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W Schulz

Publications and source records attributed to W Schulz.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Inducible in vivo DNA footprints define sequences necessary for UV light activation of the parsley chalcone synthase gene.

We began characterization of the protein--DNA interactions necessary for UV light induced transcriptional activation of the gene encoding chalcone synthase (CHS), a key plant defense enzyme. Three light dependent in vivo footprints appear on a 90 bp stretch of the CHS promoter with a time course correlated with the onset of CHS transcription. We define a minimal light responsive promoter by functional analysis of truncated CHS promoter fusions with a reporter gene in transient expression experiments in parsley protoplasts. Two of the three footprinted sequence 'boxes' reside within the minimal promoter. Replacement of 10 bp within either of these 'boxes' leads to complete loss of light responsiveness. We conclude that these sequences define the necessary cis elements of the minimal CHS promoter's light responsive element. One of the functionally defined 'boxes' is homologous to an element implicated in regulation of genes involved in photosynthesis. These data represent the first example in a plant defense gene of an induced change in protein--DNA contacts necessary for transcriptional activation. Also, our data argue strongly that divergent light induced biosynthetic pathways share common regulatory units.

Acyltransferases↗

A phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene from parsley: structure, regulation and identification of elicitor and light responsive cis-acting elements.

We demonstrate that phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is encoded by a small family of at least four genes. The levels of mRNA from three identified PAL genes increase considerably upon treatment of cultured parsley cells with UV light or fungal elicitor and upon wounding of parsley leaves or roots. In cultured cells these changes were shown to involve transcriptional activation. We present the first primary structure of a plant PAL gene (parsley PAL-1) and the deduced amino acid sequence of the enzyme. Inducible in vivo footprints in the PAL-1 promoter define two nucleotide sequences, within the motifs CTCCAACAAACCCCTTC and ATTCTCACCTACCA, involved in the responses to both UV irradiation and elicitor application. These motifs are conserved at similar positions in several elicitor or light-responsive genes from different species. In two cases they are found within short regions known to confer elicitor or UV-light inducibility. The conserved motifs in the parsley 4-coumarate:CoA ligase gene, which is coordinately regulated with PAL, also display UV-light inducible in vivo footprints. Taken together, our findings suggest a general role of these putative cis-acting elements in the responses of plants to such stresses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isoelectric focusing analysis of detergent extracted renal 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-HSD, EC 1.1.1.146) from rat renal cortex microsomes was solubilized using several detergents, the most effective being Zwittergent 3-10 and Triton X-100. The activity ratio oxidation/reduction of the reversible reaction corticosterone in equilibrium 11-dehydrocoticosterone varied depending on the detergent used. We attribute this variation to direct effects of different detergents on enzyme kinetics. In contrast, comparable results obtained with liver 11-HSD have been attributed to the possibility of spatially separated 11-oxidase and 11-reductase activities. In order to test whether renal 11-HSD represents a uniform oxido-reductase as generally assumed, or a dual enzyme system as has been recently proposed an attempt was made to characterize 11-HSD solubilized from renal microsomal fractions using isoelectric focusing (IEF). When 11-HSD was extracted with 1% Triton X-100 (= partially solubilized fraction) a heterogenous peak pattern was obtained. In contrast, IEF of 11-HSD extracted with 10% Triton X-100 (= delipidated fraction) resulted in a single peak at about pH 5.9 with both oxidative and reductive activity at practically identical positions within the gels. From this observation we conclude that the degree of detergent solubilization of a membrane bound protein affects its amphoteric properties and that removal of membranous lipids is a prerequisite for the analysis of its behaviour. Since the more delipidated fraction of 11-HSD revealed only one activity peak the data are compatible with the uniform enzyme concept since oxidative and reductive activities of renal cortical 11-HSD could not be separated.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Functional architecture of the light-responsive chalcone synthase promoter from parsley.

We have combined in vivo genomic footprinting and light-induced transient expression of chalcone synthase promoter derivatives in parsley protoplasts to identify cis sequences regulating light activation. The parsley chalcone synthase promoter contains two cis "units" that are light-responsive. Each unit is composed of short DNA stretches of approximately 50 base pairs, and each contains two in vivo footprints. One of the footprints in each unit covers a sequence that is highly conserved among other light- and stress-regulated plant genes. The other footprinted sequences in each unit are not related to each other. The TATA distal light-responsive unit is inherently weak but can compensate partially for the loss of the stronger TATA proximal unit. Levels of light-induced expression from either can be influenced by the presence of a region of approximately 100 base pairs located upstream of the TATA distal light-responsive unit. Combination of the light-responsive units and upstream region generates a synergistic response to light. We speculate that functional compensation generated by nonidentical, but sequence-related, cis units foreshadows combinatorial diversity of cognate trans factors.

Acyltransferases↗

[A CT localization frame--an improved method for preoperative localization of intracranial processes].

A new CT localization equipment for cerebral processes is presented. As compared to the methods used until now it offers the advantage that no direct marking on the shaven skull must be provided. The parameters resulting during the CT examination with applied localization frame enable the preoperative localization at any desired time. A precondition is the use of an identical device by the surgeon. The use of the methods is explained.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Primary structures and catalytic properties of isoenzymes encoded by the two 4-coumarate: CoA ligase genes in parsley.

We have determined the primary structures of two 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL) isoenzymes in parsley (Petroselinum crispum) by sequencing near full-length cDNAs corresponding to the two 4CL genes, Pc4CL-1 and Pc4CL-2, present in this plant. Comparison of the cDNA and genomic nucleotide sequences showed that each 4CL gene is organized in five exons separated by introns of varying lengths. The positions of introns are the same in both genes and 97-99% of the corresponding nucleotide sequences are identical. The two isoenzymes, which are nearly identical in their primary structures, were separated by ion-exchange chromatography, and were found to be indistinguishable with regard to substrate specificity. Assignment to Pc4CL-1 and Pc4CL-2 was achieved by comparison with catalytically active 4CL proteins, isolated from Escherichia coli cells which had been transformed with plasmids harboring the corresponding cDNAs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[SIN-1 in intracoronary administration].

SIN-1, a new anti-anginal compound, has been the object of extensive clinical and experimental research work. It has been injected into the coronary arteries in more than 1,000 patients, enabling its effects on coronary circulation to be studied without interference from its systemic effects. Contrary to dipyridamole or calcium channel blockers, SIN-1 dilates the main epicardial coronary vessels without blood steal. The dilatation it induces is rapid and prolonged, and its intensity is at least equivalent to that of nitroglycerin, nitrites and calcium inhibitors. Its action lasts longer than that of nitroglycerin. SIN-1 enables balloon inflation to be prolonged in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. It is effective in relieving coronary spasm and has a favourable effect on anterograde and collateral circulation. Haemodynamically, SIN-1 significantly reduces preload but has little effect on afterload; it does not alter left ventricular contractility and has no influence on peripheral resistance. Owing to its rapid and long-lasting dilating effect specifically on the epicardial coronary arteries, its effectiveness against coronary spasm and its lack of side-effects, SIN-1 is indicated for coronary arteriography and coronary spasms.

Blood Circulation↗

Nonresponsiveness to antianginal therapy--a frequent problem?

Nonresponsiveness to anginal treatment varies greatly and may be due to either the pathophysiology of the patients or the special pharmacology of different antianginal drugs. Therefore, individualized therapy, taking all aspects of patient and drug into account to improve responsiveness, seems desirable. Patients may vary--thus influencing the outcome of antianginal therapy--with respect to the severity of the disease, vasospastic components, and the pattern of organic vessel involvement. Drugs differ with respect to the ease of dose-finding, tolerance, the extent of spasmolytic activity, side effects, and paradoxical effects. In no patient with coronary artery disease is the outcome to treatment predictable, even if a full diagnostic evaluation of the patient has been performed. For example, the individual relevance of angiographically documented vasospastic components in patients with underlying organic multivessel disease can hardly be predicted, and therefore the appropriate choice of an antianginal drug is difficult. In addition, a full invasive evaluation of all coronary patients, only to find arguments for the optimal drug therapy, is not feasible. Therefore, the empiric approach is recommended for daily routine. Drugs are preferred that usually provide a high response rate and the smallest cause for concern.

Angina Pectoris↗

Two alleles of the single-copy chalcone synthase gene in parsley differ by a transposon-like element.

Two types of genomic DNA hybridizing with a chalcone synthase cDNA were isolated from cell suspension cultures of parsley (Petroselinum crispum cv. Mooskrause) and cloned in lambda EMBL4. Their fragmentation patterns with several common restriction enzymes were identical, except for the occurrence of a 927 base pair insertion in one type relative to the other. This insertion is located 538 base pairs upstream of the first of two transcription start sites and has characteristic features of a transposable element. The two types of cloned DNA most likely represent two alleles of a chalcone synthase gene occurring in one copy per haploid parsley genome. The nucleotide sequence and exon-intron structure of the larger allele were determined. Analysis of plants either heterozygous or homozygous with respect to the chalcone synthase gene revealed that both allelic forms were expressed and activated by UV light.

Acyltransferases↗

[The epidural hematoma--diagnostic peculiarities, clinical courses and therapeutic results in a 12-year-study].

Over the past twelve years, diagnoses were applied to and operations performed on 71 patients exclusively for epidural haematoma. A retrospective classification and assessment was made of clinical courses, preoperative angiography as well as of findings recorded from computed tomography and direct clinical examination. The pattern of epidural haematoma was found to be characterised by different clinical courses. Highly useful findings were obtained from direct clinical examination, including fracture in 89 per cent of the above cases and injuries to soft tissue in 85 per cent. A correlation was found to exist between development of haematoma (degree of compression) and postoperative neurological condition. Six operations had to be repeated for postoperative haemorrhage or residual haematoma. The lethality amounted to 15.4 per cent.

Adolescent↗

[Chronic subdural hematoma. A comparison of bore hole trepanation and craniotomy].

Within the period from 1981 to 1986 a total of 65 patients with 74 (9 bilateral) chronic subdural haematomas (CSH) were operated on. First symptoms, preceding diseases, accompanying factors and neurological findings were listed and evaluated retrospectively. Preoperative CT criteria and postoperative CT controls of the course were put in relation to the clinical development of the findings obtained with different surgical techniques. The comparison of borehole trepanation (37 haematomas) and large craniotomy (37 heamatomas) shows advantages with respect to the retrogression of the haematomas (CT), the postoperative clinical course and the complications in favour of the patients subjected to borehole trepanation.

Adolescent↗

Putative promoter elements for the ribosomal RNA genes of the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus sp. strain B12.

In Sulfolobus sp. strain B12, single-copy genes encode the three ribosomal RNAs. The genes for the 16S rRNA and for the 23S rRNA are closely linked but separated from the 5S rRNA gene. Transcription of the 16S/23S rRNA gene cluster starts 139 nucleotides upstream of the 5'-end of mature 16S rRNA. For the 5S rRNA gene the point of transcription initiation coincides with the 5'-end of mature 5S rRNA. The comparison of the upstream regions for these transcriptional start sites shows the presence of a completely conserved trinucleotide sequence around the point of transcription initiation and a completely conserved octanucleotide sequence about 22 nucleotides upstream of it. These sequences are only moderately homologous to putative promoter elements for stable RNA genes in the closely related archaebacterium Thermoproteus tenax (1), but they are very similar to corresponding sequences in the distantly related archaebacterium Methanococcus vannielii (2). The consensus sequence found for Sulfolobus and Methanococcus could therefore constitute the archetype of an archaebacterial promoter for stable RNA genes.

Archaea↗

[Morphologic changes in iliac crest trabecular bone in primary hyperparathyroidism and their significance for diagnosis].

Iliac crest bone biopsy specimens of 391 patients with surgically proven primary hyperparathyroidism were investigated. In 60 unselected cases quantitative analysis of trabecular bone changes was performed. The age of the patients ranged between 12 and 85 years. The observed morphological findings were divided into four stages. In a few cases no differences from normal bone tissue could be observed. In 46% occurrence of a nonspecific increase of osteoid seams, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts was observed. Of the cases 50% showed a specific, but very often mild endosteal fibrosis. Only in 4% was there a severe fibroosteoclasia with development of so-called brown tumors. The quantitative analysis showed an increase of trabecular bone mass as well as of remodeling surfaces. But there was an overlap of up to 25% with the normal controls. The results demonstrate the influence of parathyroid hormone peptides on bone morphology. However, the investigation of a bone biopsy specimen is not generally very useful for diagnostic purposes.

Adolescent↗

[Clinical aspects of reperfusion arrhythmia following intravenous thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarct].

In accordance with the majority of the reports in the literature reperfusion arrhythmias were observed in more than 30% of the patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 25) under or immediately after a highly dosed short-term infusion with streptokinase. With reference to indirect signs the recanalisation rate was assumed with 75%. Only one third of the reperfusion arrhythmias had haemodynamically significant characteristics and required an influence. Though in literature from animal experimental findings directive conclusions for the therapy are to be derived, the procedure in practice is still vastly empirical. In the ventricular tachycardia lidocaine, procainamide and ajmalin may be recommended. In ineffectiveness or particularly threatening situations the electrotherapy (cardioversion, DC-shock) is to be preferred. The concept inaugurated by Corr and Witkowski apply alpha-adrenoreceptor blockers has not yet entered the clinical practice. Possible problems in the treatment of reperfusion arrhythmias in the prehospital phase should at present still be a reason not to antedate the thrombolytic therapy into this phase.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

Structure and elicitor or u.v.-light-stimulated expression of two 4-coumarate:CoA ligase genes in parsley.

We have isolated genomic clones encoding 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL), a key enzyme of general phenylpropanoid metabolism, and have analysed the structure and regulation of the genes contained on these clones. Restriction enzyme and sequence analysis indicated that two distinct 4CL genes, Pc4CL-1 and Pc4CL-2, are represented on the clones and that additional 4CL genes are not present in parsley. Two lines of evidence suggest that each gene is transcriptionally activated by both elicitor and u.v. irradiation: cDNA clones corresponding to each gene were found in cDNA libraries made with RNA from both elicitor-treated and u.v-irradiated cells, and run-off transcripts homologous to a Pc4CL-2-specific intron probe were induced by both treatments. This induction was about half of the induction measured using probes homologous to both genes. The transcription initiation sites of both genes were determined. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the two genes 5' to these sites showed that they are highly homologous for several hundred base pairs and that they contain features potentially involved in regulation by elicitor and u.v. irradiation.

Journal Article↗