726
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MATSUBARA M, TSUSUE M, AKINO M. OCCURRENCE OF TWO DIFFERENT ENZYMES IN THE SILKWORM, BOMBYX MORI, TO REDUCE FOLATE AND SEPIAPTERIN. Nature 1996; 199:908-9. [PMID: 14079902 DOI: 10.1038/199908a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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727
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LINZEN B, WYATT GR. THE NUCLEIC ACID CONTENT OF TISSUES OF CECROPIA SILKMOTH PUPAE. RELATIONS TO BODY SIZE AND DEVELOPMENT. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1996; 87:188-98. [PMID: 14192360 DOI: 10.1016/0926-6550(64)90215-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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728
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Shi X, Qin J, Zhu J, Zhu D. Expression of biologically active human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the silkworm ( Bombyx mori). Biotechnol Appl Biochem 1996; 24:245-9. [PMID: 8969454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Using virus derived from Bombyx mori (silkworm) nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV), we constructed an infectious recombinant virus carrying the human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGM-CSF) cDNA placed downstream from the polyhedrin promoter. The BmN cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus BmNPV-GM-CSF expressed recombinant (r)hGM-CSF up to 3.9 x 10(5) colony-formation units/ml in the medium. The maximum activity of rhGM-CSF was 4.3 x 10(6) colony-formation units/ml in the haemolymph of silkworm (Bombyx mori) larvae infected with BmNPV-GM-CSF. Three distinct species of GM-CSF of molecular masses 15, 18 and 20 kDa were detected by immunoblotting. The specific activity of rhGM-CSF purified from the haemolymph was up to 2.92 x 10(7) colony-formation units/mg. The isoelectric point of the purified rhGM-CSF was 5.5-5.7.
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729
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SRIDHARA S, BHAT JV. FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS OF THE INCORPORATION OF (1-14C)ACETATE INTO THE LIPIDS OF THE SILKWORM BOMBYX MORI L. Biochem J 1996; 94:700-4. [PMID: 14340061 PMCID: PMC1206605 DOI: 10.1042/bj0940700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
1. After the injection of sodium [1-(14)C]acetate, the highest incorporation of (14)C into the lipids of the silkworm was observed after 24hr. 2. The specific radioactivity of the palmitic acid fraction was greater and increased more rapidly than that of the stearic acid fraction, which was consistent with the precursor-product relationship to be expected on the basis of current concepts of fatty acid synthesis in vivo. 3. The results indicate the probability of synthesis of lipid components in tissues other than the fat body. 4. Fractionation studies indicate considerable differences in the rate of incorporation of [1-(14)C]acetate into neutral lipids and phospholipids between larvae and pupae as well as among tissues of larvae. 5. The rate of incorporation of [1-(14)C]acetate remains constant throughout pupal development.
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730
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Sharma S, Gopinathan KP. Transcriptional silencing of a tRNA1Gly copy from within a multigene family is modulated by distal cis elements. J Biol Chem 1996; 271:28146-53. [PMID: 8910429 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.271.45.28146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual copies of tRNA1Gly from within the multigene family in Bombyx mori could be classified based on in vitro transcription in homologous nuclear extracts into three categories of highly, moderately, or weakly transcribed genes. Segregation of the poorly transcribed gene copies 6 and 7, which are clustered in tandem within 425 base pairs, resulted in enhancement of their individual transcription levels, but the linkage itself had little influence on the transcriptional status. For these gene copies, when fused together generating a single coding region, transcription was barely detectable, which suggested the presence of negatively regulating elements located in the far flanking sequences. They exerted the silencing effect on transcription overriding the activity of positive regulatory elements. Systematic analysis of deletion, chimeric, and mutant constructs revealed the presence of a sequence element TATATAA located beyond 800 nucleotides upstream to the coding region acting as negative modulator, which when mutated resulted in high level transcription. Conversely, a TATATAA motif reintroduced at either far upstream or far downstream flanking regions exerted a negative effect on transcription. The location of cis-regulatory sequences at such farther distances from the coding region and the behavior of TATATAA element as negative regulator reported here are novel. These element(s) could play significant roles in activation or silencing of genes from within a multigene family, by recruitment or sequestration of transcription factors.
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731
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Sharma S, Gopinathan KP. Role of TATATAA element in the regulation of tRNA1Gly gene expression in Bombyx mori is position dependent. J Mol Biol 1996; 262:396-406. [PMID: 8893851 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1996.0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Transcription of tRNA genes by RNA polymerase III is controlled by the internal conserved sequences within the coding region and the immediate upstream flanking sequences. A highly transcribed copy of glycyl tRNA gene tRNA1Gly-1 from Bombyx mori is down regulated by sequences located much farther upstream in the region -150 to -300 nucleotides (nt), with respect to the +1 nt of tRNA. The negative regulatory effect has been narrowed down to a sequence motif 'TATATAA', a perfect consensus recognised by the TATA binding protein, TBP. This sequence element, when brought closer to the transcription start point, on the other hand, exerts a positive effect by promoting transcription of the gene devoid of other cis regulatory elements. The identity of the nuclear protein interacting with this 'TATATAA' element to TBP has been established by antibody and mutagenesis studies. The 'TATATAA' element thus influences the transcription of tRNA genes positively or negatively in a position-dependent manner either by recruitment or sequestration of TBP from the transcription machinery.
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732
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Tsuchiya M, Asahi N, Suzuoki F, Ashida M, Matsuura S. Detection of peptidoglycan and beta-glucan with silkworm larvae plasma test. FEMS IMMUNOLOGY AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 1996; 15:129-34. [PMID: 8880138 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.1996.tb00063.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A method to detect peptidoglycan and (1-->3) beta-D-glucan with silkworm larvae plasma (SLP) derived from the hemolymph of the silkworm, Bombyx mori was developed. SLP contains all of the factors of the pro-phenol oxidase cascade, an important self-defense mechanism of insects. Peptidoglycan or (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan initiates the cascade, in which pro-phenol oxidase is finally activated to phenol oxidase. The phenol oxidase activity was colorimetrically or visually detected with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine as a substrate. SLP displayed high reactivity with peptidoglycan and polysaccharides containing 1,3-beta-glucosidic linkages, but not with endotoxins. SLP is useful for the detection of microbial contamination because peptidoglycan and (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan are cell wall components of bacteria and fungi, respectively.
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733
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Sumiyama K, Washio-Watanabe K, Saitou N, Hayakawa T, Ueda S. Class III POU genes: generation of homopolymeric amino acid repeats under GC pressure in mammals. J Mol Evol 1996; 43:170-8. [PMID: 8703082 DOI: 10.1007/bf02338824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The class III POU transcription factor genes play an important role in the nervous system. Comparison of their entire amino acid sequences disclosed a remarkable feature of particular mammalian class III POU genes. Alanine, glycine, and proline repeats were present in the mammalian Brain-1 gene, whereas most of these repeats were absent in the nonmammalian homologue. The mammalian Brain-2 gene had alanine, glycine, proline, and glutamine repeats, which were missing in the nonmammalian homologue. The mammalian Scip gene had alanine, glycine, proline, and histidine repeats, but the nonmammalian homologue completely lacked these repeats. In contrast, the mammalian Brain-4 gene had no amino acid repeats like its nonmammalian homologue. The mammalian genes containing the characteristic amino acid repeats had another feature, higher GC content. We found a positive correlation between the GC content and the amino acid repeat ratio. Those amino acids were encoded by triplet codons with relatively high GC content. These results suggest that the GC pressure has facilitated generation of the homopolymeric amino acid repeats.
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734
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Kamita SG, Maeda S. Abortive infection of the baculovirus Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus in Sf-9 cells after mutation of the putative DNA helicase gene. J Virol 1996; 70:6244-50. [PMID: 8709251 PMCID: PMC190649 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.70.9.6244-6250.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Homologous recombination between the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) genome and a 0.6-kbp-long DNA fragment derived from the putative DNA helicase gene of Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus generates eh2-AcNPV, an expanded-host-range AcNPV mutant (S. Maeda, S.G. Kamita, and A. Kondo, J. Virol. 67:6234-6238, 1993). After inoculation at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI), eh2-AcNPV replicates efficiently in both the Sf-9 (AcNPV-permissive) and BmN (non-AcNPV-permissive) cell lines. In this study, we found that after the inoculation of Sf-9 cells at a low MOI (i.e., 1 and 0.1 PFU per cell), the release of eh2-AcNPV virions was dramatically reduced (approximately 900- and 10,000-fold, respectively, at 72 h postinoculation) compared with that of wild-type AcNPV. In addition, the titer of eh2-AcNPV determined by plaque assay on Sf-9 cells was approximately 200-fold lower than that determined by plaque assay on BmN cells. Analyses of gene expression and viral DNA replication after low-MOI eh2-AcNPV inoculation of Sf-9 cells indicated that viral early genes were expressed normally. However, DNA replication and late-gene expression were significantly reduced. These findings suggested that abortive infection occurred at the stage of viral DNA replication in nearly all low-MOI eh2-AcNPV-infected Sf-9 cells. In the larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda, the organism from which Sf-9 cells are derived, the infectivity of eh2-AcNPV was lower than that of AcNPV; however, abortive infection was not found.
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735
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Gotoh Y, Tsukada M, Minoura N. Chemical modification of the arginyl residue in silk fibroin: 2. Reaction of 1,2-cyclohexanedione in aqueous alkaline medium. Int J Biol Macromol 1996; 19:41-4. [PMID: 8782718 DOI: 10.1016/0141-8130(96)01098-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The arginyl residue of solubilized silk fibroin was chemically modified with 1,2-cyclohexanedione in aqueous alkaline medium to form a stable imidazolidinone ring, and its positive charge was masked. CD spectra of the modified silk fibroin in aqueous solution showed an increase in the fraction of random coil conformation. The increase may be caused by the exposure to alkaline medium in the modification reaction. FT-IR and CD spectra of the silk fibroin films before and after the modification indicated that the conformational change in the modified silk fibroin in the solid state did not occur by the modification of its arginyl residue with 1,2-cyclohexanedione. The chemical stability of the modified silk fibroin film was investigated in vitro with phosphate-buffered saline solution. The modified arginyl residue in the film was stable in the phosphate-buffered solution.
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736
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Mach V, Ohno K, Kokubo H, Suzuki Y. The Drosophila fork head factor directly controls larval salivary gland-specific expression of the glue protein gene Sgs3. Nucleic Acids Res 1996; 24:2387-94. [PMID: 8710511 PMCID: PMC145950 DOI: 10.1093/nar/24.12.2387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila Fork head protein participates in salivary gland formation, since salivary glands are missing in fork head embryos. Here we show that the fork head encoded protein binds to an upstream regulatory region of the larval salivary gland glue protein gene Sgs3. Mobility shift assay in the presence of an anti-Fork head antibody demonstrated that the Fork head factor interacts with the TGTTTGC box shown to be involved in tissue-specific Sgs3 expression. Experiments employing a set of oligonucleotide competitors revealed that Fork head binding was prevented by the same single base substitutions that were previously shown to interfere with the TGTTTGC element function in vivo. Furthermore, the anti-Fork head antibody bound to >60 sites of polytene chromosomes, including the puffs of all Sgs genes and Fork head protein was detected in the nuclei of salivary glands of larvae of all examined stages. These data provide experimental evidence for the hypothesis that the protein encoded by the fork head gene is required initially for salivary gland formation and is utilized subsequently in the control of larval genes specifically expressed in this organ.
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737
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Takahashi S, Hashimoto R, Hamano K, Suzuki T, Nakagawa A. Melanoxazal, new melanin biosynthesis inhibitor discovered by using the larval haemolymph of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Production, isolation, structural elucidation, and biological properties. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 1996; 49:513-8. [PMID: 8698632 DOI: 10.7164/antibiotics.49.513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A new melanin biosynthesis inhibitor, melanoxazal, was isolated from the fermentation broth of Trichoderma sp. ATF-451 by successive purification procedures of carbon adsorption, ethyl acetate extraction and silica gel column chromatography. The inhibitor possesses a novel oxazole-containing structure with molecular formula, C8H9NO3. The structure was determined by means of NMR analyses to be (E)-4-(2'-formyl-3'-hydroxybuten-1'-yl) oxazole, which is related to melanoxadin. Melanoxazal inhibited melanin formation in the larval haemolymph of the silkworm, Bombyx mori; IC50 value = 30.1 micrograms/ml. Melanoxazal also showed a strong inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase with IC50 value = 4.2 micrograms/ml.
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738
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Ueda H, Takemaru K, Li FQ, Hirose S. [Transcription regulation by FTZ-F1]. TANPAKUSHITSU KAKUSAN KOSO. PROTEIN, NUCLEIC ACID, ENZYME 1996; 41:1210-8. [PMID: 8741642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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739
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Hara S, Yamakawa M. Production in Escherichia of moricin, a novel type antibacterial peptide from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996; 220:664-9. [PMID: 8607822 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1996.0461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Moricin is a novel type antibacterial peptide recently isolated from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Two foreign gene expression systems in Escherichia coli were employed to obtain a large amount of the peptide for further characterization. An artificial moricin gene was chemically synthesized and inserted into two expression vectors, pXa1 and pMAL-c2. The recombinant moricin was efficiently produced in E. coli as fusion proteins and released by chemical cleavage with cyanogen bromide or o-iodosobenzoic acid. Eleven milligrams of pure recombinant moricin was obtained from 2 L of E. coli culture. The primary structure and molecular mass of the purified recombinant moricin was the same as those of the natural moricin. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the recombinant moricin against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus was comparable to that of the natural moricin.
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740
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Manzini BM, Motolese A, Conti A, Ferdani G, Seidenari S. Sensitization to reactive textile dyes in patients with contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 1996; 34:172-5. [PMID: 8833459 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1996.tb02168.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Reactive dyes are used especially for colouring natural fibres (cotton, silk and wool) that are widely used in Western countries, particularly Italy, in the production of clothes. The aim of our study was to investigate sensitization to the most commonly used reactive textile dyes in patients undergoing patch tests, and to assess the clinical relevance of contact sensitization to these dyes. 1813 consecutive patients underwent patch tests with the GIRDCA standard series and an additional textile series of 12 reactive dyes. 18 of these patients were sensitized to reactive dyes (0.99%) (4 only to reactive dyes). The dyes most frequently responsible for positive patch tests were Red Cibacron CR and Violet Remazol 5R (respectively, 8 and 5 positivities). In 5 cases only was a history of intolerance to particular garments given; of 4 patch tests performed with pieces of garment, 2 were positive. In 1 occupationally-exposed patient, airborne contact dermatitis was suspected. Owing to the lack of up-to-date patch test series, some cases of allergic contact dermatitis from textile dyes are probably misdiagnosed: new colouring agents are continuously introduced to the market, so that a close relationship with textile industry is necessary to improve our diagnostic tools.
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741
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Harikrishna K, Jampates-Beale R, Milligan SB, Gasser CS. An endochitinase gene expressed at high levels in the stylar transmitting tissue of tomatoes. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1996; 30:899-911. [PMID: 8639749 DOI: 10.1007/bf00020802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A gene (pMON9617; Chi2;1) identified by screening a tomato pistil cDNA library has been found to encode a protein similar in sequence to class II chitinases. Using a baculovirus expression system we show that the Chi2;1 protein is an active endochitinase. The Chi2;1 protein is most similar in sequence to a previously described stylar chitinase (SK2) isolated from potato. Both proteins lack the diagnostic N-terminal cysteine-rich regions and the C-terminal vacuolar targeting signals of class I chitinases and appear to define a novel type of class II endochitinases associated with flowers. Chi2;1 is expressed predominantly in floral organs and its expression within these organs is temporally regulated. The highest level of expression is found in the transmitting tissue of the style where Chi2;1 mRNA begins to accumulate just prior to anthesis. In vegetative tissue, low levels of Chi2;1 mRNA were detected, and these levels did not increase in response to wounding or treatment with ethephon. mRNA from Chi2;1 orthologs was not detected in most other angiosperms tested, even including some members of the Solanaceae, and it is therefore unlikely that Chi2;1 is essential for stylar function. A fragment containing 1.4 kilobase pairs of 5'-flanking DNA from the Chi2;1 gene was shown to drive high-level expression of an attached reporter gene in the styles of transgenic tomatoes. This fragment has utility for engineering expression of other coding regions in styles.
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742
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Matsumoto S, Ozawa R, Uchiumi K, Kurihara M. Cell-free production of the silkworm sex pheromone bombykol. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1996; 60:369-73. [PMID: 9063992 DOI: 10.1271/bbb.60.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free production of bombykol was done by incubating a pheromone gland homogenate in the presence of NADPH, ATP, and CoA. Addition of n-hexane to the reaction mixture stimulated bombykol production, resulting in production of 238 ng of bombykol from the homogenate equivalent to 2 pheromone glands after 23 h. Removal of either NADPH, ATP, or CoA resulted in no stimulation of bombykol production, suggesting that the final step of the bombykol biosynthetic pathway is done by acyl CoA synthetase and reductase, sequentially. Incubation first with ATP or high concentrations of ATP suppressed the production of bombykol. Since incubation with ATP also inhibited conversion of [1-14C]palmitoyl CoA into 1-hexadecanol, the inhibitory action of ATP seemed attributable to inactivation of the acyl CoA reductase by phosphorylation, as mediated by a protein kinase in the homogenate. Our results suggest that the activity of acyl CoA reductase in bombykol biosynthesis is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, and that the activation occurs by dephosphorylation as mediated by phosphoprotein phosphatase.
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743
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Sasai-Takedatsu M, Taketani S, Nagata N, Furukawa T, Tokunaga R, Kojima T, Kobayashi Y. Human trehalase: characterization, localization, and its increase in urine by renal proximal tubular damage. Nephron Clin Pract 1996; 73:179-85. [PMID: 8773341 DOI: 10.1159/000189037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
By using polymerase chain reaction, cDNA encoding human renal trehalase has been isolated. The partial amino acid sequence deduced by the cDNA showed homologies in rabbit, Tenebrio molitor and silkworm trehalase. Northern blots showed renal trehalase mRNA to be about 2.0 kb. To examine the properties of renal and urinary human trehalase, the trehalase cDNA was inserted in the pMAL-cRI vector downstream from the malE gene, which encodes maltose-binding protein. Transfection of the recombinant pMAL-cRI in Escherichia coli provided high levels of expression of the maltose binding protein-trehalase fusion protein. A rabbit was immunized with purified fusion protein, and antihuman trehalase antibodies were obtained. Immunoblot analysis disclosed that renal and urinary trehalase exhibited a molecular mass of about 75 kDa. Analysis by indirect fluorescent microscopy demonstrated that the enzyme located in only proximal tubular cells. Urinary trehalase activity was low in the healthy infants and elevated in patients with asphyxia. Markedly high activity was observed in a patient with Lowe syndrome. The immunoreactive urinary trehalase with 75 kDa was increased dependent on the elevation of the activity. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that the increase of urinary trehalase reflects the extent of renal tubular damage, and we propose that urinary trehalase can be a specific marker of renal tubular damage.
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744
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Yoshimatsu K, Arikawa J, Li H, Kariwa H, Hashimoto N, Suzuki N. Western blotting using recombinant Hantaan virus nucleocapsid protein expressed in silkworm as a serological confirmation of hantavirus infection in human sera. J Vet Med Sci 1996; 58:71-4. [PMID: 8645761 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.58.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant Hantaan virus nucleocapsid protein expressed in silkworm larvae was applied as a serological diagnostic antigen in Western blots (WB) of human sera. The sensitivity of this method was similar to that of the IFA test. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and nephropathia epidemica diagnosed by their cross-reactivity in WB. The specificity of this method was higher than that of IFA test because the background was low. Sera that exhibited high background staining in the IFA test were readily diagnosed with this method. We recommended WB using recombinant Hantaan virus nucleocapsid antigen as a confirmatory procedure for the serodiagnosis of hantavirus.
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745
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Hara S, Yamakawa M. Moricin, a novel type of antibacterial peptide isolated from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:29923-7. [PMID: 8530391 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.50.29923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel antibacterial peptide that shows antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the hemolymph of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The novel peptide consisted of 42 amino acids and was highly basic. This peptide indicated no significant similarity with other antibacterial peptides. The peptide showed antibacterial activity against several Gram-negative and -positive bacteria and had a higher activity against Gram-positive bacteria than cecropin B1, a major antibacterial peptide of B. mori. The novel peptide was inducible by bacterial injection. These results suggest that the peptide is responsible for the antibacterial activity in B. mori against Gram-positive bacteria. The effects of the peptide on bacterial and liposomal membranes showed that a target of the peptide is the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. The results also suggest that the N-terminal portion of the peptide, containing a predicted alpha-helix, is responsible for an increase in the membrane permeability. We propose the name "moricin" for this novel antibacterial peptide isolated from B. mori.
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746
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Minoura N, Aiba S, Gotoh Y, Tsukada M, Imai Y. Attachment and growth of cultured fibroblast cells on silk protein matrices. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH 1995; 29:1215-21. [PMID: 8557723 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.820291008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The attachment and growth of L-929 cells on films made of Bombyx mori silk proteins--fibroin and sericin and their mixtures--was studied by a cell culture method. Both cell attachment and growth were dependent on a minimum of around 90% sericin in the mixture. The results from electron micrography as well as from the DSC measurements supported the notion that the mixture of the two proteins fibroin and sericin has a phase-separated structure in the solid state. The observed minimum of sericin in the cell attachment and growth is thought to be a result of this phase-separated structure. Films of pure component proteins (i.e., 100% fibroin or sericin) exhibited as high a cell attachment and growth as collagen, a widely used mammalian cell culture substrate. However, a morphological study of the attached cells revealed that the cells attached to silk fibroin were extended and had a spindle shape, just like the cells attached to collagen, while the cells attached to the silk sericin had a different shape. It is concluded, therefore, that the attachment condition on silk fibroin is ideal for the viability, growth and function of the cells.
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747
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Kurata K. Separation of juvenile hormone metabolites with a silica-based gel permeation column. JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY. B, BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS 1995; 668:322-6. [PMID: 7581868 DOI: 10.1016/0378-4347(95)00077-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Metabolites of juvenile hormone (JH) III, JH acid, JH diol and JH acid diol in an aqueous solution were separated by gel permeation chromatography using an UltraSpherogel SEC 2000 column. Each metabolite was eluted in an inclusion volume in the order JH acid diol, JH acid and JH diol. Although JH was the last compound eluted, it was co-eluted with a JH-binding protein (JHBP) when JHBP was present in the solution. Using this method, in vivo and in vitro JH catabolism studies were performed in the fifth stadium larvae of Bombyx mori.
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748
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Sridhara S, Mattes CE. 20-Hydroxyecdysone stimulates RNA polymerase I activity in silkmoth wing epidermis by increased synthesis and phosphorylation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1995; 111:39-49. [PMID: 7649351 DOI: 10.1016/0303-7207(95)03545-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The activities of RNA polymerases I and II in the wing epidermis of diapausing silkmoth pupae increased about tenfold during the first day after administration of either 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) or 20E plus juvenile hormone (Katula et al., 1981a). The aim of these studies was to correlate these increases in RNA polymerase I and II activities to their amounts in hormone stimulated wing epidermis. The enzyme activities were measured by standard procedures while their amounts were determined by the application of a modified ELISA with subunit-specific monoclonal antibodies. Results showed that the increase in the amount of RNA polymerase I during the first 24 h accounted for only about 60% of the increase in activity. Alkaline phosphatase decreased the activity of the newly synthesized enzyme by 40-50%. These results indicate that hormone-stimulation of RNA polymerase I activity is due to a combination of synthesis of the enzyme and phosphorylation of the enzyme and/or tightly associated factors. RNA polymerases II and III determined by differential ELISA using a monoclonal antibody specific to a common subunit followed developmental changes similar to those of RNA polymerase I. The amounts and activity of the enzymes during the first 48 h were similar in wing tissue that followed the second pupal development (20E + juvenile hormone) compared to tissue that developed into adult wings (20E).
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749
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Minoura N, Aiba S, Higuchi M, Gotoh Y, Tsukada M, Imai Y. Attachment and growth of fibroblast cells on silk fibroin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995; 208:511-6. [PMID: 7695601 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1995.1368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The attachment and growth of fibroblast cells (L-929) on matrices of silk fibroin from Bombyx mori domestic silkworm (DSF) and Antheraea pernyi wild silkworm (WSF) were studied by a cell culture method. The performance of the two kinds of silk fibroin was compared to that of collagen. DSF exhibited as high a cell attachment and growth as collagen did. The cells attached to DSF were extensively spread out and their filopodia were visible in the SEM pictures. WSF, which contains the tripeptide sequence Arg-Gly-Asp (believed to be a specific interaction site for cell-attachment), displayed much higher cell attachment and growth compared to DSF. The cells attached on WSF became virtually flat and their filopodia could be seen, indicating that the cells were very strongly held on the surface.
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750
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Iwasaki S, Tsuruoka N, Hattori A, Sato M, Tsujimoto M, Kohno M. Distribution and characterization of specific cellular binding proteins for bone morphogenetic protein-2. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:5476-82. [PMID: 7890664 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.10.5476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which were originally identified by their novel ability to induce de novo cartilage and bone formation in vivo, are multifunctional proteins structurally related to transforming growth facto-beta s, activins, and inhibins. As a first step to elucidate the precise physiological function as well as the action mechanism of BMPs, we have examined the distribution of the specific cellular binding proteins for BMP-2 on a wide variety of cell types. A single class of high affinity-specific binding sites for BMP-2 were identified not only on osteoblastic cells but also on major types of non-hematopoietic cells in a rather ubiquitous fashion (1,200-60,000 receptors/cell, Kd = 35-230 pM); these cells included fibroblasts, keratinocytes, astrocytes, kidney epithelial cells, and tumor cells of bone, muscle, lung, liver, kidney, stomach, colon, prostate, and neuronal tissue. Other growth factors including transforming growth factor-beta 1, activin A, and inhibin A did not compete for the binding of 125I-labeled BMP-2 to the cells. Affinity cross-linking of radiolabeled BMP showed five components with apparent molecular masses of 170, 105, 90, 80, and 70 kDa common to all three fibroblast cell lines analyzed. On the other hand, no specific binding sites for BMP-2 were identified on vascular endothelial cells or on hematopoietic cells including RPMI 1788 and RPMI 8226 (B-lymphocyte lineage), MOLT-3 and MOLT-4 (T-lymphocyte lineage), HL-60 (myeloid lineage), and K-562 (erythroid lineage). These results suggest that major types of cells other than hematopoietic cells and vascular endothelial cells may be potential targets for BMP-2 action.
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