CYP52 (cytochrome P450alk) multigene family in Candida maltosa: identification and characterization of eight members

Previously, we characterized three genes and presented evidence for an n-alkane-inducible cytochrome P450 (P450alk) multigene family in an n-alkane-assimilating and diploid-type yeast, Candida maltosa. In the present report, we isolated and characterized additional members of this gene family, including a total of thirteen P450alk-related sequences (eight genes and five of their alleles). Two sets, each consisting of two genes, were tandemly arranged in the genome. A gene replacement experiment showed that at least one gene had only a single allele in the genome. The determined nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequences indicated that all had a characteristic constituent for P450s and exhibited amino acid identities from 94% to 37% to each other. Six genes showed relatively higher similarities to each other than to the other two genes and were thus classified into a subfamily. All the members of this subfamily were assigned to the same single chromosome, showing a good correlation between sequence similarity and chromosomal linkage. Although all the genes except for one were induced by n-alkane, their inducibilities by some other aliphatic carbon sources showed variabilities.

Differentiation between glycoprotein III gene-deleted vaccine and wild-type strains of pseudorabies virus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

One of the attenuated and genetically recombinant modified-live viral (MLV) vaccine strains currently used contains a deletion in its glycoprotein III (gIII) gene, while prototypic wild-type pseudorabies (WT-PR) viruses contain an intact gIII gene. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system differentiating, based on this difference, between the vaccine virus and prototypic WT-PR viruses was investigated. This PCR system utilized two consecutive stages. Primers for the first-stage PCR were designed so as to amplify of DNA fragments lengths in respect to the vaccine and WT-PR viruses. The second-stage PCR amplification for improving the sensitivity and specificity and for confirming of the sites deleted from the first-stage PCR products produced an all-or-none result: internal DNA fragments were derived from only WT-PR viruses but not from the vaccine virus. These PCR-amplified fragment length polymorphisms clearly distinguished the vaccine virus from WT-PR viruses. The vaccine and WT-PR viruses in mixtures were each identified in this PCR system. This PCR system may permit rapid and sensitive detection of PR viral gIII gene, analysis of the genotype of PR virus isolates, and also examination of the isolates for purity and identity.

[Bacteriological and clinical studies of SY5555 in pediatric field]

Clinical studies were carried out on SY5555, a new oral penem, in the field of pediatrics. The results obtained are summarized below. The clinical efficacies were examined in a total 31 patients consisting of 4 patients with pharyngitis, 10 with purulent tonsillitis, 4 with scarlet fever, 7 with impetigo, one with balanitis, one with cellulitis and 4 with UTI. The clinical efficacy rate was 96.8% (30/31). Bacteriological efficacies of SY5555 were examined on identified pathogens including 7 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 6 of Streptococcus pyogenes, 3 of Enterococcus faecalis, 3 of Haemophilus influenzae, one of Escherichia coli and one of Citrobacter freundii. The bacteriological eradication rate was 81.0%. As for side effects, loose stool in one patient was noted. Abnormal laboratory findings test results included eosinophilia in 2 patients, eosinophilia and elevation of serum transaminase in one patient, and thrombocytosis in another.

Analysis of the 3-phosphoglycerate kinase 2 promoter in Rhizopus niveus

Promoter analysis was performed on the Rhizopus niveus 3-phosphoglycerate kinase 2-encoding gene (pgk2), one of the two pgk genes (pgk1 and pgk2) from this filamentous fungus sequenced so far. Deletion mutants of the promoter region were fused to the Escherichia coli uidA gene (which codes for beta-glucuronidase; GUS), and introduced into R. niveus to measure the intracellular GUS activities of the transformants. Deletion of the sequence between nt -174 to -133 (numbers indicate the position from the putative translation start codon) caused a significant decrease in the ratio of the GUS activity of the transformant cultured in glucose medium compared to that in glycerol medium. In this region, a 21-nt sequence which is well conserved between pgk1 and pgk2 is present. When it was inserted into the promoter region of the uninducible gene encoding RNase Rh of R. niveus, ligated in front of uidA and introduced into R. niveus, the GUS activity of the transformant was greatly induced by glucose, but less by glycerol. We therefore suggest that the 21-nt sequence is a glucose-inducible transcriptional activator of R. niveus. This is the first report on a transcriptional activator in zygomycetes.

Cathepsin G and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin in the local host reaction to loosening of total hip prostheses

The tissue localization and content of the proteolytic enzyme cathepsin G and its inhibitor alpha 1-antichymotrypsin were studied in the local host reaction to loosening of total hip-replacement prostheses in eleven patients and were compared with those in samples of non-inflammatory tissue from the synovial capsule obtained during arthroscopies of the knee. Immunostaining demonstrated cellular localization of cathepsin G in 71 per cent of monocyte or macrophage-like cells and in 46 per cent of fibroblast-like cells in the samples of interface tissue between the bone and the loose acetabular component obtained at the time of the total hip replacements, and in 59 and 42 per cent, respectively, in the samples of pseudocapsular tissue obtained at the same time, whereas the synovial lining cells in the samples of non-inflammatory tissue from the synovial capsule revealed only a slight immunoreactivity to cathepsin G. Cathepsin-G activity was also measured with synthetic succinyl-alanine-alanine-proline-phenylalanine-paranitroanilide as a substrate, the degradation of which was monitored spectrophotometrically. In accordance with results from immunohistochemical studies, cathepsin-G activity was found in the samples of interface tissue (31.6 international units per liter) and the samples of pseudocapsular tissue (15.5 international units per liter) obtained during the total hip replacements, whereas the level of cathepsin-G was low in the samples of non-inflammatory synovial capsular tissue (2.5 international units per liter). Cathepsin-G activity in the samples of pseudosynovial fluid obtained at the time of the total hip replacements was low (2.4 international units per liter), although immunoblot analysis showed marked immunoreactive cathepsin G in the samples of pseudosynovial fluid. This low activity of cathepsin G might be explained by the presence of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, which was detected by laser nephlometric immunoassay and immunoblot analysis. These results demonstrate increased concentration of cathepsin G locally in the tissues around loose total hip-replacement prostheses. Because cathepsin G is not only able to act on extracellular matrix components (such as gelatin, proteoglycan, elastin, and laminin) at a physiological pH but also is able to activate collagenase, gelatinase, and stromelysin proenzymes, to inactivate tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, and to modulate tumor necrosis factor-alpha, it may play an important role in the degradation of periprosthetic connective tissue and in the lysis of bone around the implant, thus contributing to the loosening of prostheses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Significant improvement in the efficiency and brightness of the J = 0-1 19.6-nm line of the germanium laser by use of double-pulse pumping

We describe significant improvement in the efficiency and brightness of the J = 0-1 19.6-nm line of the neonlike germanium laser. A curved slab target was irradiated by two laser pulses of 100-ps duration separated by 300 ps with a total energy of 200-300 J on target. Compared with that obtained by 1-ns single-pulse pumping with 1.1 kJ of energy, the J = 0-1 line has a 12 times higher peak intensity, with a smaller beam divergence of 2 mrad, corresponding to a factor-of-25 improvement in brightness.

In vivo evidence for non-universal usage of the codon CUG in Candida maltosa

An alkane-assimilating yeast Candida maltosa had been studied in order to establish systems suitable for biotransformation of hydrophobic compounds. However, functional expression of heterologous genes tested for this purpose had not been successful in several cases. On the other hand, it had been reported that the codon CUG, a universal leucine codon, is read as serine in C. cylindracea. The same altered codon usage had also been suggested by in vitro experiments in some Candida yeasts which are phylogenetically closely related to C. maltosa. In this study we have shown that the failure in functional expression of a heterologous gene is due to the fact that the codon CUG is read as serine in C. maltosa. This conclusion was drawn from the following experimental results: (1) when a cytochrome P450 gene of C. maltosa containing a CTG codon was expressed in C. maltosa, the corresponding amino acid was found to be serine, and not leucine; (2) a tRNA gene with an almost identical structure to that of the tRNASerCAG gene of C. albicans could be isolated from the genome of C. maltosa; (3) the Saccharomyces cerevisiae URA3 gene, which has one CTG codon, could not complement the ura3 mutation of C. maltosa as itself, but when the CTG codon was changed to another leucine codon, CTC, the mutated gene could complement the ura3 mutation. The last result is the first example of succeeding in functional expression of a heterologous gene in Candida species having an altered codon usage by changing the CTG codon in the gene to another codon.

Collagenase in Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To study collagenase production in labial salivary glands in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

METHODS

Collagenases were localised in labial salivary glands by immunohistochemistry. Collagenase activity against triple helical type I collagen monomers in stimulated saliva was measured using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and laser densitometry; tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP) was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Cells containing collagenase of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 type were more frequent and more intensely staining in SS than in healthy glands. Only SS saliva contained functional enzyme (11.7 (6.8) x 10(-6) IU/1). Cells containing MMP-8 type neutrophil collagenase were not found in situ, which was in accordance with sialochemical findings/doxycycline inhibition studies. TIMP was found in both SS and normal saliva.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibroblast, but not neutrophil type, collagenase is synthesised, secreted, and subsequently activated, but is not inhibited by TIMP in labial salivary glands or saliva in SS. Collagenase may destroy glandular and salivary duct tissue and perturb factors influencing the morphogenetic extracellular matrix.

Isolation of a chitin synthase gene (chsC) of Aspergillus nidulans

We isolated a class I chitin synthase gene (chsC) from Aspergillus nidulans. Expression of this gene was confirmed by Northern analysis and by sequencing of the PCR-amplified DNA fragments from cDNA. chsC disruptants showed no difference of morphology in the asexual cycle and no difference of growth rate compared to a wild-type strain.

[Bacteriological and clinical studies on cefozopran in pediatric field]

We carried out clinical studies on cefozopran (CZOP, SCE-2787). The results are summarized as follows. Treatment with CZOP was made in 17 cases of pediatric bacterial infections including 2 cases of purulent tonsillitis, 11 cases of acute pneumonia and 2 cases each of urinary tract infections and enteritis. Results obtained were excellent in 12 cases, good in 2 cases, fair in 2 cases and poor in 1 case. All of 9 isolated bacteria were eradicated by the treatment. As side effects and laboratory test results, rash was observed in one case and transient increase of platelets in one case, slight increase of eosinophil in 2 cases and transient elevation of GPT and GOT.GPT in one case.

Psoralen-containing vinyl monomer for conjugation of double-helical DNA with vinyl polymers

We have synthesized a vinyl monomer having a psoralen moiety, which can form a photoadduct with double-helical DNA. The monomer 1 was proved to have an ability to crosslink DNA double strands through a photochemical reaction when irradiated by UV light. The resulting DNA having vinyl groups was copolymerized with a comonomer such as acrylamide and N-isopropylacrylamide to give rise to a DNA-vinyl polymer conjugate. A conjugation based on covalent bondings was verified by using gel electrophoresis; the conjugation efficiency was found to be dependent upon concentration of the monomer which had been used in the antecedent photochemical reaction. This monomer will be a useful tool when anchoring double-helical DNA on polymeric materials for separating and sensing DNA-binding substances.

Cloning of the aapT gene and characterization of its product, alpha-amylase-pullulanase (AapT), from thermophilic and alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. strain XAL601

A thermophilic and alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. strain, XAL601, was isolated from soil. It produces a thermostable and alkaline-stable enzyme with both alpha-amylase and pullulanase activities. The alpha-amylase-pullulanase gene (aapT) from this Bacillus strain was cloned, and its nucleotide sequence was determined (GenBank accession number D28467). A very large open reading frame composed of 6,096 bases, which encodes 2,032 amino acid residues with an M(r) of 224,992, was found. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed that the four highly conserved regions that are common among amylolytic enzymes were well conserved. These include an active center and common substrate-binding sites of various amylases. In the C-terminal region, a six-amino-acid sequence (Gly-Ser-Gly-Thr-Thr-Pro) is repeated 12 times. The aapT gene was then subcloned in Escherichia coli and overexpressed under the control of the lac promoter. Purification of AapT from this recombinant E. coli was performed, and it was shown that the aapT gene product exhibits both alpha-amylase and pullulanase activities with one active site. The optimum temperature and pH for enzyme activity were found to be 70 degrees C and pH 9, respectively. Furthermore, AapT was found to strongly adsorb to crystalline cellulose (Avicel) and raw corn starch. Final hydrolyzed products from soluble starch range from maltose (G2) to maltotetraose (G4). Only maltotriose (G3) was produced from pullulan. The enzyme also hydrolyzes raw starch under a broad range of conditions (60 to 70 degrees C and pH 8 to 9).

Increased vascular endothelial cell markers in patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance haemodialysis

Plasma levels of the vascular endothelial cell markers, thrombomodulin (TM), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were measured in 55 patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD). TM, PAI-1 and vWF antigen levels were significantly increased in patients before HD, but t-PA antigen was not Compared with levels before HD, t-PA and vWF antigens were significantly increased 1 h after HD and at the end of HD. TM antigen was significantly increased 1 h after HD, and plasma PAI-1 antigen was decreased at the end of HD. TM and vWF antigen levels were negatively correlated with the time (years) on HD. It is concluded that HD may cause endothelial cell damage and that the increases in plasma TM, PAI-1 and vWF levels before HD, and the decrease in the release of TM and vWF antigens from vascular endothelial cells, might be caused by vascular endothelial cell damage from long-term HD.

Molecular diversity of three S-allele cDNAs associated with gametophytic self-incompatibility in Lycopersicon peruvianum

We isolated S allele-associated cDNA clones from each of the stylar cDNA libraries of Lycopersicon peruvianum of two different S genotypes (S12Sb and S13Sc) with S11Sa allele-associated cDNA (LPS11) as a probe. The longest cDNA clones, designated LPS12 and LPS13, which were 779 bp and 853 bp in length, contained open reading frames of 189 and 210 amino acids, respectively. The three S allele-associated cDNAs (LPS11, LPS12, and LPS13) did not cross-hybridize to each other under highly stringent condition by northern blot analysis. Their average identity to Nicotiana alata S-proteins so far was 49%. The fragments corresponding to LPS11 or LPS12 cosegregated with their respective S alleles in genetic crosses. From these results, we conclude that the three cloned cDNAs were derived from the three different S alleles of L. peruvianum.

Isolation and characterization of two chitin synthase genes from Aspergillus nidulans

Two chitin synthase genes, designated chsA and chsB, were isolated from Aspergillus nidulans with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CHS2 gene as the hybridization probe. Nucleotide sequencing showed that chsA and chsB encoded polypeptides consisting of 1013 and 916 amino acid residues, respectively; the hydropathy profiles of the enzymes were similar to those of other fungal chitin synthases. Northern analysis indicated that both genes were transcribed, suggesting that cellular chitin in A. nidulans is synthesized by at least two chitin synthases. For examination of the roles of the chitin synthase genes in cell growth, gene disruption experiments were done. The chsA disruptant grew as well as the wild-type strain, but the chsB disruptant had severe growth defects that could not be overcome by the addition of 1.2M sorbitol as an osmotic stabilizer. These findings suggested that chsB but not chsA is essential for hyphal growth.

Characterization of Haemophilus paragallinarum isolated in the Philippines

In 1989 and 1990, we isolated five strains of Haemophilus paragallinarum in the Philippines. Serological studies were done on three of these isolates. The results of haemagglutination, reactability to monoclonal antibodies and cross immunization with standard strains showed that they belonged to serotypes A, B and C respectively. This is the first report on the isolation of H. paragallinarum and on a related serological study in the Philippines.

Gelatinase/type IV collagenases in the loosening of total hip replacement endoprostheses

Gelatinase/Type IV collagenases, namely, 72 kDa matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 type and 92 kDa MMP-9 type, were analyzed to evaluate the role of extracellular matrix degradation in 17 cases of loosening of total hip endoprostheses. Zymographic and densitometric analyses revealed elevated production of MMP-2 and induction of MMP-9 in tissue extracts from both the interface tissues between bone and implants and the pseudocapsular tissues around the loose endoprostheses when compared with those of 8 control noninflammatory knee synovial tissues. The level of MMP-9 was higher in the interface tissues than in the pseudocapsular tissues. MMP-9 activity was not detected in the control samples. Although differences in the type of prosthetic fixation (cemented versus cementless) or the type of alloy (cobalt-chromium-molybdenum versus titanium-aluminum-vanadium) existed, they shared a similar potential to stimulate tissues to produce MMP-2 and MMP-9. These findings suggest a role for MMP-2 and MMP-9 type gelatinase/Type IV collagenases in the degradation of extracellular matrix of periprosthetic tissues, where they may cause weakening of the connective tissue bed and the loosening of total hip replacement endoprostheses. The pseudocapsular tissues could contribute to the loosening via the production and release of matrix metalloproteinases into the synovial fluid. Alternatively, induction of matrix metalloproteinases in such tissues may reflect remodeling of the pseudocapsular connective tissues.

Isolation and characterization of two chitin synthase genes of Rhizopus oligosporus

Two chitin synthase genes (chs1 and chs2) were isolated from Rhizopus oligosporus by plaque hybridization probed with the chitin synthase 2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. From their deduced amino acid sequences, they were both class II chitin synthases according to the classification proposed by Bowen et al. The expression of these genes was controlled differently in each stage of differentiation. It was suggested that the gene products of chs1 and chs2 function mainly in the hyphae growing stage but not in the late stage of spore formation. When each of these genes was expressed in S. cerevisiae, elevation of chitin synthase activity was observed in both cases.

Properties and active center of the thermostable branching enzyme from Bacillus stearothermophilus

Although the branching enzyme (EC 2.4.1.18) is a member of the alpha-amylase family, the characteristics are not understood. The thermostable branching enzyme gene from Bacillus stearothermophilus TRBE14 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The branching enzyme was purified to homogeneity, and various enzymatic properties were analyzed by our improved assay method. About 80% of activity was retained when the enzyme was heated at 60 degrees C for 30 min, and the optimum temperature for activity was around 50 degrees C. The enzyme was stable in the range of pH 7.5 to 9.5, and the optimum pH was 7.5. The nucleotide sequence of the gene was determined, and the active center of the enzyme was analyzed by means of site-directed mutagenesis. The catalytic residues were tentatively identified as two Asp residues and a Glu residue by comparison of the amino acid sequences of various branching enzymes from different sources and enzymes of the alpha-amylase family. When the Asp residues and Glu were replaced by Asn and Gln, respectively, the branching enzyme activities disappeared. The results suggested that these three residues are the catalytic residues and that the catalytic mechanism of the branching enzyme is basically identical to that of alpha-amylase. On the basis of these results, four conserved regions including catalytic residues and most of the substrate-binding residues of various branching enzymes are proposed.

Developmental competence of bovine oocytes frozen at different cooling rates

Experiments were conducted to determine the optimal cooling conditions for improving the developmental competence of in vitro-matured bovine oocytes when frozen in 1.6 M 1,2-propanediol. Bovine oocytes were cooled from 0 degree to -5.5 degrees C at 1 degree C/min, seeded, and then cooled to -30 degrees C at different cooling rates (0.3 degree, 0.6 degree or 0.9 degree C/min) and then plunged into LN2. When frozen-thawed oocytes were fertilized in vitro, the proportions of fertilization and developmental competence did not differ among the three groups frozen at different cooling rates. The findings indicated that a cooling rate of less than 1.0 degree C/min in the freezing procedure did not affect the developmental competence of postthaw in vitro-matured bovine oocytes.

Postthaw viability of the inner cell mass of in vitro-matured/in vitro-fertilized bovine embryos frozen in various cryoprotectants

A study was conducted to examine the viability of inner cell mass (ICM) cells of frozen-thawed in vitro-matured (IVM)/in vitro-fertilized (IVF)-derived embryos using various cryoprotectants. Expanded blastocysts were frozen and thawed in 1.4 M glycerol with 0.25 M sucrose (GL), 1.6 M propylene glycol (PG), 1.8 M ethylene glycol (EG), or 1.3 M ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EME) as cryoprotectants using a one-step method. After thawing, the embryos were cocultured for 24 h with cumulus cells in TCM199. Embryos which were viable after thawing and developed beyond the blastocyst stage were treated by immunosurgery and differential fluorochrome staining for ICM cell counts. Overall, there were no significant differences in the development to blastocyst stage after 24 h culture in each cryoprotectant (P < 0.05, chi 2 analysis). The viability of ICM cells of frozen-thawed embryos with each cryoprotectant was lower (GL, 72.7%; PG, 67.8%; EG, 77.5%; EME, 74.7%) than that of unfrozen embryos (84.4%). In the case of PG as a cryoprotectant, viability of ICM cells was significantly lower than that of unfrozen embryos (P < 0.05, ANOVA analysis). Our results suggest that the viability of ICM cells of frozen-thawed bovine embryos tend to be lower than that of unfrozen embryos irrespective of the cryoprotectants used. PG was significantly more toxic to the ICM cells compared with the other cryoprotectants.