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At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources

Quantification of cAMP antagonist action in vitro and in living cells.

cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) plays a key role in intracellular signalling. cAMP antagonists, acting as suppressors of PKA activity by preventing PKA-holoenzyme dissociation, have received increasing attention because of their potential use in diagnostics as well as for therapeutic purposes. A large number of cAMP analogs have been described over the last three decades and methodology has been established to monitor cAMP agonists action by either following enzymatic activity or holoenzyme dissociation. This is not the case for cAMP antagonists, where only a few substances have been demonstrated to exhibit effects in the low micromolar range, for example, Rp-8-Br-cAMPS. A main drawback in the development of new compounds is the lack of technologies to assess antagonist action in an in vitro situation as well as in living cells. Here we quantify the effect of several cAMP analogs applying three different biochemical/biophysical assay setups and one in-cell assay. This includes two methods monitoring subunit dissociation in a test tube, namely AlphaScreen, a bead-based proximity assay, and surface plasmon resonance, determining the association and dissociation patterns of the two PKA subunits in real time in response to antagonists. BRET(2), performed in living cells in a 96-well format, allows testing for the efficacy of membrane-permeable cAMP analogs based on a genetically engineered cAMP sensor. Using novel and established experimental strategies side by side, the action of cAMP and cAMP analogs was tested on type Ialpha PKA holoenzyme, thus generating methodology to screen drug libraries for potential cAMP antagonists with high accuracy, reproducibility as well as potential for automation.

Animals↗

A highly automated, polymer-assisted strategy for the preparation of 2-alkylthiobenzimidazoles and N,N'-dialkylbenzimidazolin-2-ones.

A multistep, polymer-assisted solution phase strategy for the highly automated (auto-PASP) synthesis of 2-alkylthiobenzimidazole and N,N'-dialkylbenzimidazolin-2-one libraries is presented. The approach incorporates in-line purification techniques to afford library products directly with high purities and is exemplified by the preparation of a 96-member 2-alkylthiobenzimidazoline library 1[1-12,1-8] and a 72-member N,N'-dialkylbenzimidazolin-2-one library 9[1-12,1-6].

Journal Article↗

A new compact disc format of high density array synthesis applied to peptide nucleic acids and in situ MALDI analysis.

A fully automated synthesizer was constructed and designed to perform high speed miniaturized syntheses of compound libraries using the SPOT technique. Utilizing magnetically controlled drop-on-demand ink jet nozzles, an r/phi array format of 2500 spots can be simultaneously dispensed from up to 24 separate reagent valves onto a rotating disc as the solid phase in less than three minutes. In addition, a complete wash station is on board allowing for fully programmable combinatorial syntheses without manual attention. A new carbon black/polypropylene composite solid phase disc was developed and tested for its functionalisation/loading, spot detection, durability and MALDI-TOF target capabilities. The carbon black/polypropylene composite was then successfully employed jointly as the solid phase in the syntheses of short peptide and PNA oligomers and as the target probe holder for MALDI-TOF measurement without transfer of the material. Several protocols for PNA syntheses were also investigated and an optimised PNA methodology for the carbon black/polypropylene composite is reported.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Finding relevant references to genes and proteins in Medline using a Bayesian approach.

MOTIVATION: Mining the biomedical literature for references to genes and proteins always involves a tradeoff between high precision with false negatives, and high recall with false positives. Having a reliable method for assessing the relevance of literature mining results is crucial to finding ways to balance precision and recall, and for subsequently building automated systems to analyze these results. We hypothesize that abstracts and titles that discuss the same gene or protein use similar words. To validate this hypothesis, we built a dictionary- and rule-based system to mine Medline for references to genes and proteins, and used a Bayesian metric for scoring the relevance of each reference assignment. RESULTS: We analyzed the entire set of Medline records from 1966 to late 2001, and scored each gene and protein reference using a Bayesian estimated probability (EP) based on word frequency in a training set of 137837 known assignments from 30594 articles to 36197 gene and protein symbols. Two test sets of 148 and 150 randomly chosen assignments, respectively, were hand-validated and categorized as either good or bad. The distributions of EP values, when plotted on a log-scale histogram, are shown to markedly differ between good and bad assignments. Using EP values, recall was 100% at 61% precision (EP=2 x 10(-5)), 63% at 88% precision (EP=0.008), and 10% at 100% precision (EP=0.1). These results show that Medline entries discussing the same gene or protein have similar word usage, and that our method of assessing this similarity using EP values is valid, and enables an EP cutoff value to be determined that accurately and reproducibly balances precision and recall, allowing automated analysis of literature mining results. .

Abstracting and Indexing↗

Processing of cDNA and genomic kilobase-size clones for massive screening, mapping and sequencing by hybridization.

Efficient procedures for managing a large number of M13 or plasmid clones have been developed. In addition to picking, clones are directly arrayed in multiwell plates by dispensing diluted transformation mixtures. Metal pin arrays are used for fast inoculations of preparative plates filled by medium or by PCR mixture. Growth of M13 clones in multiwell plates is optimized to obtain a consistently high yield, and a PCR protocol is defined for reliable amplification of several thousand M13 or plasmid inserts per day in BioOvens. Over 80,000 cDNA inserts have been amplified. The phages or amplified inserts are spotted on nylon filters using an array of pins having a flat bottom, 0.3 mm in diameter. The procedures are suitable for an automated processing of hundreds of thousands of short clones from representative cDNA and genomic libraries. Hybridization of arrayed clones with oligonucleotide and complex probes can simplify the search for new genes and accelerate large-scale sequencing.

Bacteriophage M13↗

Development of an improved automated gas-chromatographic chiral analysis system: application to non-natural amino acids and natural protein hydrolysates.

In the use of combinatorial chemistry as a novel strategy for drug discovery, the chirality assessment of building blocks used for library construction is particularly important in the evaluation of biological actions of generated libraries. The procedure for chiral analysis of lead compounds in screening may be of a high priority, particularly in the case of the protection of intellectual rights. Previously, an automated amino acid analysis system using enantiomer labeling was developed. The system incorporates a reactor, which allows automated esterification and acylation of amino acids, and is connected to an on-line gas chromatographic system. A capillary column coated with a chiral phase is employed for the separation of the enantiomers. This particular system is improved with a newly constructed "high-throughput auto-derivatizer" in combination with a new GC-system. The resulting data can be processed by newly constructed software. The analyses of amino acid derivatives or hydrolysates of proteins and peptides are carried out routinely within ca. 45 min, including derivatization. Using this system several non-natural amino acids were tested with respect to the stereoisomeric configuration. In addition, acid hydrolysates of food proteins and tissues obtained by autopsy were analyzed as an application to proteome research.

Aged↗

Combinatorial approaches as a component of high-throughput experimentation (HTE) in catalysis research.

We consider the application of high-throughput experimentation (HTE), including combinatorial methods, to catalyst discovery and early-phase optimization. While combinatorial- and parallel-testing methods have an already substantial history in catalysis, recent work by several groups promises significant efficiency gains. In molecular catalysis, progress is noted in library design, library synthesis by pooled, parallel, and discrete formats, catalyst testing and reaction optimization; the prime constraint for organometallic catalysts is the limited scope of synthesis procedures for non-peptide-based ligand libraries. Routes described for the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts include hydrothermal synthesis, arraying of solution precursors, automated impregnation and precipitation, and arraying of solid precursors. The key challenge in applying HTE to heterogeneous catalysis is testing; we distinguish here between Stage 1, or "discovery" testing and Stage 2, optimization testing, and describe techniques with potential in each case. Recent examples from the literature and our own work are used to illustrate these principles and the prospects for HTE applied to catalysis.

Catalysis↗

Automated DNA sequencing of the human HPRT locus.

The complete sequence of 57 kb of the human HPRT locus has been determined using automated fluorescent DNA sequencing. The strategy employed increasingly directed sequencing methods: A randomly generated M13 library was sequenced to generate contiguous overlapping sets of sequences (contigs). M13 clones at the ends of these contigs were further sequenced using M13 (universal and reverse) and custom oligonucleotide primers to order the contigs and to complete the sequencing project. The human HPRT sequence includes 1676 bp 5' and 15,238 bp 3' to exons 1 and 9, respectively. The sequence contains 49 representatives of the Alu repeat, along with several other types of repetitive sequences. The Alu sequences exhibit a biased orientation, with those sequences in the first half of the locus oriented in the minus direction relative to transcription of the gene (3'----5' = 77%, P less than 0.005) and those sequences in the latter half of the locus oriented randomly (5'----3' = 67%, P less than 0.5). The development and performance of the sequencing strategy and the features of the human HPRT gene are presented.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A microcomputer-based, net-lending interlibrary loan system.

A microcomputer-based, net-lending interlibrary loan system was developed at Lane Medical Library, Stanford University. The system, designed to generate the monthly billing invoices and all necessary statistical reports, has reduced the time required for logging-in procedures and compilation of monthly, quarterly, and annual statistics. User menus, help screens, and choice fields were developed explicitly for library staff who have little or no computer experience. The program was written using the DataEase database management software running on IBM PC, XT, AT, or compatible with a minimum of 512K RAM. Described are features of this automated interlibrary loan management system and its use in a net-lending interlibrary loan department. It focuses on data entry in the "Library Directory" and "ILL Log Sheet," details of billing invoices, and statistical reports, and flexibility in modifying tax rates, borrowing fees, and other parameters.

Accounting↗

Infrared analysis of urinary stones: a trial of automated identification.

A Search algorithm included in the Opus software of Bruker (Germany) was evaluated for analysis of urinary stones. Three reference libraries containing respectively 85 (single components), 1,059 (binary mixtures) and 4,565 (ternary mixture) digitized spectra were created and used to identify unknown spectra (n=320), applying the automatic procedure. Identification of the major component was correct in 83% of cases but the percentage of identification significantly decreased for the second and the third components. In cases of identification of the two first components, quantitative assessment was correct within tolerance limits +/- 15%. The computer results are judged unsatisfactory with regard to pathology because computer-aided identification is not sufficiently sensitive and specific to differentiate species with similar spectral pattern, even for the identification of main component, and also to detect minor components. It can be of assistance to guide spectral analysis, but it cannot replace human identification.

Algorithms↗

PCR-based unidirectional deletion method for creation of comprehensive cDNA libraries.

A new strategy for the rapid creation of DNA deletion libraries using a simple PCR-based method is presented. Unidirectional deletion fragments are created and may be cloned into any vector system without the constraint of using restriction enzymes. Our strategy combines methodologies from DNA sequencing, PCR, and homologous recombination (either in vivo or in vitro) to allow for the creation of a library containing fragments representing all possible deletions of a given cDNA. Using this strategy we have successfully constructed a deletion library of the cDNA encoding for the lumenal domain of yeast Ire1p, and have shown that resulting fragments range from 100 bp to the full length cDNA (1557 bp). This method is simple, inexpensive, and can easily be adapted for automated high-throughput research.

Gene Deletion↗

Investigating the genetic control of stem cell behavior.

The precise control of hematopoietic stem cell fate decisions involves molecules that are differentially expressed in the stem cell versus its non-stem progeny. The construction of representative and high quality cDNA libraries containing stem cell-specific sequences is a first step in elucidating stem cell control mechanisms. Automated bioinformatics in conjunction with high-throughput random sequencing and high-density parallel array hybridization studies make it possible to dissect stem cell molecular pathways and networks. It is the differential analysis of these interacting pathways which will provide the greatest insights into the biological differences underlying stem cell behavior.

Computational Biology↗

A new approach to understanding T cell development: the isolation and characterization of immature CD4-, CD8-, CD3- T cell cDNAs by subtraction cloning.

During T cell development in the mammalian thymus, immature T cells are observed that lack the cell surface markers CD4, CD8, and CD3. A subtracted cDNA library was constructed to isolate cDNAs that are specific for these immature T cells. Tissue-specific expression of 97 individual cDNAs were examined using different cell types by Northern blot analysis, and six cDNAs were analyzed by reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of RNA. Approximately 50% of the clones could not be detected on Northern blots, and 40% of the clones were expressed by at least one other cell-type including monocytes, mature T cells, and B cells. Eight cDNA clones appear to be specific for the CD4-, CD8-, CD3- T cell line, used to construct the library, as determined by Northern blot analysis. In addition, 330 cDNA clones were subjected to partial automated DNA sequence determination. Database searches, with both nucleotide and protein translations, revealed cDNAs that exhibit interesting similarities to human cell-cycle gene 1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, c-fms oncogene (CSF-1) receptor, and members of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily. This approach of employing subtraction coupled with large scale partial cDNA sequence determination can be useful to identify genes that may be involved in early T cell growth, cellular recognition or differentiation.

Animals↗

Automated microscopy screening for compounds that partially revert cholesterol accumulation in Niemann-Pick C cells.

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder manifested by abnormal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and other lipids. We screened combinatorially synthesized chemical libraries to identify compounds that would partially revert cholesterol accumulation. Cultured CHO cells with NPC phenotypes (CT60 and CT43) were used for screening along with normal CHO cells as a control. We developed an automated microscopy assay based on imaging of filipin fluorescence for estimating cholesterol accumulation in lysosomal storage organelles. Our primary screen of 14,956 compounds identified 14 hit compounds that caused significant reduction in cellular cholesterol accumulation at 10 microM. We then screened a secondary library of 3,962 compounds selected based on chemical similarity to the initial hits and identified 7 compounds that demonstrated greater efficacy and lower toxicity than the original hits. These compounds are effective at concentrations of 123 nM to 3 microM in reducing the cholesterol accumulation in cells with a NPC1 phenotype.

Androstenes↗

PCR buffer optimization with uniform temperature regimen to facilitate automation.

To facilitate PCR(1,2) reactions in large numbers with uniform conditions, the annealing temperature was fixed and the stringency of the reactions was adjusted by optimizing the ion conditions of the reaction. The buffer system is based primarily on Tris (T), ammonium (N), and potassium (K) to adapt assay conditions to different primer pairs. The TNK buffers have permitted successful screening of a 60,000-clone yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) library with more than 200 primer pairs.

Automation↗

Process redesign: making your film library work for you.

When Riverside Methodist Hospitals in Columbus, Ohio, experienced serious problems in its radiology film library, administrators recognized that poor processes were to blame and used quality management techniques to create a new system. A radiology information system was part of Riverside's long-range plan, but an effective manual process was implemented first. Riverside had decided that closing the library to referring physician access would result in more successful operations. An Operational Changes Planning Committee composed of file clerks, technologists, managers, radiologists and referring physicians planned the redesign. The committee identified four goals: Reduce unmet requests. Improve response time. Benchmark operations of comparable organizations. Implement an effective manual process prior to automation. Steps in the redesign process included identifying the problem, applying statistical tools to the situation and understanding customer requirements. Flow charts, benchmarking, data collection within the department and focus groups provided important quantitative information. Creating an improved process included the following actions: Work simplification. Work elimination (especially non-value-added work). Uncovering and removing causes of delay. Automation of repetitive tasks via the RIS. Reduction and elimination of any rework steps. One important change was to close the library to physician access. There were moderate gains in effectiveness as a result of redesign of the manual process. Results have continued to improve, and the redesign process provided greater commitment and cooperation for the more significant improvements that followed the RIS introduction.

Efficiency, Organizational↗