Molecular cloning, characterization, and potential roles of cytosolic and mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenases in ethanol metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The full-length DNAs for two Saccharomyces cerevisiae aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) genes were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. A 2,744-bp DNA fragment contained an open reading frame encoding cytosolic ALDH1, with 500 amino acids, which was located on chromosome XVI. A 2,661-bp DNA fragment contained an open reading frame encoding mitochondrial ALDH5, with 519 amino acids, of which the N-terminal 23 amino acids were identified as the putative leader sequence. The ALDH5 gene was located on chromosome V. The commercial ALDH (designated ALDH2) was partially sequenced and appears to be a mitochondrial enzyme encoded by a gene located on chromosome XV. The recombinant ALDH1 enzyme was found to be essentially NADP dependent, while the ALDH5 enzyme could utilize either NADP or NAD as a cofactor. The activity of ALDH1 was stimulated two- to fourfold by divalent cations but was unaffected by K+ ions. In contrast, the activity of ALDH5 increased in the presence of K+ ions: 15-fold with NADP and 40-fold with NAD, respectively. Activity staining of isoelectric focusing gels showed that cytosolic ALDH1 contributed 30 to 70% of the overall activity, depending on the cofactor used, while mitochondrial ALDH2 contributed the rest. Neither ALDH5 nor the other ALDH-like proteins identified from the genomic sequence contributed to the in vitro oxidation of acetaldehyde. To evaluate the physiological roles of these three ALDH isoenzymes, the genes encoding cytosolic ALDH1 and mitochondrial ALDH2 and ALDH5 were disrupted in the genome of strain TWY397 separately or simultaneously. The growth of single-disruption delta ald1 and delta ald2 strains on ethanol was marginally slower than that of the parent strain. The delta ald1 delta ald2 double-disruption strain failed to grow on glucose alone, but growth was restored by the addition of acetate, indicating that both ALDHs might catalyze the oxidation of acetaldehyde produced during fermentation. The double-disruption strain grew very slowly on ethanol. The role of mitochondrial ALDH5 in acetaldehyde metabolism has not been defined but appears to be unimportant.

Trihexyphenidyl interactions with the dopamine D1-selective receptor agonist SKF-82958 and the D2-selective receptor agonist N-0923 in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced hemiparkinsonian monkeys

The effects of the antiparkinsonian agent trihexyphenidyl, a selective M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist, were studied in doses of 100, 320 and 1000 micrograms/kg i.m. alone. Trihexyphenidyl was then studied in combination with the selective dopamine receptor D1 agonist SKF-82958 [(+/-)-6-chloro-7-8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- 1H-benzazepine hydrobromide] and the selective D2 agonist N-0923 [(-)2-(N-propyl-N-2-thienylethyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin HCl] on rotational behavior in five 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned hemiparkinsonian monkeys. Given alone, trihexyphenidyl had no effect on ipsiversive and slightly enhanced contraversive circling. Contraversive circling produced by 74.8 and 234 micrograms/kg SKF-82958 i.m. was potentiated by increasing doses of trihexyphenidyl. On the other hand, contraversive circling produced by 10 and 32 micrograms/kg N-0923 i.m. was progressively reduced with increasing doses of trihexyphenidyl. The results obtained indicate differential actions on circling behavior between a selective M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist and selective D1 and D2 receptor agonists in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine monkey model of hemiparkinsonism.

Contig maps and genomic sequencing identify candidate genes in the usher 1C locus

Usher syndrome 1C (USH1C) is a congenital condition manifesting profound hearing loss, the absence of vestibular function, and eventual retinal degeneration. The USH1C locus has been mapped genetically to a 2- to 3-cM interval in 11p14-15.1 between D11S899 and D11S861. In an effort to identify the USH1C disease gene we have isolated the region between these markers in yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) using a combination of STS content mapping and Alu-PCR hybridization. The YAC contig is approximately 3.5 Mb and has located several other loci within this interval, resulting in the order CEN-LDHA-SAA1-TPH-D11S1310-(D11S1888/KCNC1 )-MYOD1-D11S902D11S921-D11S 1890-TEL. Subsequent haplotyping and homozygosity analysis refined the location of the disease gene to a 400-kb interval between D11S902 and D11S1890 with all affected individuals being homozygous for the internal marker D11S921. To facilitate gene identification, the critical region has been converted into P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) clones using sequence-tagged sites (STSs) mapped to the YAC contig, Alu-PCR products generated from the YACs, and PAC end probes. A contig of >50 PAC clones has been assembled between D11S1310 and D11S1890, confirming the order of markers used in haplotyping. Three PAC clones representing nearly two-thirds of the USH1C critical region have been sequenced. PowerBLAST analysis identified six clusters of expressed sequence tags (ESTs), two known genes (BIR, SUR1) mapped previously to this region, and a previously characterized but unmapped gene NEFA (DNA binding/EF hand/acidic amino-acid-rich). GRAIL analysis identified 11 CpG islands and 73 exons of excellent quality. These data allowed the construction of a transcription map for the USH1C critical region, consisting of three known genes and six or more novel transcripts. Based on their map location, these loci represent candidate disease loci for USH1C. The NEFA gene was assessed as the USH1C locus by the sequencing of an amplified NEFA cDNA from an USH1C patient; however, no mutations were detected.

The potential roles of the conserved amino acids in human liver mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase

The sequence alignment of all known aldehyde dehydrogenases showed that only 23 residues were completely conserved (Hempel, J., Nicholas, H., and Lindahl, R. (1993) Protein Sci. 2, 1890-1900). Of these 14 were glycines and prolines. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that Cys302 was the essential nucleophile and that Glu268 was the general base necessary to activate Cys302 for both the dehydrogenase and esterase reaction. Here we report the mutational analysis of other conserved residues possessing reactive side chains Arg84, Lys192, Thr384, Glu399, and Ser471, along with partially conserved Glu398 and Lys489, to determine their involvement in the catalytic process and correlate these finding with the known structure of mitochondrial ALDH (Steinmetz, C. G., Xie, P.-G., Weiner, H., and Hurley, T. D. (1997) Structure 5, 701-711). No residue was found to be absolutely essential, but all the mutations caused a decrease in the specific activity of the enzyme. None of the mutations affected the Km for aldehyde significantly, although k3, the rate constant calculated for aldehyde binding was decreased. The Km and dissociation constant (Kia) for NAD+ increased significantly for K192Q and S471A compared with the native enzyme. Mutations of only Lys192 and Glu399, both NAD+-ribose binding residues, led to a change in the rate-limiting step such that hydride transfer became rate-limiting, not deacylation. Esterase activity of all mutants decreased even though mutations affected different catalytic steps in the dehydrogenase reaction.

Involvement of glutamate 399 and lysine 192 in the mechanism of human liver mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase

Mutation to the conserved Glu399 or Lys192 caused the rate-limiting step of human liver mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) to change from deacylation to hydride transfer (Sheikh, S., Ni, L., Hurley, T. D., and Weiner, H. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 18817-18822). Here we further investigated the role of these two NAD+-ribose-binding residues. The E399Q/K/H/D and K192Q mutants had lower dehydrogenase activity when compared with the native enzyme. No pre-steady state burst of NADH formation was found with the E399Q/K and K192Q enzymes when propionaldehyde was used as the substrate; furthermore, each mutant oxidized chloroacetaldehyde slower than propionaldehyde, and a primary isotope effect was observed for each mutant when [2H]acetaldehyde was used as a substrate. However, no isotope effect was observed for each mutant when alpha-[2H]benzaldehyde was the substrate. A pre-steady state burst of NADH formation was observed for the E399Q/K and K192Q mutants with benzaldehyde, and p-nitrobenzaldehyde was oxidized faster than benzaldehyde. Hence, when aromatic aldehydes were used as substrates, the rate-limiting step remained deacylation for all these mutants. The rate-limiting step remained deacylation for the E399H/D mutants when either aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes were used as substrates. The K192Q mutant displayed a change in substrate specificity, with aromatic aldehydes becoming better substrates than aliphatic aldehydes.

Talipexole or pramipexole combinations with chloro-APB (SKF 82958) in MPTP-induced hemiparkinsonian monkeys

The effects of two predominant dopamine D2-like receptor agonists, talipexole (6-allyl-2-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-thiazolo [4,5-d]-azepine dihydrochloride, B-HT 920 CL2) and pramipexole (S(-)2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-6-propyl-aminobenzothiazole dihydrochloride, SND 919 CL2Y), were studied alone and in combination with the selective dopamine D1-like receptor agonist chloro-APB ((+/-)6-chloro-7-8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benz azepine hydrobromide, SKF 82958) in five chronic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) lesioned hemiparkinsonian Macaca nemestrina monkeys. Talipexole induced contraversive rotation in a dose-dependent manner up to 32 microg/kg, i.m. Talipexole was more potent than pramipexole (10 vs. 32 microg/kg, i.m.), but pramipexole was more efficacious in producing contraversive rotational behavior and significant hand movements in the afflicted limb. Larger doses of chloro-APB also produced contraversive rotation. Combinations of each dopamine D2-like receptor agonist in a median effective dose with chloro-APB (23.4 and 74.8 microg/kg, i.m.) had synergistic effects, producing either addition or potentiation, depending upon the dose used. The effects noted with these combinations were less than the effect of a large dose (100 microg/kg) of pramipexole. Talipexole, in the largest dose studied (100 microg/kg, i.m.), produced sedation which was not seen with the same dose of pramipexole. No significant extrapyramidal side effects were noted with either agent.

DNA polymorphisms in the chicken growth hormone gene: response to selection for disease resistance and association with egg production

Analysis of the growth hormone (GH) gene in 12 strains of White Leghorn chickens revealed restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) at three MspI sites and at a SacI site. Based on linkage disequilibrium analysis, they gave rise to eight different alleles (i.e. combinations of RFLPs), with five occurring at frequencies above 5% in at least one strain. Pairs of GH-RFLPs were at near maximal linkage disequilibrium, suggesting either a lack of recombination or the presence of selection pressure during evolution of the GH gene. Allele frequencies were determined in 12 non-inbred strains derived from three different genetic bases. These strains had been selected either for an array of egg production traits, resistance to Marek's disease or resistance to avian leukosis. Selection for disease resistance was consistently correlated with an increase in the frequency of one of the alleles. One strain segregated for only two alleles, which differed by three RFLPs. Analysis of variance in this strain indicated that the GH allele co-selected with resistance was associated with a delayed onset of ovulation but a higher persistency of ovulation as age progressed, resulting in an overall increase of egg production by 15% (age at first egg to 497 days). The resistance-associated GH allele was dominant for the onset of ovulation and recessive for the persistency of egg production. There was no significant effect of the GH genotype on juvenile body weight, egg weight or egg specific gravity.

Usher's syndrome type IC: clinical studies and fine-mapping the disease locus

Usher's syndrome type I is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, absent vestibular function, and progressive pigmentary retinopathy. Other identifying clinical features have not been documented. In this study, we examined olfactory acuity, plasma levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and sarcosine, and cilia ultrastructure in a homogeneous cohort of patients with Usher's syndrome type IC. The normal age-dependent decline in olfactory acuity was observed, and normal plasma levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and sarcosine were found. However, the incidence of compound cilia in biopsies from the inferior turbinate was significantly higher than that reported in control populations. By reconstructing haplotypes in affected persons. D11S902 and D11S1310 were identified as flanking markers over an interval that contains a candidate gene, KCNC1. No mutations in the coding sequence of this gene could be demonstrated in affected persons.

Cellular localization of antiviral polyoxometalates in J774 macrophages

The cellular localization of the polyoxometalates, K12H2[P2W12O48].24H20 (JM 1591), K10[P2W18-Zn4(H2O)2O68].20H2O (JM 1596), and [Me3NH]8[Si2W18Nb6O77] (JM 2820) were examined in cultured J774 cells by inhibition of cellular uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and by electron microscopy. All three polyoxometalates inhibited the cellular uptake of acetylated LDL, suggesting that the polyoxometalates block the association of acetylated LDL with cellular scavenger receptors. Fluorescence microscopy showed increased numbers of vacuoles in the presence of polyoxometalates, suggesting their uptake by cells. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), no significant cell surface morphological differences were observed between treated and non-treated J774 cells, suggesting that the compounds are not toxic to J774 cells up to a concentration of 200 micrograms/ml. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed large amounts of high electron dense granules were observed in the ramifying system of tubular cavities and vacuoles. TEM-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) X-ray microanalysis was unable to differentiate the dense particles, most likely because the amount of tungsten in the cells was below the limit of detection. X-ray microanalysis conducted using the SEM-wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) detected tungsten, averaging 0.45 +/- 0.16% (mean +/- S.D.), in the J774 cells treated with JM 2820, suggesting that this polyoxometalate was taken up by the macrophages or was bound to their surface. Polyoxometalates interact at the cell surface and appear to be taken up by J774 macrophages. The cellular localization of polyoxometalates may be associated with anti-HIV activity.

Conditioned medium from activated microglia promotes cholinergic differentiation in the basal forebrain in vitro

In earlier studies we found that treatment with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) produced an 8- to 11-fold increase in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in cultured cells taken from Embryonic Day 16 (E16) septal nuclei with adjacent basal forebrain (SN/BF). Since younger cultures responded even more profoundly to IFN treatment, we have tested the possibility that the action of IFN (or its intermediate; see below) is to prompt the cholinergic differentiation of neuronal precursors. SN/BF cultures of various ages were labeled with a retrovirus engineered to express beta-galactosidase (Lac-Z), and ChAT-positive descendants of the retrovirally labeled precursors were counted. IFN-gamma treatment of cultures caused as much as an 8.8-fold increase in the proportion of ChAT-positive cells present in Lac-Z-positive clones, suggesting that IFN promoted cholinergic differentiation in precursor populations. By contrast, bFGF increased clone size but did not change the proportion of ChAT-positive cells. NGF affected neither. Only ameboid microglia present in the cultures responded to IFN with characteristic nuclear translocation of the signal transducing molecule p91, suggesting that a microglial-derived molecule may mediate the action of IFN. Consistent with this hypothesis, conditioned media from cultures of enriched, activated microglia also increased ChAT activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Conditioned media from an unstimulated macrophage/monocyte cell line (RAW 264.7) also proved extremely efficacious in raising ChAT activity. In addition, conditioned media from both activated microglia and RAW 264.7 cells increased the proportion of ChAT-positive cells in retrovirally labeled clones to the same extent as IFN itself, suggesting the possibility that they contain the molecule(s) that mediates the action of IFN. Preliminary characterization of this molecule suggests that it is a very stable and large protein. Together these data suggest that a molecule promoting cholinergic differentiation is produced by activated microglia and other macrophage-like cells. The identity of this molecule and its precise role in normal development await its further purification.

A gene for autosomal dominant late-onset progressive non-syndromic hearing loss, DFNA10, maps to chromosome 6

Late-onset non-syndromic hearing impairment is the most common type of neurological dysfunction in the elderly. It can be either acquired or inherited, although the relative impact of heredity on this type of loss is not known. To date, nine different genes have been localized, but none has been cloned. Using an extended American family in which a gene for autosomal dominant late-onset non-syndromic hearing impairment is segregating, we have identified a new locus, DFNA10, on chromosome 6.

[A study of gingivain from extracellular vesicles of Porphyromonas gingivalis W50: purification and cytotoxic characterization]

Gingivain was purified from extracellular vesicles of Porphyromonas gingivalis W50 with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and its cytotoxic characterization on L929 cell line was examined. The result showed that gingivain might belong to systeine proteinases. The molecular weight of gingivain was about 27,800 unit by HPLC in which there might be one or two peptides being 10,900 unit, the enzyme was activated by Ca2+ and thiol-containing agents such as dithiothycitol and inhibited by Na-4-tosyl-L-lysine chioromethyl and EDTA. The maximum activity of the enzyme were found at pH 7.5, purified gingivain was toxic to L929 cell line at the content of 10 micrograms/ml. The study indicates that gingivain carried by vesicles might be more important in bacterial toxic activities.

An autosomal recessive nonsyndromic form of sensorineural hearing loss maps to 3p-DFNB6

Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) is the most common form of congenitally acquired inherited hearing impairment. Although numerous loci are believed to exist, only five have been identified. Using a pooled genomic DNA screening strategy, we have identified a sixth locus, DFNB6, on 3p in the interval bounded by D3S1619 and D3S1766.

Phenotypic manifestations of branchio-oto-renal syndrome

Branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome is a variable, autosomal-dominant disorder of the first and second embryonic branchial arches, kidneys, and urinary tract. We describe the phenotype in 45 individuals, highlighting differences and similarities reported in other studies. Characteristic temporal bone findings include cochlear hypoplasia (4/5 of normal size with only 2 turns), dilation of the vestibular aqueduct, bulbous internal auditory canals, deep posterior fossae, and acutely-angled promontories.

Consanguineous nuclear families used to identify a new locus for recessive non-syndromic hearing loss on 14q

Hearing impairment is inherited most frequently as an autosomal recessive isolated clinical finding (non-syndromic hearing loss, NSHL). Extreme heterogeneity and phenotypic variability in the audiometric profile preclude pooling of affected families and severely hamper gene mapping by conventional linkage analysis. However, in instances of consanguinity, homozygosity mapping can be used to identify disease loci in small nuclear families. This report demonstrates the power of this technique by identifying a locus for recessive NSHL on 14q (DFNB4).

Non-linear renal and biliary clearances of antiviral polyoxometalates in rats

The polyoxometalates, JM 1591 (K12H2[P2W12O48].24 H2O), JM 1596 (K10[P2W18Zn4(H2O)2O68].20 H2O), and JM 2820 ([Me3NH]8[Si2W18Nb6O77]) have been shown to have potent activity against HIV-1 and HIV-2. The pharmacokinetics of JM 1591, JM 1596 and JM 2820 after intravenous administration of 50 mg/kg were investigated in rats. Renal and biliary clearances of the three compounds were found to be dependent on unbound plasma polyoxometalate concentration. Computer modeling was performed by fitting nonlinear pharmacokinetic models simultaneously to unbound plasma concentration, urinary excretion rate and biliary excretion rate versus time data. The renal clearances of JM 1591 and JM 2820 were described by glomerular filtration, saturated active tubular secretion at all plasma concentrations observed and saturable active tubular reabsorption. The urinary excretion of JM 1596 was characterized by glomerular filtration, saturable active tubular secretion and apparent linear reabsorption. Biliary clearances of all three polyoxometalates were described by a Michaelis-Menten function.

Linkage of a gene for dominant non-syndromic deafness to chromosome 19

Inherited hearing impairment can occur either in the presence of other clinical features (syndromic hearing loss, SHL) or in isolation (non-syndromic hearing loss, NSHL). The latter is more common and is highly heterogeneous. To date, six NSHL loci have been mapped. We report the identification of a seventh locus (DFNA4) on chromosome 19q13 and suggest DM kinase as a possible candidate gene.

Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of the human immunodeficiency virus inhibitor 1-ethoxymethyl-6-phenylselenenyl-5-ethyluracil in rodents

1-(Ethoxymethyl)-6-(phenylselenenyl)-5-ethyluracil (E-EPSeU) has been shown to exhibit potent and selective activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in vitro. The pharmacokinetics of E-EPSeU were characterized after intravenous administration of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg to rats. Plasma and urine concentrations of E-EPSeU were determined by HPLC. The plasma protein binding of E-EPSeU averaged 86 +/- 4% and the blood: plasma concentration ratio was unity. E-EPSeU concentrations after the 5 mg/kg dose were too low to reliably characterize the pharmacokinetics. The pharmacokinetics of E-EPSeU were independent of dose over the range of 10-15 mg/kg. Plasma concentrations of E-EPSeU declined in a bi-exponential manner with terminal half-life of 0.45 +/- 0.12 h (mean +/- S.D.). The steady-state volume of distribution was 0.091 +/- 0.031 1/kg, suggesting the compound distributed primarily into blood. The systemic clearance (0.63 +/- 0.13 1/h/kg) was moderate and limited, in part, by protein binding. No parent compound was detected in urine. E-EPSeU-related toxicities were observed at high doses. One rat, out of 5, died 4 h after 15 mg/kg of E-EPSeU was administered and two rats administered 20 and 25 mg/kg died within 1 h. Two mice, out of 5, administered 30 mg/kg/day of E-EPSeU intraperitoneally for 6 days died during the experiment, while significant loss of body weight was observed in the surviving mice. However, body weight of the surviving mice returned to control values within 2 weeks after E-EPSeU treatment was stopped.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Refined localization of the branchiootorenal syndrome gene by linkage and haplotype analysis

Branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome is a common autosomal dominant form of hearing impairment previously mapped to 8q. This report refines the localization of the BOR syndrome gene by haplotype analysis to the interval flanked by markers D8S553 and D8S286. By multipoint linkage analysis, the disease locus most likely is flanked by markers D8S530 and D8S279.

Interferon-gamma promotes cholinergic differentiation of embryonic septal nuclei and adjacent basal forebrain

In cultured rat embryonic septal nuclei with adjacent basal forebrain, murine interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) produces a striking increase in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and mRNA. The effect of IFN gamma on cholinergic differentiation is more potent in E14 cultures than in older cultures. IFN gamma does not cause a change in the affinity of ChAT for choline, nor does it affect cell proliferation. Whereas IFN gamma doubles neuronal cell number, the cholinergic cell number increases more than 7-fold. Ameboid microglia respond to IFN gamma with the translocation of p91 to the nucleus. The action of IFN gamma is not mediated by NGF or bFGF. The enhancement of cholinergic expression that occurs with increased cell density may be partly attributable to an endogenous IFN gamma-like molecule, since antibodies to IFN gamma offset the effects of increased cell density.

Pharmacokinetics of antiviral polyoxometalates in rats

Polyoxometalates are soluble mineral compounds formed principally of oxide anions and early transition metal cations. The polyoxometalates K12H2[P2W12O48].24H2O (JM 1591), K10[P2W18Zn4(H2O)2O68].20H2O (JM 1596), and [(CH3)3NH]8[Si2W18Nb6O77] (JM 2820) demonstrate potent antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus in vitro. The preclinical pharmacokinetics of these three compounds were characterized after single-dose intravenous administration of 50 mg/kg to rats. Plasma, urine, and feces were collected for 168 h, and polyoxometalate concentrations were determined by atomic emission. Serum protein binding was measured by equilibrium dialysis. All three compounds were highly bound to serum proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. Total and unbound concentrations of the three compounds in plasma declined in a triexponential manner with terminal half-lives of 246.0 +/- 127.0, 438.4 +/- 129.4, and 32.2 +/- 5.37 h (mean +/- standard deviation) for JM 1591, JM 1596, and JM 2820, respectively. Systemic clearances based on total concentrations in plasma were low, averaging 0.016 +/- 0.002, 0.015 +/- 0.002, and 0.018 +/- 0.003 liter/h/kg for JM 1591, JM 1596, and JM 2820, respectively. The clearances of unbound compounds from plasma averaged 0.966 +/- 0.136, 0.050 +/- 0.005, and 0.901 +/- 0.165 liter/h/kg for JM 1591, JM 1596, and JM 2820, respectively. For JM 1596, the clearance of unbound compound from the kidneys was lower than the glomerular filtration rate (0.086 liter/h/kg), suggesting this polyoxometalate underwent renal tubular reabsorption. However, JM 1591 and JM 2820 appeared to undergo tubular secretion. The fraction of the dose recovered in urine was 11.5, 46.8, and 10.6% for JM 1591, JM 1596, and JM 2820, respectively. Approximately 5% of the dose of each polyoxometalate was recovered in feces. The steady-state volume of distribution based on total concentrations averaged 1.44 liters/kg for JM 1591, 2.39 liters/kg for JM 1596, and 0.59 liter/kg for JM 2820, indicating moderate to wide distribution throughout the body. All three compounds were detected in various tissues 1 week after single-dose administrations, with the highest levels found in the kidneys and liver. The results of this study indicate that the disposition of polyoxometalates is highly dependent on their molecular structure.

Neutralization epitope of the varicella-zoster virus gH:gL glycoprotein complex

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein gpIII is the homolog of herpes simplex virus gH. Through the use of panels of monoclonal antibodies, VZV gpIII is known to possess a complement-independent neutralization epitope which is conformational in nature. Monoclonal antibody to this same epitope, when added postinfection, inhibits both syncytia formation and egress of virus. The nature of the neutralization epitope was investigated to determine whether its formation was dependent on gpIII alone or required a second VZV glycoprotein. To this end, VZV ORF 37 (gH) and VZV ORF 60 (gL homolog) were cloned into a vaccinia virus-pTM1 expression system. Analyses of the transfected products demonstrated that gpIII alone was not fully glycosylated nor was it transported to the cell surface. When both ORF 37 and ORF 60 were cotransfected, the gpIII product was transported to the cell surface, where it formed a neutralization epitope recognized by a previously characterized monoclonal antibody reagent. In summary, the VZV homologs of the herpes simplex virus gH:gL complex included a M(r) 118,000 product (gpIII or gH) and a M(r) 20,000 product (ORF 60 or gL).

Pharmacokinetics of 2',3'-dideoxy-5-fluoro-3'-thiacytidine in rats

Although several drugs have shown clinical anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity, reduced activity with long-term use and toxicity make new agents with high therapeutic indices desirable. Racemic cis-2',3'-dideoxy-5-fluoro-3'-thiacytidine (FTC) is a new synthetic nucleoside analogue that is usually potent against human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 and hepatitis B virus in vitro. The purpose of this study was to characterize the preclinical pharmacokinetics of FTC in rats. Rats were administered 10, 50, and 100 mg of FTC per kg of body weight intravenously. Concentrations of FTC in plasma and urine were determined by HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters were generated by area/moment analysis. Plasma FTC concentrations declined rapidly in a biexponential fashion, with a terminal half-life of approximately 2 h. The area under the plasma FTC concentration-time curve increased proportionally with increasing dose, and there were no statistically significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters among the three doses. Thus, the disposition of FTC was independent of dose over the range of 10-100 mg/kg. Since the disposition of FTC was linear, pharmacokinetic parameters were averaged for the three doses. The average total clearance of FTC was 1.91 +/- 0.32 L/h/kg (mean +/- SD), the average renal clearance was 1.08 +/- 0.26 L/h/kg, and the average nonrenal clearance was 0.83 +/- 0.27 L/h/kg. Approximately 55% of the dose of FTC was recovered as unchanged drug in the urine. The steady-state volume of distribution of FTC averaged 2.17 +/- 0.59 L/kg.

The immunochemistry of sandwich ELISAs--VI. Greater than 90% of monoclonal and 75% of polyclonal anti-fluorescyl capture antibodies (CAbs) are denatured by passive adsorption

Quantitative data are presented showing that the method most commonly used to immobilize antibodies in microtiter immunoassays functionally inactivates most of the antibodies. These results were collected using five affinity purified polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) and six monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for fluorescein (FLU) as capture antibodies (CAbs). These CAbs were tested for their ability to capture FLU4.2-BSA after immobilization by passive adsorption, the Protein-Avidin-Biotin-Capture (PABC) system or using previously adsorbed anti-globulins. Results indicate that under optimal conditions, < 10% of monoclonal capture antibody equivalents (CAbeqv) and congruent to 22% of polyclonal CAbeqv remain functional after passive adsorption. Immobilization via the PABC system improved the performance of mAbs by more than five-fold but had less than a two-fold effect on pAbs. Many CAbs immobilized using an anti-globulin retained full activity including the ability to bind two molecules of FLU4.2-BSA/molecule of CAb. The latter result is not necessarily a recommendation for the use of anti-globulin immobilization, since the number of functional CAbeqv per well is not significantly greater than that which can be achieved using passive adsorption.

ATPase activity of TyrR, a transcriptional regulatory protein for sigma 70 RNA polymerase

The TyrR protein of Escherichia coli is the chief transcriptional regulator of several genes essential for aromatic amino acid biosynthesis and transport. It was established in previous studies that this protein binds ATP, that the TyrR.ATP complex has enhanced affinity for tyrosine, and that the susceptibility of the TyrR protein to hydrolysis by trypsin is altered by ATP. Here we show that the TyrR protein has ATPase activity, which is stimulated by tyrosine. In this respect the TyrR protein resembles the transcriptional activator NtrC. The NtrC protein contains an internal polypeptide segment, 220 amino acid residues in length, with a high degree of identity to the TyrR protein, that contains the presumptive ATPase catalytic center.

A stationary-phase protein of Escherichia coli that affects the mode of association between the trp repressor protein and operator-bearing DNA

Highly purified preparations of trp repressor (TrpR) protein derived from Escherichia coli strains that were engineered to overexpress this material were found to contain another protein, of 21 kDa. The second protein, designated WrbA [for tryptophan (W) repressor-binding protein] remained associated with its namesake through several sequential protein fractionation steps. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the WrbA protein guided the design of two degenerate oligonucleotides that were used as probes in the cloning of the wrbA gene (198 codons). The WrbA protein, in purified form, was found by several criteria to enhance the formation and/or stability of noncovalent complexes between TrpR holorepressor and its primary operator targets. The formation of an operator-holorepressor-WrbA ternary complex was demonstrated by gel mobility-shift analysis. The WrbA protein alone does not interact with the trp operator. During the stationary phase, cells deficient in the WrbA protein were less efficient than wild type in their ability to repress the trp promoter. It is proposed that the WrbA protein functions as an accessory element in blocking TrpR-specific transcriptional processes that might be physiologically disadvantageous in the stationary phase of the bacterial life cycle.

The physical and functional behavior of capture antibodies adsorbed on polystyrene

Six monoclonal and two polyclonal antibodies to fluorescein (FLU) were affinity purified and immobilized on Immulon 2 polystyrene as capture antibodies (CAbs): (a) by passive adsorption at pH 9.6, (b) via a streptavidin bridge to a biotinylated carrier molecule, and (c) via an antiglobulin which had been previously adsorbed passively to the polystyrene. Data show that less than 3.0% of the binding sites of monoclonal CAbs and approximately 5-10% of those of polyclonal CAbs were capable of capturing antigen (FLU4.2-BSA) after passive adsorption. Immobilization of CAbs via an antiglobulin or a streptavidin bridge, resulted in the preservation of antibody binding sites to greater than 70% for some monoclonals although immobilization via the streptavidin bridge resulted in the highest number of functional sites/well. The data presented are consistent with studies on other adsorbed proteins which demonstrate that passive adsorption on polystyrene results in the loss of protein function. Furthermore, these data show that generally less than half of the binding sites of antibodies available in solution are available after solid-phase immobilization even when non-adsorptive methods are employed. Some polyclonal anti-FLU also have lower average avidity following passive adsorption compared with CAbs immobilization via a streptavidin bridge. Immunochemical studies revealed that adsorbed polyclonal-CAbs performed like monoclonals when tested with multivalent antigens (FLU10-IgA) but in an expected heterogeneous manner in Scatchard plots when tested using univalent FLU-insulin. This observation implied cross-linking of immobilized CAbs by the multivalent antigen. Because only 5-10% of adsorbed polyclonal CAbs are active, the survivors must be non-randomly distributed in clusters to explain the cross-linking. This was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy which gave rise to the hypothesis that antibodies which retain activity after adsorption, are those present in clusters, i.e., the functional adsorbed CAb is an antibody cluster. Data presented in this report on the behavior of adsorbed CAbs, and reviewed from the work of others for various adsorbed proteins, indicate that the method of passive adsorption at pH 9.6, which is widely used in popular microtiter ELISAs, and which has in many ways revolutionized immunoassay, is a method of protein denaturation. Assayists that utilize passive adsorption of proteins on hydrophobic supports as part of their research need to be cognizant of this phenomenon, while inventors of immunoassay should develop alternative methods of immobilization which do not destroy 90% of the functional activity of solid-phase reactant.

De novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis: cloning, sequencing and expression of a chicken PurH cDNA encoding 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-ribonucleotide transformylase-IMP cyclohydrolase

The purH cDNA, encoding 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-ribonucleotide (AICAR) transformylase-inosine monophosphate cyclohydrolase (ATIC), was cloned by functional complementation of an Escherichia coli purH mutant using a chicken liver cDNA expression library. This represents the first report of the cloning of any eukaryotic ATIC-encoding cDNA (PurH). The avian ATIC mRNA is 2.3 kb long and encodes a protein with an Mr of 64,422. The deduced amino acid sequence is 36% identical to the bacterial purH-encoded enzymes from Bacillus subtilis and E. coli. The avian cDNA was expressed as a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein that was purified in a single step by affinity chromatography. A novel vector was employed which permits rapid and highly efficient cleavage of the GST fusion protein yielding 10 mg of purified PurH product per liter of bacterial culture. Km values were determined with the purified fusion protein utilizing AICAR and (6-R)N10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate as substrates. These values compare favorably with the isolated avian enzyme, supporting the idea that kinetic, as well as other physical properties of the recombinant fusion protein are similar to the native avian enzyme. Large quantities of purified enzyme and the ability to generate site-directed mutations should make mechanistic studies possible. The recombinant enzyme also affords a simple and reliable approach to identifying new antifolates.

Ontogeny of substance P-containing neurons in relation to serotonin-containing neurons in the central nervous system of the mouse

In order to begin to investigate the developmental factors influencing co-localized neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, we have studied the ontogenesis of coexisting transmitters, substance P and serotonin, in cells of the medullary raphe of the fetal mouse using double-label immunocytochemistry. The results indicate that initial detection of these neurotransmitters occurs at embryonic day 12 in non-overlapping cell populations. Substance P-like immunoreactivity is first co-localized with serotonin in cells of the caudal medullary raphe (raphe pallidus and raphe obscurus) at embryonic day 13. The percentage of serotonin cells containing substance P was estimated at embryonic day 13 and subsequent gestational ages both by double-label immunofluorescence using fluorescein- and rhodamine-conjugated secondary antibodies and also by the elution technique. Double-label immunofluorescence routinely and reliably yielded the highest proportion of co-localized cells. At embryonic day 13, 89% of serotonin cells contained substance P-like immunoreactivity. A consistently high degree of co-localization occurred throughout embryonic development (87% at postnatal day 3) and into adulthood (87%). Colchicine treatment was required at older ages to elicit these data. Unexpectedly, we found that neurons containing substance P-like immunoreactivity in the piriform cortex and in the hypothalamus transiently expressed serotonin immunoreactivity during normal ontogenesis.

Development of serotonin, substance P and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone in mouse medullary raphe grown in organotypic tissue culture: developmental regulation by serotonin

Substance P (SP) and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) are co-localized with serotonin (5-HT) in cells of the medullary raphe nuclei. In order to examine the factors that control development of multiple neurotransmitters within individual brain nuclei, we have grown presumptive raphe nuclei in organotypic tissue culture, an environment in which mammalian embryonic brain is easily accessible and manipulable. Tissue was obtained from E13 mice. A discrete midline segment of the rhombencephalon was dissected intact or was separated into 'rostral' (RR) and 'medullary' (MR) fragments. Tissue was explanted onto collagen coverslips and grown for up to two weeks in Maximow depression chambers. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT biosynthesis, was barely detectable at explantation. During the first week in culture, however, TPH activity increased 7-fold. After two weeks, TPH activity increased almost 2.5-fold above the one-week level. Immunocytochemical analysis of the cultures confirmed a widespread distribution of 5-HT-positive cells and fibers throughout the explant. SP, monitored by radioimmunoassay, was detected after two days in culture, and attained a level of 111.7 +/- 9.8 pg/culture after two weeks. TRH activity was similarly elevated after two weeks in vitro. Therefore, developmental increases in TPH, SP, and TRH occurred in culture, mimicking the condition in vivo. RR and MR fragments, when grown apart on separate coverslips, developed 1.57-2.26 times the TPH activity that developed in the undivided piece. Inclusion of 1 microM pargyline in the fragments restored TPH to control levels. The effect of pargyline was blocked by methiothepin, suggesting autoreceptor-mediated regulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Development of substance P-containing neurons in the central nervous system in mice: an immunocytochemical study

The embryonic development of substance P (SP) in the central nervous system (CNS) of mice has been studied with the use of peroxidase antiperoxidase (PAP) immunocytochemistry. Immature SP-positive cells initially appear at embryonic day 12 (E12) in the epithalamus and in a column of cells extending from the myelencephalon throughout the length of the neural tube. By E13, SP-positive cells appear in the amygdaloid nuclear complex, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and in the caudal medulla. Fibers are first detected in the stria terminalis at this age. Over the next 48 hours, a plethora of SP-positive cells appears throughout the CNS, notably in the septal area, diagonal band nucleus, piriform cortex, accumbens nucleus, hypothalamus, rostral striatum, superior and inferior colliculi, intercollicular nucleus, substantia nigra, interpeduncular nucleus, vestibular nuclei, spinal nucleus of the trigeminal, and the nucleus of the tractus solitarii. Subsequently, SP-positive neurons and fibers increase in number and staining intensity except in the medullary raphe where the apparent number of SP-positive neurons decreases after E16. Whereas the pattern of SP staining is quite similar in mice and rats, the time of initial detection of SP-like immunoreactivity in specific nuclei is 1-4 days earlier in mice than that reported in rats with different antisera.