Acinic cell carcinoma on the lower lip resembling a mucocele

A 64-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of an asymptomatic mass involving the lower lip. Histopathological examination showed a well-circumscribed tumour composed of many lobules separated by thin, fibrous connective tissue. Individual lobules were composed of round or polyhedral tumour cells, which had a characteristic finely granular and vacuolated cytoplasm and eccentric hyperchromatic nuclei. Positive staining was observed with Periodic acid-Shiff, and immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin, alpha-1 antitrypsin, and S-100 protein resulting in a final diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma. Acinic cell carcinoma represents a well-established, although uncommon, entity in the classification of neoplasms of salivary gland origin. The parotid salivary gland is the most frequent site of acinic cell carcinoma, whereas the lip is a particularly unusual site. The unusual presentation of this tumour may lead to confusion with a mucocele. Given these findings, we suggest that acinic cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any mucocele-like mass on the lower lip.

Reduction of excessive electrical stimulus during electric pulp testing

AIM

To measure excessive electrical stimulus time during pulp testing via electromyography (EMG) in the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, voice and finger movement, and to determine whether excessive stimulus time could be attenuated by a specially designed automatic circuit breaker on the basis of the EMG signal.

METHODOLOGY

The signals from three human responses (EMG, finger and voice), induced by the Digitest (Parkell Inc., Farmingdale, NY, USA) electric pulp tester, were captured using a MP100 (Biopac System Inc., Goleta, CA, USA) and recorded into a personal computer. The excessive stimulus time from activation to the end of electrical stimulation was calculated for each of these three responses. The automatic circuit breaker was designed to disconnect the electrical output of the electric pulp testing (EPT) unit immediately after detecting the preset EMG level (100 mV). Each of the right central incisors and first premolars of 23 healthy individuals (16 males and seven females) was tested to see whether there was a difference in tooth type or gender. This was analysed by Wilcoxon signed rank test (nonparametric paired t-test) and Mann-Whitney test (nonparametric independent t-test), respectively.

RESULTS

Amongst three human responses, the electrical onset occurred in the order of EMG, finger and voice. Excessive stimulus time was 347.8 +/- 78.3 ms when observed by the EMG, 264.9 +/- 63.9 ms when observed by finger span and 229.4 +/- 41.8 ms when observed by the voice, which were all found to be significantly different (P < 0.05). When the automatic circuit breaker was used, the excessive stimulus time was 61.0 ms, which was 286.8 ms shorter than that measured from EMG onset when using the conventional EPT.

CONCLUSIONS

When the automatic circuit breaker was used, excessive stimulus time on the basis of EMG was attenuated on average by 286.8 ms.

Functional expression of a recombinant copper/zinc superoxide dismutase of filarial nematode, Brugia malayi

A gene encoding a copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ Zn-SOD) of a filarial nematode, Brugia malayi, has been isolated and the biochemical properties of a functionally expressed recombinant enzyme were investigated. The cloned complementary DNA contained a single open reading frame of 477 bp encoding 158 amino acids (aa), which conserved metal-binding residues as well as residues specific for Cu/Zn-SODs. Comparison of the deduced aa sequence of the enzyme with that of other helminthes species, including filarial worms, exhibited high degree of similarities (49-98%). Recombinant enzyme of 32 kDa had an isoelectric point of 6.6 and was shown to consist of 2 subunits linked by interchain disulfide bonds. Enzyme activity of the recombinant protein was inhibited by potassium cyanide and hydrogen peroxide but not by sodium azide. It showed a wide range of pH optima, i.e., 7.0-11.0 and was highly resistant to heat inactivation.

Screening of Korean herbal medicines used to improve cognitive function for anti-cholinesterase activity

Methanolic extracts of seven herbs (Acorus calamus, Acorus gramineus, Bupleurm facaltum, Dioscorea batatas, Epimedium koreanum, Poria cocos and Zizyphi jujuba) used in traditional Korean medicine for improvement of memory and cognition in old age were tested for cholinesterase inhibitory properties using the Ellman colorimetric method. Significant inhibition of the enzyme at 200 microg/ml was observed for extracts from A. calamus and E. koreanum. The possible bases for the reputation of these and the other herbs tested are discussed in the light of previous investigations into their chemistry and biological activity.

Incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b and other invasive diseases in South Korean children

To determine incidence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease in a defined population of Jeonbuk Province, Korea, children <5 years were evaluated in prospective, population-based surveillance of invasive bacterial diseases using standardized methods for patient referral, clinical evaluation and laboratory testing (optimized culture, latex agglutination, polymerase chain reaction). Vaccine utilization was assessed with vaccination histories of patients in surveillance, monthly data on Hib vaccine distribution and a coverage survey of clinic patients in study population. From September 1999 to December 2001, 2176 children were evaluated for possible meningitis, 1541 had no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings of meningitis, 605 had CSF abnormalities (suspected bacterial meningitis) but no pathogen identified; six patients had probable Hib meningitis and eight had confirmed Hib meningitis. The annual suspected bacterial meningitis incidence was 258.4/100,000 <5 years and the probable/confirmed Hib meningitis incidence was 6.0/100,000 <5 years. Pneumococcal meningitis incidence was 2.1/100,000 <5 years and Group B streptococcal meningitis incidence was 0.17/1000 live births. A total of 69,589 Hib vaccine doses were distributed during the study. Hib vaccine coverage was negligible initially but increased to 16% (complete Hib immunization) and 27% (partial immunization) in final months of study. Suspected bacterial meningitis incidence was high but proven invasive Hib meningitis incidence was low. Hib was leading cause of bacterial meningitis yet bacterial pathogens were identified in only 4% of abnormal CSF. These findings may reflect truly low incidence, presumptive antibiotic treatment, partial Hib immunization, or incomplete clinical evaluations. Given the apparent Hib meningitis burden in Jeonbuk Province, additional studies to describe other invasive Hib syndromes, Hib-associated mortality and disability, and economic impact of Hib disease will be useful to guide public health decisions regarding routine Hib vaccine introduction.

Thermodynamic and transport measurements of superconducting Na0.3CoO2.1.3H2O single crystals prepared by electrochemical deintercalation

Superconducting single crystal samples of Na0.3CoO2.1.3H(2)O have been produced using an electrochemical technique which dispenses with the usual bromine chemical deintercalation method. In fully hydrated crystals, susceptibility and specific heat measurements confirm that bulk superconductivity has been achieved. The extracted normal state density of states indicates Fermi-liquid behavior with strong mass enhancement and a modest Wilson ratio. Measurements of H(c2) for H parallel c and H parallel ab reveal significant anisotropy, and the extracted value for the coherence length is about 100 A, consistent with an extremely narrow bandwidth.

Expression of NOD2 in Paneth cells: a possible link to Crohn's ileitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Genetic variation in NOD2 has been associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD) and specifically with ileal involvement. The reason for the unique association of NOD2 mutations with ileal disease is unclear. To identify a possible link, we tested expression of NOD2 in intestinal tissue of CD patients and controls.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty five specimens of ileum or colon from 21 CD patients, seven ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and five controls with pathology other than CD or UC were stained for NOD2 using an immunoperoxidase method.

RESULTS

Using a monoclonal antibody against NOD2 developed in our laboratory, we detected uniform expression of NOD2 in terminal ileum Paneth cells from controls and patients as well as in metaplastic Paneth cells in the colon. Mechanical purification showed enriched expression of NOD2 mRNA in ileal crypts. In Paneth cells, NOD2 was located in the cytosol in close proximity to the granules that contain antimicrobial peptides. We detected minimal NOD2 in the villous epithelium of the ileum or in the colonic epithelium from both CD patients and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a role for NOD2 in the regulation of Paneth cell mediated responses against intestinal bacteria and a plausible mechanism to explain the selective association of NOD2 mutations with ileal disease. The impaired capacity of CD associated mutations to sense luminal bacteria may result in increased susceptibility to certain gut microbes.

Waste load allocation for water quality management of a heavily polluted river using linear programming

A waste load allocation model using linear programming has been developed for economic water quality management. A modified Qual2e model was used for water quality calculations and transfer coefficients were derived from the calculated water quality. This allocation model was applied to the heavily polluted Gyungan River, located in South Korea. For water quality management of the river, two scenarios were proposed. Scenario 1 proposed to minimise the total waste load reduction in the river basin. Scenario 2 proposed to minimise waste load reduction considering regional equity. Waste loads, which have to be reduced at each sub-basin and WWTP, were determined to meet the water quality goal of the river. Application results of the allocation model indicate that advanced treatment is required for most of the existing WWTPs in the river basin and construction of new WWTPs and capacity expansion of existing plants are necessary. Distribution characteristics of pollution sources and pollutant loads in the river basin was analysed using Arc/View GIS.

Genetic analysis of the VP1 region of Human enterovirus 71 strains isolated in Korea during 2000

We have isolated Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) from stool and CSF samples taken from patients with acute flaccid paralysis, herpangina, or hand, foot and mouth disease in 2000. Both the cell culture-neutralization test and RT-PCR were used to detect enteroviruses. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD), HEP2c, and BGM cells were used for the isolation of viruses, and serotypes were determined by the neutralization test using EV71-specific antiserum. For genomic analysis, we amplified a 437-bp fragment of the 5'-noncoding region of the enterovirus genome and a 484-bp fragment of the VP3/VP1 region of EV71 by RT-PCR, with positive results. Products amplified using an EV71-specific primer pair were sequenced and compared with other isolates of EV71. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the amplified fragments showed that the EV71 isolates from patients were over 98% homologous and belonged to the genotype C.

Improvement of pre- and post-processing environments of the dynamic two-dimensional reservoir model CE-QUAL-W2 based on GIS

An Environmental Information System (EIS) coupled with a Geographic Information System (GIS) and water quality models is developed to improve the pre- and post-data processing function of CE-QUAL-W2. Since the accuracy of the geometric data in terms of a diverse water body has a great effect on the water quality variables such as the velocity, kinetic reactions, the horizontal and vertical momentum, to prepare the bathymetry information has been considered a difficult issue for modellers who intend to use the model. For identifying Cross Section and Profile Information (CSPI), which precisely contains hydraulic features and geographical configuration of a waterway, the automated CSPI extraction program has been developed using Avenue Language of the PC Arc/view package. The program consists of three major steps: (1) getting the digital depth map of a waterway using GIS techniques; (2) creating a CSPI data set of segments in each branch using the program for CE-QUAL-W2 bathymetry input; (3) selecting the optimal set of bathymetry input by which the calculated water volume meets the observed volume of the water body. Through those approaches, it is clear that the model simulation results in terms of water quality as well as reservoir hydraulics rely upon the accuracy of bathymetry information.

Enhanced expression of tandem multimers of the antimicrobial peptide buforin II in Escherichia coli by the DEAD-box protein and trxB mutant

The tandem multimeric expression of various peptides has been explored by many researchers. However, expression levels have usually not been proportional to the degree of multimerization. To increase the expression level in Escherichia coli of tandem multimers of a cationic antimicrobial peptide, buforin II, fused to an anionic peptide, we studied the effect of the DEAD-box protein and the trxB mutant on the expression of tandem multimers. An expression vector with a tac promoter was more effective in directing multimeric expression than one with a T7 promoter. The expression level of large multimers was substantially increased with the tac promoter, possibly through stabilization of long transcripts by synchronization of transcription and translation. Coexpression of the DEAD-box protein, an RNA-binding protein, with the T7 expression system increased the expression level of multimers, especially large multimers, due to protection of the long RNA transcripts. In addition, the use of the trxB mutant also enhanced the expression level of tandem multimers, which contain two cysteine residues at both ends of the monomeric unit. It seems that disulfide bonds formed in the multimers in the trxB mutant might help efficient charge neutralization for inclusion body formation of the multimers, resulting in enhancement of expression. Our results show that the expression of multimers can be improved through the stabilization of the long transcripts by the DEAD-box protein or the expression, under an oxidizing environment, of the trxB mutant in which covalent cross-links through disulfide bonds facilitate inclusion body formation of the multimeric fusion peptide.

Cascade control strategy for external carbon dosage in predenitrifying process

We propose a cascade control strategy composed of two Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers to regulate the nitrate concentration in the predenitrifying process by manipulating the external carbon dosage. It controls the nitrate concentrations in the effluent as well as in the final anoxic reactor simultaneously to strictly satisfy the quality of the effluent as well as to remove the effects of disturbances more quickly. The design of two PI controllers in the cascade control loop can be completed with the Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N) tuning rule together with a simple relay feedback identification method. Results from the Benchmark simulation confirm that both good set point tracking and satisfactory disturbance rejection can be guaranteed due to the structural advantages of the proposed cascade control strategy. Also, compared with a previous work, the fluctuation of the nitrate concentration in the effluent has been decreased significantly.

The modulation of the biological activities of mitochondrial histone Abf2p by yeast PKA and its possible role in the regulation of mitochondrial DNA content during glucose repression

The mitochondrial histone, Abf2p, of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is essential for the maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and appears to play an important role in the recombination and copy number determination of mtDNA. Abf2p, encoded by a nuclear gene, is a member of HMG1 DNA-binding protein family and has two HMG1-Box domains, HMG1-Box A and B. To investigate the role of Abf2p in the control of mtDNA copy number, we asked if the in vivo functions of Abf2p are regulated by the possible modification such as phosphorylation. We found that the N-terminal extended segment (KRPT(21)S(22)) of HMG1-Box A is rapidly and specifically phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in vitro. The phosphorylation in this region inhibits the binding of Abf2p to all kinds of DNA including four-way junction DNA and the supercoiling activity of Abf2p itself. The abf2 mutant cells with an abf2(T21A/S22A) allele defective in the phosphorylation site have a severe defect in the regulation of mtDNA content during glucose repression in vivo. These observations suggest that the phosphorylation via PKA, that is activated during glucose repression, may regulate the in vivo functions of Abf2p for the control of mtDNA content during shift from gluconeogenic to fermentative growth.

Semiquantitative, bar code version of immunochromatographic assay system for human serum albumin as model analyte

An immunochromatographic assay system was devised that can express the concentration ranges of analyte (e.g., urinary human serum albumin) as distinct numbers of the ladder bar (bar coding) for semiquantitation. We constructed a model system consisting of five membrane pad strips partially superimposed in a length. Upon wicking of sample from the bottom, the medium dissolved two different biotinylated species, antibody to the analyte and conjugates of the antibody with colloidal gold, and antigen-antibody reactions took place in the hollow space of the glass fiber membrane. After eliminating unreacted biotinylated molecules at the next strip with an immobilized albumin, the immune complexes were transferred to the pad with streptavidin immobilized in a ladder bar pattern. Analytical conditions here were set for competition between the two biotinylated species for the streptavidin binding sites. The degree of such competition was proportional to the analyte concentration and, consequently, the bar signal number was elevated as the concentration increased. Under optimal conditions for sensitivity, the analytical system responded to the analyte doses at between 30 and 120 mg/dL by producing different bar codes within 5 min.

Magnetic resonance imaging of reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament

After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous patellar tendon, 23 patients who had clinically stable knees were studied prospectively with sequential magnetic resonance imaging 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The images of the anterior cruciate ligament were obtained with a 1.5 tesla magnetic resonance scanner in the oblique sagittal, coronal, and oblique axial planes. The cross-sectional area and signal intensity on the reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament were measured in an oblique axial image. The usefulness of the oblique axial image in evaluating the integrity of the reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament was seen. The result showed that the diameter of the graft increased by 70% of its initial size and the signal intensity of the reconstructed graft also showed a tendency to increase. In three patients, there was discontinuity in the graft direction on the oblique sagittal image, but on the oblique axial image there was no evidence of reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament rupture in the sequential images. This shows the value of the oblique axial image in evaluating the integrity of the reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament. Also, sufficient notchplasty in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may be needed to prevent graft impingement.

Update on the genetics of inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are related genetic disorders. Epidemiologic studies suggest that both disorders are caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic linkage studies identify the general chromosomal locations of disease susceptibility genes, and a number of genetic linkages have been reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Most notable among these linkage regions has been the linkage in the pericentromeric region of chromosome 16, IBD1, among families multiply affected with Crohn's disease. Recent studies have established that at least three coding region variants in the Nod2 gene are responsible for the linkage findings here, and Nod2 therefore represents the first definitively established gene contributing to the pathogenesis of IBD. The implications of these findings for advancing our understanding of Crohn's disease are discussed.

The antithrombotic efficacy of AT-1459, a novel, direct thrombin inhibitor, in rat models of venous and arterial thrombosis

The antithrombotic efficacy of AT-1459, a novel, direct thrombin inhibitor (Ki = 4.9 nM) was evaluated in rat models of venous thrombosis combined with a bleeding time test and arterial thrombosis. After drugs were given by i. v. bolus injection plus a continuous infusion, the ID50, (a dose that exhibits 50% inhibition of thrombus formation over each vehicle group) values of AT-1459, argatroban, and dalteparin were 0.04 mg/kg plus 0.04 mg/kg/h, 0.1 mg/kg plus 0.4 mg/ kg/h, and 13.0 IU/kg plus 26.0 IU/kg/h, respectively, in the venous thrombosis study. The BT2 (a dose that causes 2-fold prolongation of bleeding time over each vehicle group) values of AT-1459, argatroban, and dalteparin were 0.9 mg/kg plus 0.9 mg/kg/h, 1.0 mg/kg plus 0.6 mg/kg/h, and 345.5 IU/kg plus 691.0 IU/kg/h in the rat tail transection model. The ratios of BT2/ID50 of AT-1459, argatroban, and dalteparin were 22.5, 10.0, and 26.6, respectively. In a rat model of arterial thrombosis induced by topical FeCl2 application, intravenous administration of AT-1459, argatroban, and dalteparin improved the vessel patency significantly (P < 0.01) at 0.6 mg/kg plus 0.6 mg/kg/h, 0.6 mg/kg plus 2.4 mg/kg/h, and 300 IU/kg plus 600 IU/kg/h, respectively. The oral antithrombotic effect of AT-1459 lasted for 6 after administering 30 mg/kg and improved the vessel patency significantly 1 h after administering the same dose in venous and arterial thrombosis models, respectively, with a rapid onset of action. Warfarin also inhibited thrombus weight and improved the vessel patency significantly after oral administration of 0.3 mg/kg for three consecutive days in the same study. The antithrombotic and hemorrhagic effects of all drugs studied were correlated with plasma concentration or clotting times. These results suggest that AT-1459 may be clinically useful as an orally available antithrombotic agent for the prevention of venous and arterial thrombosis.

Treatment of severe equinus deformity associated with extensive scarring of the leg

Nine severe equinus deformities of the foot associated with extensive scarring of the leg and ankle were corrected using a hinged Ilizarov apparatus and free-tissue transfer. The average duration of followup was 38 months (range, 28-54 months). Free tissue transfer was done in all patients; a parascapular flap was used in seven patients, and a groin flap was used in two patients. The results were evaluated using two objective criteria and one subjective assessment: the degree of active dorsiflexion, the range of active movement of the ankle, and daily activities. For active dorsiflexion of the ankle and activities, the results were good in seven patients and fair in two patients. For range of active motion of the ankle, the results were good in six patients and fair in two patients. One patient with ankle arthrodesis was excluded. This study showed that severe equinus deformities associated with extensive scarring of the leg and ankle can be corrected effectively with heel cord lengthening, free-tissue transfer, and a hinged Ilizarov technique.

Cross-priming as a predominant mechanism for inducing CD8(+) T cell responses in gene gun DNA immunization

DNA immunization induces CD8(+) CTL responses by bone marrow-derived APCs, which are directly transfected with a plasmid DNA and/or acquire Ags from DNA-transfected non-APCs. To investigate the relative contribution of DNA-transfected APCs vs non-APCs to the initiation of CD8(+) T cell responses, we used tissue-specific promoter-directed gene expression and adoptive transfer systems in gene gun DNA immunization. In this study, we demonstrated that non-APC-specific gene expressions induced significant CD8(+) CTL and IFN-gamma-producing cells and Ab responses, whereas APC-specific gene expressions led to moderate CTL and IFN-gamma-producers, but no Ab responses. Interestingly, mice immunized with a non-APC-specific plasmid induced more rapid, vigorous, and prolonged proliferation of adoptively transferred Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells than APC-specific plasmid-immunized mice. In addition, the in vivo proliferative responses elicited by a non-APC-specific plasmid administration were dependent on TAP, but were independent of CD4(+) T cell help. Collectively, our results suggest that cross-priming, in which Ags expressed in non-APCs are taken up, processed, and presented by APCs, plays an important role in the initiation, magnitude, and maintenance of CD8(+) T cell responses in gene gun DNA immunization.

Synthesis and biological properties of C-2, C-8, N-9 substituted 6-(3-chloroanilino)purine derivatives as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Part II

In this study, C-2, C-8, N-9 substituted 6-(3-chloroanilino)purine derivatives were synthesized and their inhibitory effects on cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK2, 4) as well as their cytotoxicities were evaluated. The effects of substituents at the C-2, C-8, and N-9 positions of the substituted purine were investigated. Among the compounds tested, [6-(3-chloroanilino)-2-(2-hydroxymethyl-4-hydroxypyrrolidyl)-9- isopropylpurine] (4h) was the most active inhibitor of CDK2 with IC50 of 0.3 microM, i.e. a two-fold increased inhibitory activity as compared to roscovitine. Results from structure-activity relationship studies should allow the design of more potent and selective CDK2 inhibitors, which may provide an effective therapy for cancer or other CDK-dependant diseases.

Effects of cadmium on gap junctional intercellular communication in WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells

Cadmium has been associated with a number of tumors but its role in tumor promotion has not been elucidated clearly or the results obtained from various studies have been conflicting. This study was designed to investigate the effects of cadmium on the gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), number of gap junctions per cell, and cell proliferation in WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells from the viewpoint of tumor promotion. GJIC was monitored by counting the cells stained with Lucifer yellow CH dye, using the scrape-loading and dye-transfer method. The numbers of gap junctions per cell were visually quantitated after an indirect immunostaining for gap junction protein using an antibody to connexin 43. Cell proliferation was assayed by direct counting of the living cells using the trypan blue dye exclusion method. In the time course study, cells treated with 200 microM CdCl2 showed rapid and nearly complete inhibition of GJIC (approximately 14% of the control) and a decrease in the number of gap junctions per cell (approximately 21% of the control) at 30 min, and the decrease continued up to 4 h without any changes in the cell viability. Treatment with CdCl2 (7.4-200 microM) for 4 h resulted in the decrease of GJIC and gap junction numbers per cell in a dose-response pattern without changes in the cell viability. In the long-term (14 days) exposure studies at doses of 0.01-7.4 microM CdCl2, an increase in cell proliferation was observed at low doses of 0.03-2.5 microM CdCl2, with GJIC also decreasing. These data demonstrate that cadmium inhibits GJIC, reduces the number of gap junctions per cell, and induces cell proliferation while decreasing the function of the gap junction.

A novel membrane protein complex on the endoplasmic reticulum and early Golgi compartments in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A novel membrane protein, Yml067c in the systematic ORF name, was discovered as a component of immunoisolated vesicles of the early Golgi compartment of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Cho et al., FEBS Lett. 469, 151-154 (2000)). Conserved sequences having sequence similarity to Yml067c were widely distributed in the eukaryotes and one of them, Yal042w, was found in the Saccharomyces genome database. In the yeast cell, Yml067c and Yal042w were found to form a heterooligomeric complex by immunoprecipitation of their tagged derivatives from the detergent-solubilized membrane. Cell fractionation and indirect immunofluorescent staining indicated that the majority of these proteins were localized on the ER membrane. Therefore, the Yml067c-Yal042w complex should shuttle between the ER and the early Golgi compartment as well as the p24-family proteins.