Trypanocidal effects of curcumin in vitro

During the course of study searching for the antiparasitic agents from natural compounds, we found that curcumin showed cytotoxicity against African trypanosomes in vitro. The LD50 values of curcumin were 4.77 +/- 0.91 microM for bloodstream forms and 46.52 +/- 4.94 microM for procyclic forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei (GUTat 3.1 clone).

Genome structure of pTi-SAKURA (I): strategy for DNA sequencing of a Japanese cherry-Ti plasmid

We isolated a plasmid from a bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which had been found in a crown gall tumor on a Japanese cherry tree SAKURA and designated it pTi-SAKURA. For complete DNA sequencing, we constructed a DNA library in lambda phage vector and developed a sequencing method by primer walking with long PCR and a PCR subcloning technique for long insert DNA.

Genome structure of pTi-SAKURA (II): genetic map constructed by complete DNA sequencing

Ti plasmid (pTi-SAKURA) DNA isolated from an agrobacterium pathogenic against Japanese cherry trees were completely sequenced by primer walking with PCR subcloning. Typical genes including transfer DNA (T-DNA), nopaline utilizing genes, trb genes, traI, rep genes, tra genes, acc and vir genes were assigned in this order to pTi-SAKURA. Between the rep genes and tra genes, we found a large region which essentially lacks homology to any sequences in DNA databases. By amino acid sequence search, we could pick up several ORFs which are homologous with genes putatively capable to enhance interaction between agrobacteria and plants.

Molecular characterization of the PEND protein, a novel bZIP protein present in the envelope membrane that is the site of nucleoid replication in developing plastids

Plastid nucleoids are known to bind to the envelope membrane in developing chloroplasts. Here, plastid DNA is extensively replicated. We previously detected a DNA binding protein in the inner envelope membranes of developing plastids in pea and named it PEND (for plastid envelope DNA binding) protein. In this study, we report on the structure and molecular characterization of a cDNA for the PEND protein. As a result of screening cDNA libraries in lambdagt11 with one of the target sequences of the PEND protein as a probe, we obtained a clone (PD2) for a novel DNA binding protein consisting of 633 amino acid residues. Analysis of the N-terminal sequence of the purified PEND protein indicated that the transit peptide is just 16 residues long. The PEND protein was detected specifically in the plastid envelope membrane of young unopened leaf buds by immunoblot analysis. The PEND protein consists of a basic region plus zipper region, an unprecedented sextuple repeat region, and a putative membrane-spanning region. The basic region with a zipper region seems to have diverged from that of other plant transcription factors. In addition, the PEND protein could be a distant homolog of the trans-Golgi network integral membrane proteins. The PEND protein is therefore a novel type of DNA binding protein that binds to the membrane as an intrinsic membrane protein.

Strongyloides venezuelensis: binding of orally secreted adhesion substances to sulfated carbohydrates

Adhesion substances produced by adult worms of Strongyloides venezuelensis bound strongly to hepin-Sepharose beads after incubation at 37 degrees C for 1 h. This binding was completely inhibited by highly sulfated carbohydrates such as soluble heparin, dextran surfate, fucoidan, and pentosan polysulfate. Chondroitin sulfate E and chondroitin sulfate A inhibited to a lesser degree and chondroitin sulfate C and dextran did not inhibit significantly. Carbohydrate moieties as well as the number and position of negatively charged sulfate groups of sulfated glycans were important determinants for the interaction between sulfated carbohydrates and adhesion substances. Adhesion substances of S. venezuelensis adult worms also bound to negatively charged rat red blood cells. The binding was significantly inhibited by heparin but not by mono- or disaccharides. Thus the intraction between red cells and adhesion substances was electrostatic in nature, but did not involve lectin-sugar interactions.

Characterization of rbcL group IA introns from two colonial volvocalean species (Chlorophyceae)

Group I introns were reported for the first time in the large subunit of Rubisco (rbcL) genes, using two colonial green algae, Pleodorina californica and Gonium multicoccum (Volvocales). The rbcL gene of P. californica contained an intron (PIC intron) of 1320 bp harboring an open reading frame (ORF). The G. multicoccum rbcL gene had two ORF-lacking introns of 549 (GM1 intron) and 295 (GM2 intron) base pairs. Based on the conserved nucleotide sequences of the secondary structure, the PIC and GM1 introns were assigned to group IA2 whereas the GM2 intron belonged to group IA1. Southern hybridization analyses of nuclear and chloroplast DNAs indicated that such intron-containing rbcL genes are located in the chloroplast genome. Sequencing RNAs from the two algae revealed that these introns are spliced out during mRNA maturation. In addition, the PIC and GM1 introns were inserted in the same position of the rbcL exons, and phylogenetic analysis of group IA introns indicated a close phylogenetic relationship between the PIC and GM1 introns within the lineage of bacteriophage group IA2 introns. However, P. californica and G. multicoccum occupy distinct clades in the phylogenetic trees of the colonial Volvocales, and the majority of other colonial volvocalean species do not have such introns in the rbcL genes. Therefore, these introns might have been recently inserted in the rbcL genes independently by horizontal transmission by viruses or bacteriophage.

CD86 (B7-2) antigen on B cells from atopic patients shows selective, antigen-specific upregulation

To determine whether B7 signals are associated with atopic responses in man, we assayed CD80 and CD86 expression on B cells and monocytes from atopic patients and controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and from 10 normal subjects were cultured in the presence or absence of house-dust-mite antigen, and B cells and monocytes were assayed for expression of CD80 and CD86 by flow cytometry. CD86 on B cells was significantly and selectively upregulated in all atopic subjects, but not in normal subjects, whereas CD80 expression was not altered in B cells from the atopic subjects or controls. In contrast, both CD80 and CD86 were upregulated in monocytes from the atopic subjects as well as the controls. However, CD86 upregulation was significantly higher in the atopic subjects than in controls. Our results seem to suggest that selective upregulation of CD86 on B cells by a challenging antigen may play a critical role in the development of Th2 cells in patients with atopic disease.

Ovarian fecundity in patients with endometriosis can be estimated by the incidence of apoptotic bodies

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of apoptotic bodies in membrana granulosa in patients with endometriosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Yamagata University Hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Fifty-eight normoovulatory women with endometriosis and 45 patients with male factor infertility underwent ovulation induction for IVF-ET with GnRH analogues and gonadotropins.

INTERVENTION(S)

Patients underwent follicle aspiration after the administration of hCG.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Recovered granulosa cells (GCs) were examined by fluorescence microscopy, and the incidence of apoptotic bodies was tabulated. These data and the other parameters associated with IVF results were analyzed on the basis of both the revised American Fertility Society (AFS) classification of endometriosis and the existence of chocolate cysts.

RESULT(S)

The incidence of apoptotic bodies in membrana granulosa of patients with endometriosis was significantly higher than that of the control (male factor infertility) group and increased as the stage of the revised AFS classification advanced. The incidence of apoptotic bodies in membrana granulosa was significantly higher in patients with chocolate cysts than in those without chocolate cysts. The patients with endometriosis had smaller numbers of developed follicles (> or = 15 mm), harvested oocytes, and mature oocytes than the male factor infertility patients. The existence of chocolate cysts corresponded with a reduced number of both harvested oocytes and mature oocytes.

CONCLUSION(S)

Through the apoptosis of GCs, the existence of endometriosis may have negatively affected the follicle development and oocyte quality.

[A case of solitary retroperitoneal neurofibroma]

A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of epigastralgia. Computed tomography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a round tumor measuring 6 cm in diameter, which was located in the medial side of the right kidney. It was successfully removed without injury to the surrounding large vessels and organs. Histological diagnosis was benign neurofibroma. This is the 27th case of solitary retroperitoneal neurofibroma reported in Japan.

Novel structural difference between nopaline- and octopine-type trbJ genes: construction of genetic and physical map and sequencing of trb/traI and rep gene clusters of a new Ti plasmid pTi-SAKURA

We constructed a gene library of a nopaline-type Ti plasmid (called pTi-SAKURA) which was newly isolated from Agrobacterium tumefaciens MAFF301001 of a Japanese cherry tree. The partial sequencing data, which were distributed over the entire plasmid genome, made it possible to assign typical Ti-encoded genes including trb and rep gene clusters. The trb/traI and rep gene clusters were sequenced completely. All the genes in the regions except trbJ were homologous with the corresponding genes on octopine-type Ti plasmids, based on both ORF size and sequence similarity. The trbJ on pTi-SAKURA is similar to that of an octopine-type Ti, but has an extra 282-base segment in its central domain. The above gene organization and sequences suggest a divergence of Ti plasmid during evolution in relation to Rhizobium plasmids, and is discussed in this paper.

An essential, multicomponent signal transduction pathway required for cell cycle regulation in Caulobacter

Cell differentiation and division in Caulobacter crescentus are regulated by a signal transduction pathway mediated by the histidine kinase DivJ and the essential response regulator DivK. Here we report genetic and biochemical evidence that the DivJ and DivK proteins function to control the activity of CtrA, a response regulator required for multiple cell cycle events, including flagellum biosynthesis, DNA replication, and cell division. Temperature-sensitive sokA (suppressor of divK) alleles were isolated as extragenic suppressors of a cold-sensitive divK mutation and mapped to the C terminus of the CtrA protein. The sokA alleles also suppress the lethal phenotype of a divK gene disruption and the cold-sensitive cell division phenotype of divJ mutants. The relationship between these signal transduction components and their target was further defined by demonstrating that the purified DivJ kinase phosphorylates CtrA, as well as DivK. Our studies also showed that phospho-CtrA activates transcription in vitro from the class II flagellar genes and that their promoters are recognized by the principal C. crescentus sigma factor sigma73. We propose that an essential signal transduction pathway mediated by DivJ, DivK, and CtrA coordinates cell cycle and developmental events in C. crescentus by regulating the level of CtrA phosphorylation and transcription from sigma73-dependent class II gene promoters. Our results suggest that an unidentified phosphotransfer protein or kinase (X) is responsible for phosphoryl group transfer to CtrA in the proposed DivJ --> DivK --> X --> CtrA phosphorelay pathway.

Trypanocidal effects of gallic acid and related compounds

Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) is a naturally abundant plant phenolic compound and it is well known as a component of hydrolyzable tannins. We report here that gallic acid and related compounds have trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (GUTat 3.1) in both the long slender bloodstream forms and the procyclic forms, in vitro. LD50 values of gallic acid are 46.96 +/- 1.28 microM for bloodstream forms and 30.02 +/- 3.49 for procyclic forms, respectively. A study of structurally related compounds suggested that the pyrogallol moiety could be responsible for this activity.

Analysis of the cluster of ribosomal protein genes in the plastid genome of a unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae: translocation of the str cluster as an early event in the rhodophyte-chromophyte lineage of plastid evolution

The nucleotide sequence of a cluster of ribosomal protein genes in the plastid genome of a unicellular red alga, Cyanidioschyzon merolae, which has been supposed to be the most primitive alga, was determined. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the amino acid sequence of ribosomal proteins of two rhodophytes, a chromophyte, a glaucophyte, two chlorophytes (land plants), a cyanobacterium, and three eubacteria suggested a close relationship between the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803 and the plastids of various species in the kingdom Plantae, which is consistent with the hypothesis of the endosymbiotic origin of plastids. In this tree, the two species of rhodophytes were grouped with the chromophyte, and the glaucophyte was grouped with the chlorophytes. Analysis of the organization of the genes encoding the ribosomal proteins suggested that the translocation of the str cluster occurred early in the lineage of rhodophytes and chromophytes after these groups had been separated from chlorophytes and glaucophytes.

Influences of dietary methionine and cysteine on metabolic responses to immunological stress by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide injection, and mitogenic response in broiler chickens

The present experiments were conducted to investigate influences of dietary methionine and cysteine on metabolic responses to immunological stress induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, and concanavalin A (Con A)-induced mononuclear cell (MNC) proliferation in male broiler chickens. In Expt 1, chicks (12 d of age) were fed on a S amino acid (SAA)-deficient diet (5.6 g SAA/kg diet) or on three kinds of SAA-sufficient diet (9.3 g SAA/kg diet; low-, medium- and high-cysteine diets) which contained 2.8, 4.65 and 6.5 g cysteine/kg diet, respectively. Plasma alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentration and interleukin (IL)-1-like activity in chicks fed on the SAA-deficient diet were lower following a single injection of LPS than those in chicks fed on the SAA-sufficient diets. At 16 h after LPS injection, plasma Fe and Zn concentrations and body weight were reduced, but AGP concentration and IL-1-like activity in plasma were significantly increased. These changes in body weight, plasma Zn and Fe concentrations following injection of LPS were not affected by dietary methionine: cysteine ratios. Plasma AGP concentration and IL-1-like activity in chicks fed on the high-cysteine diet were, however, greater than those in chicks fed on the other diets following a single injection of LPS. In Expt 2, chicks (7 d of age) were fed on the SAA-sufficient diets as in Expt 1 for 10 d. MNC proliferation in spleen induced by Con A in chicks fed on the high-cysteine diet was greater than that in chicks fed on the low- or medium-cysteine diet. The results suggest that dietary cysteine has an impact on the immune and inflammatory responses.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone-releasing activity of urotensin I and its fragments in vitro

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-releasing activity of synthetic carp Urotensin I (UI) and its ten synthetic fragments were examined using cultured rat pituitary cells. Both UI(1-41) and rat CRF (rCRF) increased ACTH release in a similar fashion at a concentration range from 10 pM to 100 nM. The potency of UI(1-41) was about one seventh that of rCRF on a molar basis. Four of ten UI fragments, UI(1-36), UI(4-36), UI(6-36) and UI(1-19) showed relatively strong ACTH-releasing activity, whereas both UI(9-36) and UI(17-36) showed extremely weak ACTH-releasing activity. However, all these fragments showed the activity in a dose-dependent manner parallel with that of UI(1-41). The activity of UI(1-36) was weaker than UI(1-41), suggesting that the C-terminal 37-41 sequence is required to express the full ACTH-release activity, although each of four C-terminal fragments, UI(24-36), UI(24-41), UI(29-36) and UI(29-41), exhibited no activity. In summary, the 4-19 amino acid sequence of UI(is important to exhibit ACTH-releasing activity and the C-terminal 37-41 sequence will be necessary to express the full activity.

Epitope analysis of human T-cell response to MSP-1 of Plasmodium falciparum in malaria-nonexposed individuals

BACKGROUND

MSP-1 of Plasmodium falciparum induces strong proliferative T cell responses even in malaria-nonexposed individuals. Epitopes recognized by malaria-nonimmune T cells have not been identified, and immunological mechanisms inducing such T cell responses remain to be uncovered. MSP-1 is a vaccine candidate, and it should be understood whether those epitopes have any roles in MSP-1-mediated protective immunity. The T epitopes-inducing malaria-naive T cell response was analyzed in the hope of understanding the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Human T cell lines and clones reactive to MSP-1 of P. falciparum were established from malaria-nonexposed Japanese donors in vitro, and epitope peptides were identified. Sequences of those epitope peptides were compared to unrelated peptides in the data base. One of those peptides was tested for both binding to HLA-DR molecules and inducing proliferative responses of MSP-1-reactive T cells.

RESULTS

There are at least 6 epitopes recognized by malaria-naive T cells under the restriction by HLA-DRB1*1502 or 0802. Important amino acids for the T cell recognition were identified for an MSP-1 peptide. A yeast peptide which shared those residues induced proliferative responses of MSP-1-reactive T cells.

CONCLUSION

We identified T epitopes in the N-terminal region of MSP-1, some of which showed molecular similarities with unrelated environmental antigens, suggesting the presence of cross-reactive T epitopes in MSP-1. Cytokine production in response to those epitopes suggests regulatory functions of those T cells during primary infection with P. falciparum.

Purification, characterization, and reconstitution of DNA-dependent RNA polymerases from Caulobacter crescentus

Cell differentiation in the Caulobacter crescentus cell cycle requires differential gene expression that is regulated primarily at the transcriptional level. Until now, however, a defined in vitro transcription system for the biochemical study of developmentally regulated transcription factors had not been available in this bacterium. We report here the purification of C. crescentus RNA polymerase holoenzymes and resolution of the core RNA polymerase from holoenzymes by chromatography on single-stranded DNA cellulose. The three RNA polymerase holoenzymes Esigma54, Esigma32, and Esigma73 were reconstituted exclusively from purified C. crescentus core and sigma factors. Reconstituted Esigma54 initiated transcription from the sigma54-dependent fljK promoter of C. crescentus in the presence of the transcription activator FlbD, and active Esigma32 specifically initiated transcription from the sigma32-dependent promoter of the C. crescentus heat-shock gene dnaK. For reconstitution of the Esigma73 holoenzyme, we overexpressed the C. crescentus rpoD gene in Escherichia coli and purified the full-length sigma73 protein. The reconstituted Esigma73 recognized the sigma70-dependent promoters of the E. coli lacUV5 and neo genes, as well as the sigma73-dependent housekeeping promoters of the C. crescentus pleC and rsaA genes. The ability of the C. crescentus Esigma73 RNA polymerase to recognize E. coli sigma70-dependent promoters is consistent with relaxed promoter specificity of this holoenzyme previously observed in vivo.

Peptides derived from a wild-type murine proto-oncogene c-erbB-2/HER2/neu can induce CTL and tumor suppression in syngeneic hosts

In this analysis, we examined whether peptides derived from a wild-type murine proto-oncogene, c-erbB-2, function as tumor rejection Ags. Expression of murine c-erbB-2 examined by means of reverse transcription-PCR was observed in several normal adult tissues, such as intestine, kidney, and testis. We then transduced human and murine c-erbB-2 cDNA into two mutually noncross-reactive fibrosarcoma lines of BALB/c origin, CMS7 and CMS17. In BALB/c mice immunized with CMS17HE (CMS17 transduced with human c-erbB-2 cDNA), the growth of subsequently challenged CMS7HE (CMS7 transduced with human c-erbB-2 cDNA) was significantly suppressed. CTL against human c-erbB-2-expressing cells were generated from BALB/c spleen cells in vivo and in vitro sensitized by CMS17HE. The CTL activity was also directed against murine c-erbB-2-expressing cells, CMS7ME and CMS17ME, and was blocked by anti-CD8 or anti-Kd mAbs. A series of peptides of human or murine c-erbB-2 compatible with the Kd binding motif was synthesized. The CTL were reactive with P1.HTR (H-2d) pulsed with three of these peptides, p63-71 (human c-erbB-2 derived), p63-71(A) (murine c-erbB-2 derived), and p780-788 (common for human and murine c-erbB-2). Spleen cells immunized in vivo and in vitro with syngeneic spleen cells pulsed with these peptides became cytotoxic for CMS17HE and/or CMS17ME, but not CMS17neo (CMS17 transduced with control vector). The growth of CMS7ME was suppressed in mice immunized with the murine c-erbB-2-derived peptide, p63-71(A) or p780-788. There was no apparent pathologic change in mice that rejected CMS7ME after vaccination with these peptides.

The incidence of apoptotic bodies in membrana granulosa can predict prognosis of ova from patients participating in in vitro fertilization programs

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the incidence of apoptotic bodies in membrana granulosa and follicular steroid concentrations in human follicles.

DESIGN

Case-controlled prospective study for 132 individual follicles.

SETTING

Procedures were performed in Yamagata University Hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty-six normo-ovulatory women with tubal infertility underwent ovulation induction for IVF-ET with a conventional hyperstimulation method.

INTERVENTION(S)

Patients underwent follicle aspiration after the administration of hCG.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The nuclei of recovered granulosa cells were examined by fluorescence microscopy, and the incidence of apoptotic bodies was tabulated. Intrafollicular steroids were evaluated mainly by RIA. These data were analyzed with respect to oocyte-retrieval, oocyte maturity, fertilization, and embryo quality.

RESULT(S)

Membrana granulosa cells in the follicles from which oocytes were subsequently fertilized showed a significantly lower incidence of apoptotic bodies than those in follicles from which the oocytes did not fertilize. Membrana granulosa cells in the follicles from which oocytes were developed into good quality showed a significantly lower incidence of apoptotic bodies than those in the follicles from which oocytes developed into fair and poor quality. The incidence of apoptotic bodies was significantly higher in the mural granulosa cell region than in the cumulus cell region in most cases. Intrafollicular E2, P, and free T levels were not different between the oocyte groups.

CONCLUSION(S)

These results indicate that lower incidence of apoptotic bodies in individual follicles is associated with better outcomes for oocytes. Also, mural granulosa cells and cumulus cell in each follicle may show differentiation during follicular maturation.

Peptides derived from a wild-type murine proto-oncogene c-erbB-2/HER2/neu can induce CTL and tumor suppression in syngeneic hosts

In this analysis, we examined whether peptides derived from a wild-type murine proto-oncogene, c-erbB-2, function as tumor rejection Ags. Expression of murine c-erbB-2 examined by means of reverse transcription-PCR was observed in several normal adult tissues, such as intestine, kidney, and testis. We then transduced human and murine c-erbB-2 cDNA into two mutually noncross-reactive fibrosarcoma lines of BALB/c origin, CMS7 and CMS17. In BALB/c mice immunized with CMS17HE (CMS17 transduced with human c-erbB-2 cDNA), the growth of subsequently challenged CMS7HE (CMS7 transduced with human c-erbB-2 cDNA) was significantly suppressed. CTL against human c-erbB-2-expressing cells were generated from BALB/c spleen cells in vivo and in vitro sensitized by CMS17HE. The CTL activity was also directed against murine c-erbB-2-expressing cells, CMS7ME and CMS17ME, and was blocked by anti-CD8 or anti-Kd mAbs. A series of peptides of human or murine c-erbB-2 compatible with the Kd binding motif was synthesized. The CTL were reactive with P1.HTR (H-2d) pulsed with three of these peptides, p63-71 (human c-erbB-2 derived), p63-71(A) (murine c-erbB-2 derived), and p780-788 (common for human and murine c-erbB-2). Spleen cells immunized in vivo and in vitro with syngeneic spleen cells pulsed with these peptides became cytotoxic for CMS17HE and/or CMS17ME, but not CMS17neo (CMS17 transduced with control vector). The growth of CMS7ME was suppressed in mice immunized with the murine c-erbB-2-derived peptide, p63-71(A) or p780-788. There was no apparent pathologic change in mice that rejected CMS7ME after vaccination with these peptides.

Cloning, expression, and characterization of a cDNA encoding a novel human growth factor for primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells

Multiple growth factors synergistically stimulate proliferation of primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells. A human myeloid cell line, KPB-M15, constitutively produces a novel hematopoietic cytokine, termed stem cell growth factor (SCGF), possessing species-specific proliferative activities. Here we report the molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of a cDNA encoding human SCGF using a newly developed lambdaSHDM vector that is more efficient for differential and expression cloning. cDNA for SCGF encodes a 29-kDa polypeptide without N-linked glycosylation. SCGF transiently produced by COS-1 cells supports growth of hematopoietic progenitor cells through a short-term liquid culture of bone marrow cells and exhibits promoting activities on erythroid and granulocyte/macrophage progenitor cells in primary semisolid culture with erythropoietin and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor, respectively. Expression of SCGF mRNA is restricted to myeloid cells and fibroblasts, suggesting that SCGF is a growth factor functioning within the hematopoietic microenvironment. SCGF could disclose some human-specific mechanisms as yet unidentified from studies on the murine hematopoietic system.

Mutated mitogen-activated protein kinase: a tumor rejection antigen of mouse sarcoma

The molecular basis of the polymorphic tumor rejection antigens of chemically induced sarcomas of inbred mice remains a mystery, despite the discovery of these antigens over 40 years ago and their critical importance to the foundation of tumor immunology. In an analysis of a panel of BALB/c 3-methylcholanthrene-induced tumors, we identified one tumor, CMS5, that elicited a strong cytotoxic T cell response with exquisite specificity for CMS5. A stable cloned line of T cells with this specificity (C18) was used to screen a CMS5 cDNA expression library. The gene encoding the C18-defined antigen was identified as a mutated form of a mouse mitogen-activated protein kinase, ERK2, and a peptide incorporating the resulting amino acid substitution (lysine to glutamine) was efficiently recognized by C18. Vaccination with this peptide elicited specific resistance to CMS5 challenge. Extensive efforts to isolate antigen-loss variants of CMS5 were unsuccessful, suggesting that the mutated mitogen-activated protein kinase is essential for maintenance of the malignant phenotype.

The optimal equilibration time for mouse embryos frozen by vitrification with trehalose

To determine the best equilibration time in the cryoprotectant before rapid cooling, 8-cell mouse embryos were exposed to a vitrification solution containing ethylene glycol, Ficoll and trehalose in modified phosphate-buffered saline at 5 degrees C for varying periods of time. They were frozen using an ultra rapid freezing method, thawed in a 20 degrees C water bath and cultured for 24 h with 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine. Embryo development and the number of sister chromatid exchanges, a sensitive indicator of genetic damage, were observed. The results demonstrated that embryo development after freezing and thawing was similar among the groups exposed for periods of 5-40 min. However, the number of sister chromatid exchanges was significantly smaller in the group exposed for 5 min, indicating that this was the safest equilibration time in the vitrification solution.

Identification, characterization, and chromosomal organization of cell division cycle genes in Caulobacter crescentus

We report a detailed characterization of cell division cycle (cdc) genes in the differentiating gram-negative bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. A large set of temperature-sensitive cdc mutations was isolated after treatment with the chemical mutagen N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Analysis of independently isolated mutants at the nonpermissive temperature identified a variety of well-defined terminal phenotypes, including long filamentous cells blocked at various stages of the cell division cycle and two unusual classes of mutants with defects in both cell growth and division. The latter strains are uniformly arrested as either short bagel-shaped coils or large predivisional cells. The polar morphology of these cdc mutants supports the hypothesis that normal cell cycle progression is directly responsible for developmental regulation in C. crescentus. Genetic and physical mapping of the conditional cdc mutations and the previously characterized dna and div mutations identified at least 21 genes that are required for normal cell cycle progression. Although most of these genes are widely scattered, the genetically linked divA, divB, and divE genes were shown by genetic complementation and physical mapping to be organized in one gene cluster at 3200 units on the chromosome. DNA sequence analysis and marker rescue experiments demonstrated that divE is the C. crescentus ftsA homolog and that the ftsZ gene maps immediately adjacent to ftsA. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the C. crescentus divA-divB-divE(ftsA)-ftsZ gene cluster corresponds to the 2-min fts gene cluster of Escherichia coli.

The expression of E-cadherin as a prognostic factor in breast cancer

We examined the clinical significance of E-cadherin expression in 98 patients with breast cancer. E-cadherin expression significantly correlated with histologic grade (p=0.0323) and tended to correlate with the absence of axillary lymph node metastases (p=0.0646). The expression of E-cadherin was associated significantly with the recurrence rate (p=0.0334) and marginally associated with disease-free (p=0.0597) but not overall survival, in univariate analysis. The association between E-cadherin expression and disease-free survival was lost in multivariate analysis. The prognostic value of E-cadherin expression in breast cancer appears to be limited. A larger, prospective study with long-term follow-up is needed.

Incidence of apoptotic bodies in membrana granulosa of the patients participating in an in vitro fertilization program

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of apoptotic bodies in mural granulosa cell masses and cumulus cell masses.

DESIGN

Nonrandomized, prospective study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.

PATIENT(S)

One hundred twenty-nine normally ovulating women underwent ovulation induction for IVF-ET with GnRH analogue (GnRH-a) and gonadotropins.

INTERVENTION(S)

Patients underwent follicle aspiration after the administration of hCG.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The nuclei of recovered granulosa cells were examined by fluorescence microscopy and the incidence of apoptotic bodies was tabulated.

RESULT(S)

The incidence of apoptotic bodies was significantly higher in mural granulosa cell masses than in cumulus cell masses in the entire group of 129 patients. Both incidence of apoptotic bodies of mural granulosa cell masses and cumulus cell masses were significantly higher in patients with less than six follicular oocytes compared with patients with six or more oocytes. Nonpregnant patients showed significantly higher incidence of apoptotic bodies in mural granulosa cell masses compared with pregnant patients.

CONCLUSION(S)

These results indicate that mural granulosa cell masses and cumulus cell masses may have different functions in follicular maturation. The incidence of apoptotic bodies in mural granulosa cell masses can be used as an indicator of success of IVF.

An antibiotic, ascofuranone, specifically inhibits respiration and in vitro growth of long slender bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei

Ascofuranone, a prenylphenol antibiotic isolated from a phytopathogenic fungus, Ascochyta visiae, strongly inhibited both glucose-dependent cellular respiration and glycerol-3-phosphate-dependent mitochondrial O2 consumption of long slender bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. This inhibition was suggested to be due to inhibition of the mitochondrial electron-transport system, composed of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.99.5) and plant-like alternative oxidase. Ascofuranone noncompetitively inhibited the reduced coenzyme Q1-dependent O2 uptake of the mitochondria with respect to ubiquinol (Ki = 2.38 nM). Therefore, the susceptible site is deduced to be the ubiquinone redox machinery which links the two enzyme activities. Further, ascofuranone in combination with glycerol completely blocked energy production, and potently inhibited the in vitro growth of the parasite. Our findings suggest that ascofuranone might be a promising candidate for the chemotherapeutic agents of African trypanosomiasis.

Treatment of ureteral and renal stones by electrohydraulic lithotripsy

Manipulation of ureteral and renal calculi can be done under direct vision using a fiberscope with increased safety and efficacy. We treated 207 ureteral and renal stones in 198 patients using electrohydraulic lithotriptor combined with transurethral fiberscope from July 1985 till January 1991. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) successfully fragmented 187 out of 207 stones (90.3%). A total of 119 patients (57.5%) became stone-free 3 months after operation, which increased to 170 cases (82.1%) at a mean follow-up of 20 months. There were 6 ureteral perforations (4 due to fiberscope and 2 due to EHL spark damage to the ureteral mucosa), which were treated immediately by open operation (2.9%). In 7 cases (3.4%), the stone could not be fragmented due to its hardness. We believe electrohydraulic lithotropsy treatment combined with transurethral fiberscopy is a safe, effective, noninvasive and economical method for the treatment of urinary tract stones.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer showing complete disappearance of cancer cells in multiple liver metastases due to low-dose PMUE therapy]

A case of gastric cancer with liver metastasis who responded well to low-dose PMUE (CDDP, MMC, UFT, etoposide) therapy is reported. A 65-year-old man underwent distal partial gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection under the diagnosis of type 5 gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases. Pathological findings revealed papillary adenocarcinoma in the primary lesion and metastatic lymph nodes (No. 8a). Low-dose PMUE therapy after resection of primary lesion was effective for the liver metastases. Exacerbation was suspected, so the lesions of metastases were resected again after 2 years and 11 months postoperative course. All 4 resected lesions of metastases became old fibrous tissue with hyalinization, and 2 of 4 lesions were necrotic and surrounded by fibrous connective tissue. None of these 4 lesions included viable cancer cells. The patient has now been followed with no evidence of exacerbation. It was suggested that low-dose PMUE therapy was effective for liver metastasis of gastric cancer, especially the differentiated type.

An antibiotic, ascofuranone, specifically inhibits respiration and in vitro growth of long slender bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei

Ascofuranone, a prenylphenol antibiotic isolated from a phytopathogenic fungus, Ascochyta visiae, strongly inhibited both glucose-dependent cellular respiration and glycerol-3-phosphate-dependent mitochondrial O2 consumption of long slender bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. This inhibition was suggested to be due to inhibition of the mitochondriai electron-transport system, composed of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.99.5) and plant-like alternative oxidase. Ascofuranone noncompetitively inhibited the reduced coenzyme Q1-dependent O2 uptake of the mitochondria with respect to ubiquinol (Ki = 2.38 nM). Therefore, the susceptible site is deduced to be the ubiquinone redox machinery which links the two enzyme activities. Further, ascofuranone in combination with glycerol completely blocked energy production, and potently inhibited the in vitro growth of the parasite. Our findings suggest that ascofuranone might be a promising candidate for the chemotherapeutic agents of African trypanosomiasis.

Immunocytochemical localization of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase and catechol-O-methyltransferase in blood vessel wall of the human dental pulp

Relative large amounts of DOPA as compared with the concentrations of norepinephrine are found in human dental pulp. AADC and COMT are localized in blood vessel walls of human dental pulp. This localization suggests a functional relationship between COMT and AADC with regard to the metabolism of DOPA.

Signal transduction in the cell cycle regulation of Caulobacter differentiation

Caulobacter crescentus differentiates to form a new cell type during asymmetric cell division. Recent results indicate that signal transduction pathways mediated by protein kinases and essential response regulators play a central role in the regulation of development and cell division in response to cell cycle checkpoints.

Nuclear encoding of a chloroplast RNA polymerase sigma subunit in a red alga

A chloroplast RNA polymerase sigma factor is encoded by a nuclear gene, sigA, in the red alga Cyanidium caldarium RK-1. The encoded protein functions as an RNA polymerase sigma factor in vitro and it is localized to the chloroplast in vivo. SigA shows high sequence similarity to the sigma factors of cyanobacteria, which is indicative of the ancestral endosymbiotic event and subsequent transfer of the sigA gene to the nuclear genome.

Irrelevance of the mutated p53 gene product to tumor rejection antigen in 3-methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas

The relevance of mutated p53 to in vivo rejection of MC-induced fibrosarcomas and/or in vitro CTL activity against these tumors was investigated. p53 gene was found to be altered in nine MC-induced fibrosarcomas of BALB/c origin. The mutated p53 cDNA derived from several MC-induced fibrosarcomas was transduced into CMS8 which lacks p53 expression. Immunization of mice with these mutated p53 transfectants failed to protect them from original MC-induced fibrosarcomas from which mutated p53 genes were derived. CTL lines specific for these MC-induced fibrosarcomas destroyed the original MC-induced fibrosarcomas, but not CMS8 transduced with mutated p53 genes derived from the same lines. A series of 9mer peptides consisting of mutated amino acid residues of p53 of Meth A, CMS17 and CMS9 were prepared, and target P1HTR cells were pulsed with them. None of CTLs for these fibrosarcomas were reactive with P1HTR pulsed with these peptides. In conclusion, peptides derived from mutated p53 genes may serve as target antigens for CD8(+) MHC class I restricted CTL as reported, but may often not contribute as target antigens to the rejection of MC-induced fibrosarcomas.

The effects of high dietary fat and indomethacin on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary carcinomas in rats

The effects of high dietary fat and indomethacin (IND) on tumorigenesis, tumor growth, tumor histology, cell kinetics and receptor contents of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinomas were investigated in Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. Tumorigenesis was stimulated by high dietary fat and inhibited by IND. However, both high dietary fat and IND stimulated tumor growth. Switching the animals from the high-fat diet with or without IND to the low-fat diet suppressed tumor growth and affected the cell kinetics. Histologically, the tumors showed a dense proliferation of ductal cells in the high-fat alone or IND-treated high-fat diet group. Tumors in the low-fat or IND-treated low-fat group, as well as the group switched from a high-fat or IND-treated high-fat diet to a low-fat diet, demonstrated well-developed glandular structures. The estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor contents were not different between the groups either prior to or following switching diets. Therefore, high dietary fat stimulates tumorigenesis and tumor proliferation, while IND has dual effects: a stimulating effect on tumor proliferation, but an inhibiting effect on tumorigenesis. It also appears that hormone-receptor status does not play an important role in the stimulatory effects of high-fat diet or IND on tumor proliferation.

The fate of Mn2+ ions inside Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells seen by electron paramagnetic resonance

The fate of Mn2+ inside Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells was monitored during import and export processes, using information from electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy analysis. EPR spectra showed that when entering the cell in high number, manganese ions immediately precipitated. If recorded under conditions that favored manganese efflux, EPR spectra indicated that only osmotically free ions were exported and that bound manganese had to turn into the soluble form before being able to leave the cell.

Purification, characterization and molecular cloning of Cha o 1, a major allergen of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese cypress) pollen

Pollen of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Japanese cypress) is one of the causes of allergic pollinosis in Japan. A major allergen of the pollen designated Cha o 1, was purified by two-step ion exchange chromatography. Cha o 1 was separated into four components with molecular masses of 48.5 kDa and 52.0 kDa, each with pIs of 6.77 and 6.82. The 23-residue N-terminal sequence of Cha o 1 was determined and shown to have high identity with that of Cry j 1, a major allergen of Cryptomeria japonica pollen. cDNA coding for Cha o 1 was cloned by hybridization screening using Cry j 1 cDNA as a probe. One of the cDNA clones, pCHA-1 was sequenced and found to code for a putative 21-residue signal peptide and a 354-residue native protein with a derived molecular mass of 38.1 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence of Cha o 1 showed 79-80% identity with those of Cry j 1. These findings were consistent with observations of a close crossreaction between the two allergens. Homology analyses revealed that Cha o 1 had 46-49% identity with Amb a 1 families and Amb a 2, the major allergens of short ragweed. Cry j 1 has pectate lyase enzyme activity, suggesting that Cha o 1 may have the same enzyme activity as Cry j 1.

Elevated levels of soluble Fc epsilon RII/CD23 and antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

To clarify how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is responsible for Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) we measured both IgG and IgM antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) of EBV in the sera of normal healthy subjects and patients with SjS. Anti-VCA IgG was detectable in all controls and patients however, anti-VCA IgG titers in the sera of SjS patients were significantly higher than those of the controls (p < 0.01). No anti-VCA IgM was detected in the sera of controls whereas anti-VCA IgM was detected in the sera from 10 out of the 13 patients with SjS. This suggests that SjS might be associated with EBV. The serum levels of sCD23 (IgE-binding factor) were also measured to assess the differential state in patients with SjS. The sCD23 level of normal individuals was 211.26 +/- 12.01 micrograms/L (value is mean +/- SE), and was 443.77 +/- 71.94 micrograms/L in the 13 patients with SjS. The mean sCD23 level in the 9 patients with SjS without any complication was 360.67 +/- 35.63 micrograms/L. In the patients with SjS, sCD23 levels were significantly higher than those in the normal individuals (p < 0.01).

Epitope analysis of HLA-DR-restricted helper T-cell responses to Der p II, a major allergen molecule of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

T-cell epitopes of Der p II, a major allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, were analyzed by using human T-cell clones. We tested 38 cloned T cells from two Japanese patients with allergic rhinitis, and identified at least two peptides (K33-T47 and I58-C73) as helper T-cell epitopes. The former epitope was shown to be restricted by HLA-DRB1*1502, and the latter by HLA-DRB1*0405, both of which are typical Japanese HLA-DR alleles, suggesting that those T-cell epitopes might be important for the onset of house-dust mite allergy in the Japanese population. We prepared 15 analog peptides of the HLA- DRB1*1502-restricted 15-mer peptide. Of those 15 residues, five (F35, L37, A39, F41, and E42) were critical for the epitope activity, and three residues (F35, A39, and E42) seemed to be included in anchor motifs for HLA-DRB1*1502. The epitope peptide was also recognized by HLA-DRB1*1502-positive healthy donors; however, only allergic T cells showed Th2 functions. Antigen-presenting cells of nonallergic donors were able to activate allergic T cells to express Th2 function. This seemed to suggest that antigen recognition of T cells, as well as additional unknown factors which promote Th2, rather than Th1, responses, might be important for the onset of house-dust mite allergy.

Experimental model of chronic tonsillar herniation associated with early stage syringomyelia

This report describes an experimental model of chronic tonsillar herniation and its effects on the spinal cord. In ten rats, a small piece of chemically induced mammary cancer was transplanted to the supraoccipital bone. In all cases, the transplanted cancers grew into the posterior fossa, destroying the supraoccipital bone and compressing the cerebellum extradurally. In six of the ten rats, tonsillar herniation was observed at 8-14 weeks after transplantation. Transdural infiltration of the tumor cells was not apparent in any animal. In those rats with tonsillar herniation (n = 6), the spinal cord from the C5 to the T8 segments showed enlargement of the central canal without exception. Histological examination revealed the following changes: stretching and thinning of the ependymal cells; swelling of the astrocytic processes; and extra-cellular edema, predominantly in the dorsal gray matter, but also in the ventral inner portion of the dorsal column. In the control group (n = 4) and those rats without tonsillar herniation (n = 4), such histological changes of the spinal cord were not observed. Although the lesions can not be regarded as representing mature syringomyelia, they most likely constitute an earlier evolutionary stage.

An essential single domain response regulator required for normal cell division and differentiation in Caulobacter crescentus

Signal transduction pathways mediated by sensor histidine kinases and cognate response regulators control a variety of physiological processes in response to environmental conditions. Here we show that in Caulobacter crescentus these systems also play essential roles in the regulation of polar morphogenesis and cell division. Previous studies have implicated histidine kinase genes pleC and divJ in the regulation of these developmental events. We now report that divK encodes an essential, cell cycle-regulated homolog of the CheY/Spo0F subfamily and present evidence that this protein is a cognate response regulator of the histidine kinase PleC. The purified kinase domain of PleC, like that of DivJ, can serve as an efficient phosphodonor to DivK and as a phospho-DivK phosphatase. Based on these and earlier genetic results we propose that PleC and DivK are members of a signal transduction pathway that couples motility and stalk formation to completion of a late cell division cycle event. Gene disruption experiments and the filamentous phenotype of the conditional divK341 mutant reveal that DivK also functions in an essential signal transduction pathway required for cell division, apparently in response to another histidine kinase. We suggest that phosphotransfer mediated by these two-component signal transduction systems may represent a general mechanism regulating cell differentiation and cell division in response to successive cell cycle checkpoints.