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Biomedical subjects

R Srivastava

Publications and source records attributed to R Srivastava.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Structure, expression, and molecular mapping of a divergent member of the class I HLA gene family.

A class I gene distinct from HLA-A, -B, or -C was identified in a cosmid clone and transfected into mouse L cells. The gene, placed adjacent to the polyoma enhancer, produced a full-length class I mRNA and high levels of a 43-kDa protein in the cytoplasm. The surface expression of the gene product required its association with human beta 2-microglobulin. The protein was recognized by a xenoantiserum raised against a mixture of human B- and T-cell lines. The product was also serologically reactive with the HLA framework monoclonal antibodies. The complete nucleotide sequence of the gene was determined and a specific oligonucleotide probe was synthesized. This probe was used to identify a full-length mRNA transcript in a B-lymphoblastoid cell line (JY). The gene was mapped within a 190-kilobase Not I restriction fragment located in the telomeric portion of the human major histocompatibility complex. Distinct features of the gene include the structure of the promoter, the position of the translation initiation site, a frameshift mutation at the carboxyl terminus, the insertion of an Alu repeat element in the eighth exon, divergence in the derived amino acid sequence, and the lack of expression of the gene in some cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Ribosomal RNA methylation in Mycobacterium smegmatis SN2.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from a fast growing nonpathogenic strain of mycobacteria, Mycobacterium smegmatis SN2, was analyzed for the presence of minor nucleotides. Of the sixteen modified nucleotides detected, the identity of twelve has been established and their molar ratios were determined. These nucleotides include m1A, m2A, m6A, m6(2)A, m7G, m5C, rT, CmpC, CmpG, GmpG, UmpG and UmpU. The distinct features of the mycobacterial rRNA modifications include: (i) relatively substantial level of methylation, a feature distinct from that of the tRNA species which are unique in being under methylated in these bacteria, (ii) N1 methyl adenine representing the bulk of the modified bases, (iii) the lack of ribose methylation on any two successive nucleotides, and (iv) the presence of N6,N6-dimethyl adenosines, which are the target sites of the antibiotic kasugamycin, although the bacterial growth is insensitive to the drug.

Carbon Radioisotopes↗

HLA-JY328: mapping studies and expression of a polymorphic HLA class I gene.

The JY328 clone was identified in a human genomic library using cDNA corresponding to mRNA for HLA-B7 as a probe. The L/328 cell line was established by cotransformation of mouse Ltk- cells with the herpes thymidine kinase gene and clone JY328. On Northern blots, RNA from L/328 strongly hybridized to an HLA class I probe, and an antigen was recognized by an anti-HLA class I framework antibody on the cell surface. A DNA probe corresponding to a segment of intron 7 was developed by comparing the nucleotide sequence of clone JY328 with that of other HLA class I-type genes. Using the radiolabeled probe to screen Southern blots of DNA from families with siblings exhibiting intra-HLA recombinations, a restriction fragment length polymorphism was revealed--a 1.4 kb BstE II band not present in all individuals. A corresponding fragment was apparent in the base sequence of clone JY328. The occurrence of this band on Southern blots established that JY328 maps distinct from and centromeric to the HLA-C locus and near to the HLA-B locus. Antibody absorption studies and cytotoxicity tests indicated that the JY328 gene product was not an HLA-B antigen but that it did specifically absorb CW7-specific antibody. In sum, these results suggest a novel, polymorphic HLA class I gene which expresses a product serologically similar to HLA-Cw7 but which does not map within the corresponding locus.

Animals↗

Prostanoid mediated effects of centchroman, a non-steroidal oral contraceptive.

The effect of centchroman, a non-steroidal oral contraceptive, has been studied on platelet aggregation and on the products of arachidonate metabolism. Centchroman inhibited platelet aggregation in vitro and ex vivo after acute as well as chronic treatment for one year in laboratory animals. It did not affect aggregation of platelets in women taking centchroman for one year. It is an inhibitor of platelet cyclooxygenase as indicated by the inhibition of malonaldehyde and thromboxane B2 but has no effect on vascular cyclooxygenase activity ex vivo or at low concentration in vitro. Thus, centchroman is a safe antifertility agent without risk of thrombotic episodes associated with hormonal oral contraceptives.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Effect of curcumin on platelet aggregation and vascular prostacyclin synthesis.

In vitro and ex vivo effects of 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione (diferuloylmethane, curcumin) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the synthesis of prostacyclin (PGI2) and on platelet aggregation has been studied in rat. Both drugs inhibited adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-, epinephrine (adrenaline)- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation in monkey plasma. Pretreatment with ASA (25-100 mg/kg), but not curcumin (100-300 mg/kg), inhibited PGI2 synthesis in rat aorta. In the in vitro system, too, curcumin caused a slight increase in the synthesis of PGI2, while ASA inhibited it. Curcumin may, therefore, be preferable in patients prone to vascular thrombosis and requiring antiarthritic therapy.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Structure and polymorphism of class I MHC antigen mRNA.

We have used cDNA cloning and primer extension techniques to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of HLA-B7 mRNA. The 5'-untranslated sequence of the mRNA is rather short and the putative promoter has weak homology to the conventional "TATA" sequences. The 5' end and the polyadenylation site define the transcription unit of the B7 gene to be about 3.5 kb long. Comparison of the translated nucleotide sequence of this cDNA with the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain of the B7 antigen showed two amino acid differences. In addition, comparison with the sequences of the coding and untranslated regions of several HLA and H-2 genes showed that the class I histocompatibility molecules consist of four variable segments separated by three regions of homology. Analysis of the DNA polymorphisms revealed that in the variable segments the majority of the nucleotide substitutions are nonsilent, while in the homology regions the majority of substitutions are silent. Further analysis of the nature of the amino acid substitutions revealed the predominance of nonconservative replacements/changes in both the variable segments and the homology regions except the transmembrane part of the molecule. Selection at both the protein and the codon levels contributes to the pattern of mutations found in class I histocompatibility molecules.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Immunological detection of cloned antigenic genes of Vibrio cholerae in Escherichia coli.

Antibodies have been used as probe to detect cloned genes coding for toxin and surface antigens of Vibrio cholerae El Tor strain KB207. EcoRI-digested chromosomal DNA of KB207 was cloned in plasmid pBR325 and transformed in Escherichia coli HB101(lambda cI857). Transformants were grown at 32 degrees C on plates containing antibodies. Lysogen was induced at 42 degrees C to release expressed antigens. Antigen-antibody reaction produced a halo around positive clones.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

Regulation of toxin biosynthesis by plasmids in Vibrio cholerae.

Vibrio cholerae strain 569B Inaba harbouring P plasmid produced less toxin than the parent strain. To examine the effect of plasmid loss on toxin production, temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of P, unable to replicate at 42 degrees C, were isolated. One ts plasmid was unstable at 42 degrees C and its loss yielded a cured strain that resumed a normal level of toxin biosynthesis characteristic of the plasmid-free parent strain. Toxin production was again suppressed in the cured strain after reacquisition of P plasmid. This suggested a role for plasmid-borne genes in the regulation of toxin biosynthesis. A mutant of strain 569B Inaba that produced mutant toxin was isolated by transfer of P and V plasmids. The mutant toxin was similar to choleragenoid because it did not give rise to symptoms of cholera but induced antitoxin immunity in rabbits.

Animals↗