[Isolation of band-specific (CA)n microsatellites from human chromosome 8q24.1]

Fourty eight recombinant plasmids containing CA repeats were isolated from human chromosome 8q24.1 band-specific pUC19 library. Among them, inserted DNA fragments from 12 plasmids were sequenced, and one new highly polymorphic (CA)n microsatellite was obtained (coding: D8S7F). It contained 11 alleles. The estimated heterozygosity reached 0.84 and 0.83 among Chinese Han Nationality people and American Anglo-Saxons respectively. It was assigned to chromosome 8 by using a human-rodent hybrid cell panel.

A resonance Raman study of the C=N configurations of octopus rhodopsin, bathorhodopsin, and isorhodopsin

The resonance Raman spectra of octopus rhodopsin, bathorhodopsin, and isorhodopsin at 120 K have been obtained as well as those of pigments regenerated with isotopically labeled retinals near the C14-C15 bond. Deuteration of the Schiff base nitrogen induces relatively large changes in the C-C stretch region between 1100 and 1300 cm-1, including a large frequency shift of the C14-C15 stretch mode located at 1206-1227 cm-1 in the three octopus species, as revealed by the Raman spectra of their 14,15-(13)C2 derivatives. Such results are different compared to those of the bovine pigments, in which no significant frequency shift of the C14-C15 stretch mode was observed upon Schiff base N deuteration. In an earlier Raman study of a Schiff base model compound which contained only one single bond adjacent to two double bonds, we have found that the stretch mode of this C-C single bond at 1232 cm-1 shifts up by 15 cm-1 and its intensity is also greatly reduced upon Schiff base N deuteration when the C=N configuration is anti [Deng et al., (1994) J. Phys. Chem. 98, 4776-4779]. The same study has also shown that when the C=N configuration is syn, the C-C stretch mode should be at about 1150 cm-1. Since the C14-C15 stretch mode frequency is relatively high in the spectra of octopus rhodopsin and bathorhodopsin (> 1200 cm-1) and since the normal mode pattern near the Schiff base is similar to the model, we suggest that the C=N configuration in these two species is anti. The different responses of the C14-C15 stretch mode to the Schiff base nitrogen deuteration in bovine and octopus pigments are due to the fact that the coupled C14-C15 stretch and the C12-C13 stretch motions in the model compound or in bovine rhodopsin are altered in octopus rhodopsin so that the stretch motion of the C14-15 bond is more localized, similar to the C-C stretch motion in the small Schiff base model compound. In clear contrast with the bovine rhodopsin Raman spectrum, which is very similar to that for the 11-cis-retinal Schiff base, the drastically different octopus rhodopsin spectrum indicates large protein perturbations on the C11=C12-C13 moiety, either by steric or by electrostatic interactions. Further studies are required to determine if such spectral differences indicate a difference of the energy conversion mechanism in the primary photochemical event of these two pigments.

Identification of a major co-receptor for primary isolates of HIV-1

Entry of HIV-1 into target cells requires cell-surface CD4 and additional host cell cofactors. A cofactor required for infection with virus adapted for growth in transformed T-cell lines was recently identified and named fusin. However, fusin does not promote entry of macrophage-tropic viruses, which are believed to be the key pathogenic strains in vivo. The principal cofactor for entry mediated by the envelope glycoproteins of primary macrophage-tropic strains of HIV-1 is CC-CKR-5, a receptor for the beta-chemokines RANTES, MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta.

Trypanosomal nucleoside hydrolase. Resonance Raman spectroscopy of a transition-state inhibitor complex

The transition state for hydrolysis of the N-ribosidic bond of inosine by nucleoside hydrolase has oxocarbenium character and a protonated leaving group hypoxanthine with an sp2-hybridized C1' of the ribosyl [Horenstein, B. A., Parkin, D. W., Estupinan, B., & Schramm, V. L. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 10788-10795]. These features are incorporated into N-(p-nitrophenyl)-D-riboamidrazone, a transition state analogue which binds with a dissociation constant of 2 nM [Boutellier, M., Horenstein, B. A., Semenyaka, A., Schramm, V. L., & Ganem, B. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 3994-4000]. Resonance Raman and ultraviolet-visible absorbance spectroscopy has established that the inhibitor binds as the neutral, zwitterionic species. The enzyme stabilizes a specific resonance state characterized by the quinonoid form of the p-nitrophenyl group with evidence for ion pairing at the nitro group. Incorporation of 15N into a specific position of the amidrazone reveals that the exo-ribosyl nitrogen bonded to the C1' position carries the proton while that bonded to the p-nitrophenyl carbon is unprotonated. This tautomer carries a distributed positive charge centered at the position analogous to C1' of the ribosyl group at the transition state. The molecular electrostatic potentials for the substrate inosine, the transition state, and the transition state inhibitor are compared at the van der Waals surface of the molecules. The tautomer of the inhibitor bound to the enzyme bears a striking electrostatic resemblance to the transition state determined by kinetic isotope effect analysis. The spectral and resonance Raman properties of free and enzyme-bound inhibitor have permitted tautomeric assignment of these species and establish that the enzyme substantially changes the electronic distribution of the bound inhibitor toward that of the enzyme-stabilized transition state.

Antigen processing and T cell repertoires as crucial aleatory features in induction of autoimmunity

Induction of self-reactive T cell responses leading eventually to autoimmune pathology involves several key events: (1) availability of a determinant cross-reactive with the pathogenic self or foreign determinant upon processing of native antigen; the foreign molecule bearing the related determinant may have additional processing sites flanking the determinant, or at least different ones (the same determinant may only be available on the native self molecule under inflammatory conditions) (2) a T cell bearing T cell receptor (TCR) capable of response to the autoantigen; (3) ability of the processed self determinant to bind efficiently to the appropriate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule as well as to interact with the appropriate TCR, coordinated with the absence of competitively dominant determinants; and (4) the lack of regulation. At any step of this cascade of interactions, the conditions could either favour induction of an autoreactive T cell response or the process may be truncated/stalled at any step without any adverse effect. A major component determining the outcome of the above interactions is the aleatory nature of the antigen processing events. Experiments highlighting these aleatory events are the focus of this report.

Kinetics of sodium ion binding to DNA quadruplexes

The binding environments of sodium ions on oligomeric DNA quadruplex structures have been examined by 23Na NMR. Competitive ion binding experiments confirm that the selectivity of univalent cations for the strong sites on the G-quadruplex d(G4T4G4) follows the order K+ > Na+ > Cs+. 23Na intensity measurements demonstrate a class of sodium ions that are not detectable by NMR, establishing that the sodium ions bind with loss of water of hydration. These measurements define the number of occupied, specific sodium ion binding sites per quadruplex as 2(+/- 1). In contrast to the rapid exchange of specifically bound sodium ions from the tetrameric G-quadruplex structure d(T2G4T), exchange from the dimeric G-quadruplex structure of d(G4T4G4) is slow on the timescale of the 23Na NMR relaxation. 23Na NMR relaxation measurements, performed as a function of temperature, allow the kinetics of sodium ion complexation to be determined. The lifetime of specifically bound sodium ions is estimated as 180 microseconds at 20 degrees C. The temperature dependence of the exchange rates suggests a fully hydrated transition state.

[153Sm-EDTMP for moderate and severe bone cancer pain]

One hundred and thirty-six patients with bone cancer pain were treated with 153Sm-EDTMP (ethylenediamine-tetramethylene phosphonic acid). Pain free was noted in 49 cases (36%, 49/136) and pain relief in 77 cases (56.6%, 77/136), the total relief rate being 92.6% (126/136). The data from 76 patients with moderate and severe pain showed there were no significant relationships between the patients' age, the dose of 153Sm-EDTMP and the analgesic effects (P > 0.05). The pain relief observed in the patients with chest pain (ribs metastases) was earlier than that in other groups (P < 0.05). We didn't find any clinical side-effects, so 153Sm-EDTMP is safe for use.

Identification of human telomeric repeat motifs at the genome termini of human herpesvirus 7: structural analysis and heterogeneity

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and HHV-7 are closely related T-lymphotropic betaherpesviruses which share a common genomic organization and are composed of a single unique component (U) that is bounded by direct repeats (DRL and DRR). In HHV-6, a sequences have been identified at each end of the DR motifs, resulting in the arrangement aDRLa-U-aDRRa. In order to determine whether determine whether HHV-7 contains similar a sequences, we have sequenced the DRL-U and U-DRR junctions of HHV-7 strain JI, together with the DRR.DRL junction from the head-to-tail concatamer that is generated during productive virus infection. In addition, we have sequenced the genomic termini of an independent isolate of HHV-7. As in HHV-6, a (GGGTTA)n motif identical to the human telomeric repeat sequence (TRS) was identified adjacent to, but not at, the genome termini of HHV-7. The left genome terminus and the U-DRR junction contained a homolog of the consensus herpesvirus packaging signal, pac-1, followed by short tandem arrays of TRSs separated by single copies of a second 6-bp repeat. This organization is similar to the arrangement found at U-DRR in HHV-6 but differs from it in that the TRS arrays are considerably shorter in HHV-7. The right genome terminus and the DRL-U junction contained a homolog of the consensus herpesvirus packaging signal, pac-2, followed by longer tandem arrays of TRSs separated by single copies of either a 6-bp or a 14-bp repeat. This arrangement is considerably more complex than the simple tandem array of TRSs that is present at the corresponding genomic location in HHV-6 and corresponds to a site of both inter- and intrastrain heterogeneity in HHV-7. The presence of TRSs in lymphotropic herpesviruses from humans (HHV-6 and HHV-7), horse (equine herpesvirus 2), and birds (Marek's disease virus) is striking and suggests that these sequences may have functional or structural significance.

Solution structure of the pleckstrin homology domain of Drosophila beta-spectrin

BACKGROUND

The pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, which is approximately 100 amino acids long, has been found in about 70 proteins involved in signal transduction and cytoskeletal function, a frequency comparable to SH2 (src homology 2) and SH3 domains. PH domains have been shown to bind the beta gamma-subunits of G-proteins and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). It is conceivable that the PH domain of beta-spectrin plays a part in the association of spectrin with the plasma membrane of cells.

RESULTS

We have solved the solution structure of the 122-residue PH domain of Drosophila beta-spectrin. The overall fold consists of two antiparallel beta-sheets packing against each other at an angle of approximately 60 degrees to form a beta-sandwich, a two-turn alpha-helix unique to spectrin PH domains, and a four-turn C-terminal alpha-helix. One of the major insertions in beta-spectrin PH domains forms a long, basic surface loop and appears to undergo slow conformational exchange in solution. This loop shows big spectral changes upon addition of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3).

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that the groove at the outer surface of the second beta-sheet is an important site of association with other proteins. This site and the possible lipid-binding site can serve to localize the spectrin network under the plasma membrane. More generally, it has to be considered that the common fold observed for the PH domain structures solved so far does not necessarily mean that all PH domains have similar functions. In fact, the residues constituting potential binding sites for ligands or other proteins are only slightly conserved between different PH domains.

[Serologic screening on nasopharyngeal cancer in 338,868 persons in 21 cities and counties of Guangxi Region, China]

Serological screening on nasopharyngeal cancer in 338,868 persons living in 21 cities and counties of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was carried out from January 1991 to September 1993. Results showed 9367 persons were positive for IgA antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) capsid antigen, and 306 of them positive for IgA to EBV early antigen. One hundred and thirteen cases of nasopharyngeal cancer were detected in the former with 100 cases (88.5%) in the early stage, and 63 cases in the latter with 58 (92.1%) cases in the early stage. It suggested certain relationship existed between EBV and nasopharyngeal cancer, and serologic screening could be beneficial for secondary prevention of it.

Chiral recognition of deoxyoligonucleotides by delta- and lambda-tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III)

59Co NMR and CD measurements show for both stereoisomers of Co(en)3(3+) a similar trend in the sequence dependence of DNA recognition, as was reported previously for Co(NH3)6(3+). In particular, specific binding is evident to DNA molecules possessing runs of two or more same-strand guanine residues. The binding of either isomer to such sequences induces structural transitions toward A-DNA characteristics. Such measurements also show significant differences between the two stereoisomers in terms of how they recognize specific duplex DNA sequences. delta-Co(en)3(3+) binds more tightly than lambda-Co(en)3(3+) to right-handed, guanine-rich DNA, whereas lambda-Co(en)3(3+) binds more tightly than delta-Co(en)3(3+) to left-handed DNA. The two stereoisomers bind in an indistinguishable manner to AT-rich DNA.

Monodisperse Metal Clusters 10 Angstroms in Diameter in a Polymeric Host: The "Monomer as Solvent' Approach

A general methodology is presented for the dispersion of an inorganic compound within an organic polymer host through the use of solubilizing and polymerizable ligands. The dispersion of metal cluster cations 10 angstroms in diameter within a polymer host is achieved by free-radical polymerization of the hexafunctional metal cluster [Mo(6)Cl(8)(NVI)(6)](triflate)(4) with bound polymerizable ligands in N-vinylimidazole (NVI) solutions. Copolymerization of the activated cluster-bound ligands with the surrounding medium probably plays a key role in preventing aggregation and produces near monodisperse molecular clusters within the polymer matrix.

Duplex to quadruplex equilibrium of the self-complementary oligonucleotide d(GGGGCCCC)

The structure of the deoxyoligonucleotide d(GGGGCCCC) has been monitored by 1H and 31P NMR, and by gel electrophoresis. In low-salt solution, this oligonucleotide forms a stable duplex structure. Upon titration with KCl, an equilibrium is established between duplex and quadruplex forms. The quadruplex form is the dominant one at physiological KCl concentrations, despite the fact that fewer hydrogen bonds are formed per strand in the quadruplex than in the duplex.

[Effect of 153Sm-EDTMP on hematopoiesis and vital organs of 93 patients with bone tumor]

In the present study data on blood cell count, serum biochemistry, electrolyte, enzyme and vital organs of 93 patients with bone tumor or metastasis were investigated before and after treatment with 153Sm-EDTMP. The results showed that, 7 days and 30 days after the administration of 153Sm-EDTMP (< 29.6 MBq) (0.8 mCi/kg), the levels of hemoglobin, WBC lymphocyte count, and the liver and kidney function of all patients were not significantly different from the baseline data before treatment (P > 0.05). Although at 7 days, there was a declination of the granulocyte count, it returned to normal at 30 days (P > 0.05). The platelet count was significantly decreased (0.05 > P > 0.01). at 30 days after the administration of 153Sm-EDTMP. Thirteen patients received 74-185 MBq (2-5mCi/kg) and their myelo biopsies at 3 and 18 months showed no sign of acute or chronic toxicosis.

[Clinical significance of fibrinolytic system defectiveness in exercise induced myocardial ischemia and its mechanism]

Plasma levels of tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), fibrinogen (Fg), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), renin activity (PRA) and angiotensin II (ANGII) were assayed in 18 patients with coronary heart disease and 11 healthy subjects before and after submaximal treadmill exercise test according to "Bruce programme". All patients showed significant (> or = 50%) stenosis of at least one branch of the coronary arteries in coronary angiography and normal levels of serum trinitroglycerin. Drugs of dipyridamole, heparin, warfarin and aspirin were not administered to the patients two weeks before the test. The results were as follows: (1) Plasma PAI activity and Fg levels in 12 patients with positive test were remarkablly higher than in the remaining 6 subjects with negative test in the CHD group and in the control before and after exercise. Plasma tPA antigen changed in a reverse way. (2) Plasma levels of TXB2, PRA and ANGII in the positive test subgroup of CHD were higher than in the negative test subgroup and in the control after exercise, but differences of the parameters among the three groups were insignificant before exercise. The study suggests that defectiveness of fibrinolytic system in CHD patients was shown mainly as disorder of tPA-PAI equilibrium and that decreased fibrinolytic activity and increased PAI in exercise-induced myocardial ischemia have relations with activation of platelets and renin-angiotensin system.

Evaluation of the neurotoxicity of glycidamide, an epoxide metabolite of acrylamide: behavioral, neurochemical and morphological studies

Acrylamide is an important chemical used in the synthesis of polyacrylamides, which have a wide variety of industrial applications. The principal toxic effect of acrylamide, both in animals and in humans, is neurotoxicity. Peripheral nervous system effects are most prominent, but central nervous system effects have also been reported. Acrylamide is metabolized to the epoxide glycidamide, whose adducts to hemoglobin and to DNA have been identified in animals and humans. This metabolite may be involved in the reproductive and carcinogenic effects of acrylamide. In the present study we investigated whether glycidamide would exert neurotoxic effects similar to those caused by its parent compound. Male rats were injected i.p. with acrylamide (25 or 50 mg/kg) or glycidamide (50 or 100 mg/kg) daily for 8 days. Reduced weight gain was evident in animals exposed to glycidamide or to the higher dose of acrylamide. Both compounds induced lethargy and ataxia, but the posture of glycidamide-treated rats differed from that of animals treated with acrylamide. At the high doses, both compounds significantly affected rats' behavior in the rotarod test; on the other hand, only acrylamide was effective in the hindlimb splay test. Acrylamide inhibited activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in sciatic and tibial nerves, as well as in brain. Glycidamide inhibited GAPDH activity only in brain and activity of creatine kinase in both peripheral and central tissues. Acrylamide also caused profound urinary retention and distended bladders, while the effects of glycidamide were minimal. Morphological abnormalities were seen in sciatic nerves and dorsal root ganglion cells of rats treated with acrylamide (50 mg/kg x 12), but not in rats exposed to glycidamide (100 mg/kg x 11). These results indicate that the toxicities of acrylamide and glycidamide differ and suggest that acrylamide itself may be primarily responsible for its peripheral neurotoxicity.

Serological survey of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 21 cities of south China

This paper reports the results of serological survey of 318,912 persons for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in 21 cities and counties of south China. There were 8,441 persons with positive VCA-IgA antibody (single item positive) of EB virus (EBV), with a rate of 2.65%. In these VCA-IgA positive persons, 287 persons also had positive EA-IgA (double items positive) of EBV. The overall positive rate was 0.09%. 100 cases of NPC were found and 87 of them (87.0%) were in early stage. NPC found in the group with single item positive accounts for 1.19%, but the rate in the group with double items positive was 19.16% (55 cases). In NPC patients with double items positive, 49 cases were in early stage (89.1%). In 100 cases of NPC found, 45 cases appeared with negative EA-IgA, only with positive VCA-IgA, which indicated that for diagnosis of NPC, sensitivity of EA-IgA was lower than that of VCA-IgA, but its specificity was higher. Therefore, both can increase the detecting rate and early diagnosis rate of NPC. The age of people checked varied with different antibody positive rate and NPC detecting rate. The three items showed a positive correlation. The results are compatible with those of the prospective study for NPC in Wuzhou City, Guangxi, China. The method for NPC serological diagnosis can be extended and applied to raise the NPC detecting rate and early diagnosis rate at secondary prevention. And, it is further proved that there is a close relationship between NPC and EBV.