED50) using the method of moving average interpolation.

Over the past 40 years, toxicologists and pharmacologists have used tables published by Weil for the determination of LD50 (or ED50) values and their associated 95% confidence intervals. With the advances in computer technology, it is now common for investigators to have personal computers in their laboratories. Therefore, two identical programs were developed for determination of the LD50 (or ED50) which may be run on a personal computer. One of these programs was written in BASIC, and the other in FORTRAN. The programs are easy and rapid to use, requiring minimum computer hardware and little, if any, knowledge of programming. They also offer more user flexibility than the previously published tables of Weil, in that there are fewer restrictions on the number of animals and number of dosage levels used in an experiment. The output of the programs may be typed on the screen of a computer monitor, and may be sent to a printer. The two programs calculate the LD50 and 95% confidence intervals for the LD50. These programs should be valuable for many investigators.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗
PubMed1994

Respiratory responses of mice exposed to thermal decomposition products from polymers heated at and above workplace processing temperatures.

Mice were exposed to thermal decomposition products (TDP) released from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer (CP), polypropylene homopolymer (HP), or plasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC). These resins were heated in a temperature programmable furnace, at and above workplace processing temperatures. LC50 and RD50 values were obtained on the basis of resin mass loaded in the furnace. LT50 values were determined at the respective LC50 masses. RD50 values were also obtained on the basis of particulate concentrations measured during heating of each resin. The results of this study indicated that PVC and HP were more toxic and faster-acting than wood, while ABS and CP were much more toxic and much faster-acting than wood. At processing temperatures between 200-300 degrees C, RD50 values (based on particulate concentrations) were 21.1, 3.51, 2.60, and 11.51 mg/m3 for ABS, CP, HP, and PVC. Exposure limits of 0.63, 0.11, 0.08, and 0.35 mg/m3 were recommended for TDP of ABS, CP, HP, and PVC to protect workers from their irritating properties. Because there are few, if any, guidelines for recognition, evaluation, or control of TDP, the experimental approach and results of this study should be useful to health and safety professionals.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The most abundant soluble basic protein of the stylar transmitting tract in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an endochitinase.

An abundant, pistil-specific basic protein has been purified and characterized from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) probe was generated for the corresponding gene using oligonucleotides based on internal peptide sequences of the protein, and the PCR probe was further employed to isolate cDNA and genomic clones. The sequence of the gene exhibits up to 70% similarity to previously described endochitinase class 1a protein sequences, and the purified protein possesses chitinase (poly[1, 4-(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide)] glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.14) activity. The protein, termed SK2, has been located by immunocytochemistry to the intercellular matrix of the stylar transmitting tract. Immunoblot analysis has shown SK2 to be distinct from the wound-induced chitinases of potato. The SK2-class of chitinase is restricted in its distribution within the Solanaceae to the sub-family Solanoidae, which includes cultivated tomato and potato species. It was absent from the Cestroidae species tested (Petunia hybrida, Nicotiana tabacum). A role for SK2 endochitinase in protecting the ovary against pollen-tube-mediated pathogen ingress is proposed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Translation of the mRNA of the maize transcriptional activator Opaque-2 is inhibited by upstream open reading frames present in the leader sequence.

The protein encoded by the Opaque-2 (O2) gene is a transcription factor, translated from an mRNA that possesses an unusually long 5' leader sequence containing three upstream open reading frames (uORFs). The efficiency of translation of O2 mRNA has been tested in vivo by a transient assay in which the level of activation of the b32 promoter, a natural target of O2 protein, is measured. We show that uORF-less O2 alleles possess a higher transactivation value than the wild-type allele and that the reduction in transactivation due to the uORFs is a cis-dominant effect. The data presented indicate that both uORF1 and uORF2 are involved in the reducing effect and suggest that both are likely to be translated.

Alleles↗
PubMed1993

Structure-activity relationships for 2-substituted adenosines at A1 and A2 adenosine receptors.

A series of 55 2-alkyloxy-, 2-aryloxy- and 2-aralkyloxy-adenosines was screened as inhibitors of the binding of [3H]R-phenyl-isopropyladenosine to A1 adenosine receptors in rat cerebral cortical membranes, and of the binding of [3]N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine to A2 adenosine receptors in rat striatal membranes and as agonists at A2 adenosine receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cell membranes. The activities are consonant with a hydrophobic binding site in the A2 receptors at a distance from the 2-position of the adenine ring corresponding to a spacer chain of -O-CH2-CH2-. These is little lateral steric tolerance in the region occupied by the spacer chain. Interaction with the hydrophobic binding site is greatest in the 2-alkyloxy series for 2-cyclohexylethoxy-, 2-cyclohexylpropoxy- and 2-cyclohexylbutoxyadenosines and in the 2-aralkoxy series for 2-phenylethoxy-, 2-(4-methylphenyl)ethoxy-, 2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethoxy-, and 2-naphthylethoxy-adenosine. The affinities of the 2-substituted adenosines for the rat cerebral cortical A1 receptors are not as markedly altered by structural changes and are in almost all cases two- to hundredfold less than the affinity of the 2-substituted adenosine for the rat striatal A2 receptor. There is excellent correspondence of the present data on rat A2 receptors with reported potencies of these 2-substituted adenosines as coronary vasodilators in guinea pig heart preparations.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1992

2-(N'-alkylidenehydrazino)adenosines: potent and selective coronary vasodilators.

The reaction of aliphatic aldehydes and ketones with 2-hydrazinoadenosine under relatively mild conditions (at room temperature or in refluxing methanol) formed 2-(N'-alkylidenehydrazino)-adenosines, 5-22, in good yields. Two kinds of adenosine receptors regulate cardiac and coronary physiology. In supraventricular tissues an A1AR coupled to muscarinic K channels mediates the negative chronotropic, dromotropic, and inotropic actions of adenosine, and an inhibitory A1AR coupled to adenylate cyclase mediates the "antiadrenergic" action of adenosine. One or more kinds of A2 receptors mediate coronary vasodilation. Bioassays employing a guinea pig heart Langendorff preparation showed that 5-22 weakly retard impulse conduction through the AV node (negative dromotropic effect), but several analogues were very active coronary vasodilators. The coronary vasoactivity of the (n-alkylidene- and of the (isoalkylidenehydrazino)adenosines paralleled the length of the alkyl chain, the EC50s of the of the most active n-pentylidene (8) and isopentylidene (18) congeners being 1 nM. The EC50s of the cyclohexylmethylene (9), cyclohexylethylidene (10), and cyclohex-3-enylmethylene (12), analogues were likewise < 1 nM, but the cyclohex-1-enylmethylene congener 12 was 10 times less active than 9. The unselective adenosine receptor antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (0.1 mM) raised the EC50s of the negative dromotropic effects of 8, 9, and 18 by 5-28-fold and the EC50s of coronary vasodilation of 22-90-fold. Catalytic reduction of 9 increased the hydrophobicity and changed the UV spectrum, suggesting reduction of the --CH = N-- bond. The product darkened on exposure to air and so was not characterized further. A new method for preparing 2',3',5'-tri-O-acetyl-2,6-dichloropurine riboside, a precursor in the synthesis of 2-hydrazinoadenosine, consists of the addition of tert-butyl nitrite to a mixture of 2',3',5'-tri-O-acetyl-6-chloroguanosine and CuCl in CHCl3 saturated with Cl2.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1992

2-(N'-aralkylidenehydrazino)adenosines: potent and selective coronary vasodilators.

This study aimed at the development of 2-(N'-aralkylidenehydrazino)adenosines as coronary vasodilators. The reaction of aromatic aldehydes or ketones with 2-hydrazinoadenosine in refluxing methanol formed the target compounds 2-27 as crystalline products in good yields. Two kinds of receptors mediate the actions of adenosine on the heart. Retardation of impulse conduction through the atrioventricular node, the negative dromotropic action, is an example of adenosine's action at an A1 receptor (A1AR) and coronary vasodilation reflects adenosine's action at an A2 receptor (A2AR). Accordingly, bioassays employing guinea pig heart Langendorff preparations assessed the selectivity of 2-27 as coronary vasodilators. Analogues 2-27 were weak negative dromotropic agents; the EC50 of the most active analogue, 2-[N'-(1-naphthylmethylene)hydrazino]-adenosine, 23, was 0.8 microM, several orders of magnitude less than many A1AR agonists. Some of the analogues were quite active coronary vasodilators; 2-(N'-benzylidenehydrazino)adenosine, 2, and several of its para-substituted derivatives, namely, the fluoro (7), methyl (13), methoxy (16), and tert-butylcarbonylethyl, 31, had EC50s for coronary vasodilation in the range 1.7-3.2 nM. The selectivity ratios, EC50 (negative dromotropic)/EC50 (coronary vasodilatory), of these five analogues ranged between 5100 (analogue 31) and 43,000 (analogue 2). Phenyl ring substitutions of other kinds or at other positions, replacement of the phenyl ring by other aryl or heteroaryl groups, or the replacement of the benzylic H by a methyl group lowered coronary vasoactivity significantly. The unselective adenosine receptor antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline raised the EC50 of the negative dromotropic activities of 2, 16, and 2-[N'-(2-naphthylmethylene)hydrazino]adenosine, 24, by 3-, 18-, and 7-fold, and raised the EC50s of coronary vasoactivity by 11-, 3-, and 30-fold, respectively evidence that vasoactivity was receptor-mediated.

Adenosine↗