Molecular cloning and functional analysis of the gene encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase from hazel (Corylus avellana L. Gasaway)

The enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR; EC1.1.1.34) catalyzes the first committed step of isoprenoids biosynthesis in MVA pathway. Here we report for the first time the cloning and characterization of a full-length cDNA encoding HMGR (designated as CgHMGR, GenBank accession number EF206343) from hazel (Corylus avellana L. Gasaway), a taxol-producing plant species. The full-length cDNA of CgHMGR was 2064 bp containing a 1704-bp ORF encoding 567 amino acids. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that the deduced CgHMGR had extensive homology with other plant HMGRs and contained two transmembrane domains and a catalytic domain. The predicted 3-D model of CgHMGR had a typical spatial structure of HMGRs. Southern blot analysis indicated that CgHMGR belonged to a small gene family. Expression analysis revealed that CgHMGR expressed high in roots, and low in leaves and stems, and the expression of CgHMGR could be up-regulated by methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The functional color assay in Escherichia coli showed that CgHMGR could accelerate the biosynthesis of beta-carotene, indicating that CgHMGR encoded a functional protein. The cloning, characterization and functional analysis of CgHMGR gene will enable us to further understand the role of CgHMGR involved in taxol biosynthetic pathway in C. avellana at molecular level.

Functional analysis of the Arabidopsis PHT4 family of intracellular phosphate transporters

The transport of phosphate (Pi) between subcellular compartments is central to metabolic regulation. Although some of the transporters involved in controlling the intracellular distribution of Pi have been identified in plants, others are predicted from genetic, biochemical and bioinformatics studies. Heterologous expression in yeast, and gene expression and localization in plants were used to characterize all six members of an Arabidopsis thaliana membrane transporter family designated here as PHT4. PHT4 proteins share similarity with SLC17/type I Pi transporters, a diverse group of animal proteins involved in the transport of Pi, organic anions and chloride. All of the PHT4 proteins mediate Pi transport in yeast with high specificity. Bioinformatic analysis and localization of PHT4-GFP fusion proteins indicate that five of the proteins are targeted to the plastid envelope, and the sixth resides in the Golgi apparatus. PHT4 genes are expressed in both roots and leaves, although two of the genes are expressed predominantly in leaves and one mostly in roots. These expression patterns, together with Pi transport activities and subcellular locations, suggest roles for PHT4 proteins in the transport of Pi between the cytosol and chloroplasts, heterotrophic plastids and the Golgi apparatus.

Transformation of taxol-producing endophytic fungi by restriction enzyme-mediated integration (REMI)

The REMI method was used to introduce the plasmid pV2 harboring the hygromycin B phosphotransferase (hph) gene controlled by the Aspergillus nidulans trpC promoter and the trpC terminator into a taxol-producing endophytic fungus BT2. REMI transformation yielded stable transformants capable of continuing to grow on PDA medium containing 125 mug mL(-1) hygromycin B. The transformation efficiency was about 5-6 transformants mug(-1) plasmid DNA. The presence of hph gene in transformants was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analyses. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the transformation of taxol-producing endophytic fungi by the REMI technique. This study provides an effective approach for improving taxol production of endophytic fungi by the genetic engineering of taxol biosynthetic pathway genes in the future.

Role of salicylic acid in alleviating oxidative damage in rice roots (Oryza sativa) subjected to cadmium stress

Time-dependent changes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation were investigated in roots of rice (Oryza sativa) grown hydroponically with Cd, with or without pretreatment of salicylic acid (SA). Exposure to 50 microM Cd significantly decreased root growth, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), but increased the concentrations of H(2)O(2), malondialdehyde (MDA), ascorbic acid (AsA), glutathione (GSH) and non-protein thiols (NPT). However, pretreatment with 10 microM SA enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants, but lowered the concentrations of H(2)O(2) and MDA in the Cd-stressed rice compared with the Cd treatment alone. Pretreatment with SA alleviated the Cd-induced inhibition of root growth. The results showed that pretreatment with SA enhanced the antioxidant defense activities in Cd-stressed rice, thus alleviating Cd-induced oxidative damage and enhancing Cd tolerance. The possible mechanism of SA-induced H(2)O(2) signaling in mediating Cd tolerance was discussed.

Strengthening tight junctions of retinal microvascular endothelial cells by pericytes under normoxia and hypoxia involving angiopoietin-1 signal way

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of pericytes and angiopoietin-1 on the expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in retinal endothelial cells (ECs) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

METHODS

Rat primary retinal microvascular ECs were cultured under normoxia or hypoxia in either absence or presence of pericytes conditioned medium (PCM). PCM was pretreated with or without angiopoietin-1 neutralizing antibody. Immuofluorescent staining, Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the alterations of occludin and ZO-1 expression.

RESULTS

Under normoxia, PCM strengthened occludin and ZO-1 immunofluorescent staining at cytomembrane as well as increased their expression at both protein and mRNA level. When pretreated with angiopoietin-1 neutralizing antibody, occludin upregulation induced by PCM was significantly blocked at protein level (62%) and mRNA level (34%). Under hypoxia, the continuity of occludin and ZO-1 staining at cell boundaries was disrupted consistent with a decrease of their protein level by 31 and 27%, respectively. Also occludin and ZO-1 mRNA level decreased by 46 and 57%, respectively. PCM was observed to partially increase expression of occludin at protein and mRNA level. Angiopoietin-1 antibody slightly inhibited (16%) PCM induced occludin mRNA increase under hypoxia.

CONCLUSION

Pericytes improved the integrity of endothelial barrier through inducing occludin and ZO-1 expression at protein and mRNA level under normoxia. Under hypoxia, pericytes could partially reverse occludin decrease. These protecting effects of pericytes on endothelial barrier were at least in part mediated by angiopoietin-1.

Molecular cloning and heterologous expression of a 10-deacetylbaccatin III-10-O-acetyl transferase cDNA from Taxus x media

A full-length cDNA encoding 10-deacetylbaccatin III-10-O-acetyl transferase (designated as TmDBAT), which catalyzes the acetylation of the C-10 hydroxyl group of the advanced metabolite 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB) to yield baccatin III, the immediate diterpenoid precursor of Taxol, was isolated from Taxus x media. Heterologous expression of TmDBAT in E. coli demonstrated that TmDBAT was a functional gene. Tissue expression pattern analysis revealed that TmDBAT expressed strongly in leaves, weak in stems and no expression could be detected in fruits, implying that TmDBAT was tissue-specific. Expression profiling analysis of TmDBAT under different elicitor treatments including silver nitrate, ammonium ceric sulphate and methyl jasmonate indicated that TmDBAT was an elicitor-responsive gene. Southern blot analysis suggested that TmDBAT belonged to a small multigene family.

[Isolation and characterization of a 2C-methyl-D-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase gene from Taxus media]

2C-methyl-D-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate (MEC) synthase (MECS, EC: 4.6.1.12) is the fifth enzyme of the nonmevalonate terpenoid pathway for isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthesis and further Taxol biosynthesis. The full-length MECS cDNA sequence (GenBank accession number DQ286391) was cloned and characterized for the first time from Taxus media, using Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) technique. The full-length cDNA of Tmmecs was 1081 bp containing a 741 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a peptide of 247 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 26.1 kDa and an isoelectric point of 8.97. Comparative and bioinformatic analyses revealed that TmMECS had extensive homology with MECSs from other plant species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that TmMECS was more ancient than other plant MECSs. Southern blot analysis revealed that Tmmecs belonged to a small gene family. Tissue expression pattern analysis indicated that Tmmecs expressed constitutively in all tissues including roots, stems and leaves. The cloning and characterization of Tmmecs will be helpful to understand more about the role of MECS involved in the Taxol biosynthesis at the molecular level.

Pooled analysis of data from multiple quantitative trait locus mapping populations

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on pooled data from multiple populations (pooled analysis) provides a means for evaluating, as a whole, evidence for existence of a QTL from different studies and examining differences in gene effect of a QTL among different populations. Objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a method for pooled analysis and (2) conduct pooled analysis on data from two soybean mapping populations. Least square interval mapping was extended for pooled analysis by inclusion of populations and cofactor markers as indicator variables and covariate variables separately in the multiple linear models. The general linear test approach was applied for detecting a QTL. Single population-based and pooled analyses were conducted on data from two F(2:3) mapping populations, Hamilton (susceptible) x PI 90763 (resistant) and Magellan (susceptible) x PI 404198A (resistant), for resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in soybean. It was demonstrated that where a QTL was shared among populations, pooled analysis showed increased LOD values on the QTL candidate region over single population analyses. Where a QTL was not shared among populations, however, the pooled analysis showed decreased LOD values on the QTL candidate region over single population analyses. Pooled analysis on data from genetically similar populations may have higher power of QTL detection than single population-based analyses. QTLs were identified by pooled analysis on linkage groups (LGs) G, B1 and J for resistance to SCN race 2 whereas QTLs on LGs G, B1 and E for resistance to SCN race 5 in soybean PI 90763 and PI 404198A. QTLs on LG G and B1 were identified in both PI 90763 and PI 404198A whereas QTLs on LG E and J were identified in PI 90763 only. QTLs on LGs G and B1 for resistance to race 2 may be the same or closely linked with QTLs on LG G and B1 for resistance to race 5, respectively. It was further demonstrated that QTLs on G and B1 carried by PI 90763 were not significantly different in gene effect from QTLs on LGs G and B1 in PI 404198A, respectively.

The development of biotechnology education in China*

From the middle of the 20th century, Chinese scientists have been actively involved in biotechnology. However, biotechnology education in China is a relatively recent phenomenon. This subject has not been addressed at the undergraduate level in a serious way until recently. In the last decade, biotechnology education developed rapidly and reached a new level in Chinese universities. The Chinese scientific establishment is very much aware of the importance of biotechnology and has identified this subject as one of the priority areas. Some universities are taking positive steps toward enhancing biotechnology education. This article focuses on the emergence, as well as the problems and prospects, of biotechnology education in China.

Identification of QTLs associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode races 2, 3 and 5 in soybean PI 90763

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a major soybean pest throughout the soybean growing regions in the world, including the USA. Soybean PI 90763 is an important SCN resistance source. It is resistant to several SCN populations including races 2, 3 and 5. But its genetics of resistance is not well known. The objectives of this study were to: (1) confirm quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to SCN race 3 in PI 90763 and (2) identify QTLs for resistance to SCN races 2 and 5. QTLs were searched in Hamilton x PI 90763 F(2:3)populations using 193 polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) covering 20 linkage groups (LGs). QTLs for resistance to SCN were identified on LGs A2, B1, E, G, J and L. The same QTL was suggested for resistance to different SCN races where their 1-LOD support intervals of QTL positions highly overlapped. The QTL on LG G was associated with resistance to races 2, 3 and 5. The QTL on LG B1 was associated with resistance to races 2 and 5. The QTL on LG J was associated with resistance to races 2 and 3. The QTLs on LGs A2 and L were associated with resistance to race 3. The QTL on LG E was associated with resistance to race 5. We conclude that LGs A2 and B1 may represent an important distinction between resistance to SCN race 3 and resistance to SCN races 2 and 5 in soybean.

Identification of QTLs associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode races 2, 3 and 5 in soybean PI 90763

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a major soybean pest throughout the soybean growing regions in the world, including the USA. Soybean PI 90763 is an important SCN resistance source. It is resistant to several SCN populations including races 2, 3 and 5. But its genetics of resistance is not well known. The objectives of this study were to: (1) confirm quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to SCN race 3 in PI 90763 and (2) identify QTLs for resistance to SCN races 2 and 5. QTLs were searched in Hamilton x PI 90763 F(2:3)populations using 193 polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) covering 20 linkage groups (LGs). QTLs for resistance to SCN were identified on LGs A2, B1, E, G, J and L. The same QTL was suggested for resistance to different SCN races where their 1-LOD support intervals of QTL positions highly overlapped. The QTL on LG G was associated with resistance to races 2, 3 and 5. The QTL on LG B1 was associated with resistance to races 2 and 5. The QTL on LG J was associated with resistance to races 2 and 3. The QTLs on LGs A2 and L were associated with resistance to race 3. The QTL on LG E was associated with resistance to race 5. We conclude that LGs A2 and B1 may represent an important distinction between resistance to SCN race 3 and resistance to SCN races 2 and 5 in soybean.

Multi-wavelength mid-infrared micro-spectral imaging using semiconductor lasers

Infrared (IR, 3-12-microm) microscopic spectral imaging is an important analytical technique. Many current instruments employ thermal IR light sources, which suffer the problem of low brightness and high noise. This paper evaluates the system engineering merit in using semiconductor lasers, which offer orders-of-magnitude-higher power, brightness, and lower noise. A microscopic spectral imaging system using semiconductor lasers (quantum cascade) as illuminators, and focal plane array detectors demonstrated a high signal-to-noise ratio (> 20 dB) at video frame rate for a large illuminated area. The comparative advantages of laser vs. thermal light source are analyzed and demonstrated. Microscopic spectral imaging with fixed-wavelength and tunable lasers of 4.6-, 5.1-, 6-, and 9.3-microm wavelength was applied to a number of representative samples that consist of biological tissues (plant and animal), solid material (a stack of laminated polymers), and liquid chemical (benzene). Transmission spectral images with approximately 30-dB dynamic range were obtained with clear evidence of spectral features for different samples. The potential of more advanced systems with a wide coverage of spectral bands is discussed.

[Preparation of DNA probe for Cryptosporidium parvum]

AIM

To prepare a probe with high specificity and sensitivity for the detection of Cryptosporidium parvum.

METHODS

Using PCR method, a fragment from the DNA of C. parvum was amplified. The PCR product, 452 bp DNA, was labeled with hapten digoxigenin.

RESULTS

Examination of sensitivity showed that the DNA probe could detect as low as 2 pg DNA from C. parvum. The dot-blot hybridizition assay showed that the probe hybridized with the DNA of C. parvum, but not hybridized with DNA of E. histolytica, G. lamblia, E. coli and D. bacilli.

CONCLUSION

The probe was highly specific and sensitive for the detection of C. parvum.

A matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight based method for screening the 1691G --> A mutation in the factor V gene

A point mutation, 1691 G --> A in the coagulation factor V gene results in an Arg506 --> Gln amino acid substitution in the factor V molecule. This mutation, defined as factor VLEIDEN, results in activated protein C (APC) resistance and is the most common genetic risk factor for familial thrombophilia. A new mini-sequencing method using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was developed for the screening of the 1691G --> A substitution in factor V. In this method, a fragment of genomic DNA containing the 1691st base is first amplified, followed by mini-sequencing in the presence of dGTP and ddATP, ddCTP, and ddTTP. In this manner, the primer is extended by one base from one allele and two bases from the other allele. The extended products are analyzed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The base at position 1691 is identified based on the number of nucleotides added. We have used this method to genotype 16 APC-resistant patients previously identified by conventional methods and 11 normal control samples. The genotypes of all samples were correctly identified. This method is accurate, fast, and potentially allows for simultaneous multiplex genotyping of a number of mutation sites associated with thrombophilia and clot formation.

TIP41 interacts with TAP42 and negatively regulates the TOR signaling pathway

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the rapamycin-sensitive TOR kinases negatively regulate the type 2A-related phosphatase SIT4 by promoting the association of this phosphatase with the inhibitor TAP42. Here, we describe TIP41, a conserved TAP42-interacting protein involved in the regulation of SIT4. Deletion of the TIP41 gene confers rapamycin resistance, suppresses a tap42 mutation, and prevents dissociation of SIT4 from TAP42. Furthermore, a TIP41 deletion prevents SIT4-dependent events such as dephosphorylation of the kinase NPR1 and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor GLN3. Thus, TIP41 negatively regulates the TOR pathway by binding and inhibiting TAP42. The binding of TIP41 to TAP42 is stimulated upon rapamycin treatment via SIT4-dependent dephosphorylation of TIP41, suggesting that TIP41 is part of a feedback loop that rapidly amplifies SIT4 phosphatase activity under TOR-inactivating conditions.

Dinucleotide repeat polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene is associated with diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Although genetic susceptibility has been proposed as an important factor for the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy, the definitive gene has not been identified. To identify the genetic marker for diabetic nephropathy, we examined the association between the (A-C)n dinucleotide repeat polymorphism upstream of the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene and diabetic nephropathy in a group of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Patients were divided into three groups based on their urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) and the stage of diabetic retinopathy as follows: uncomplicated group (U), normal albuminuria (AER <20 microg/min) without proliferative retinopathy and with the duration of diabetes more than 20 years (N = 32); microalbuminuria group (M), 20 < or = AER < 200 microg/min (N = 155); overt nephropathy group (O), AER > or = 200 microg/min (N = 63). The region containing the dinucleotide repeat upstream of MMP-9 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified products were analyzed with 7% formamide/urea acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The promoter constructs of the MMP-9 gene were transfected with the CMV-beta-galactosidase construct into 293 cells using the liposome method. Twenty-four hours after transfection, cells were harvested, and luciferase and beta-galactosidase activities were measured.

RESULTS

Nine alleles of the dinucleotide repeat polymorphism (17 to 25 repeats) were identified, and the frequency of each allele in diabetic subjects was not different from that in nondiabetic controls. The frequency of the allele containing 21 repeats (A21) was most abundant (42.4% in control and 45.6% in diabetic subjects), followed by the allele with 23 repeats (A23; 35.4% in control and 27.6% in diabetic subjects). The A21 allele was less frequent in M and O than U (O, 38.9%; M, 45.5%; U, 59.3%, chi2 = 7.18; P < 0.05, O vs. U), while the frequency of the alleles other than A21 was not different among each group. The calculated odds ratio for nephropathy in the noncarrier, heterozygote, or homozygote of A21 allele was 3.38, 1.97, and 0.2, respectively. Furthermore, the promoter assay for the MMP-9 gene revealed that the A21 allele had a higher promoter activity compared with other alleles. No significant correlation was observed between serum MMP-9 concentrations and the MMP-9 gene polymorphism.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the patients with A21 allele of the MMP-9 gene may be protected from the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Thus, the microsatellite polymorphism upstream of the MMP-9 gene could be a useful genetic marker for diabetic nephropathy.

[Effects of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) on growth of Streptococcus mutans]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine effects of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) on the growth of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans).

METHODS

Different concentrations of PABA (10(-10)-10(-3) g/L) were separately transferred to modified Carlsson medium. S. mutans (ATCC 25175) grew in modified Carlsson medium with different concentrations of PABA. All cultures were incubated at 37 degrees C anaerobically in an atmosphere of 80% of nitrogen (v/v), 10% of hydrogen (v/v) and 10% of carbon dioxide (v/v) for 48 hours. The absorbance values of S. mutans were measured by using a spectrometer (UV-1601). The colony forming units (CFU) were obtained by growing S. mutans in media with different concentrations of PABA (10(-10)-10(-3) g/L).

RESULTS

Different concentrations of PABA had different stimulating effects on the growth of S. mutans (P < 0.05). But this kind of stimulating effects declined when the concentration of PABA was 10(-3) g/L.

CONCLUSION

This experiment indicates PABA has stimulating effects on the growth of S. mutans, and PABA can promote growth of S. mutans.

[Effects of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) on growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine effects of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) on the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus).

METHODS

Different concentrations of PABA (10(-10)-10(-3) g/L) were separately transferred to the modified Carlsson medium. L. acidophilus (ATCC4356) grew in these Carlsson media. All cultures were incubated at 37 degrees C anaerobically in atmosphere of 80% of nitrogen, 10% of hydrogen, and 10% of carbon dioxide for 48 hours. Absorbance values (lambda = 540 nm) of bacterial suspensions were measured using a spectrometer (UV-1601). Colony forming units (CFU) were obtained by growing L. acidophilus in Carlsson media with different concentration of PABA (10(-10)-10(-3) g/L).

RESULTS

Different concentrations of PABA (10(-10)-10(-4) g/L) had different stimulating effects on the growth of L. acidophilus (P < 0.05). But stimulating effects declined, when PABA concentration was 10(-5) g/L, and when the concentration of PABA reached 10(-3) g/L, the stimulating effect disappeared.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates PABA stimulates the growth of L. acidophilus, and PABA can promote growth of L. acidophilus.

Earliest presence of humans in northeast Asia

The timing of the earliest habitation and oldest stone technologies in different regions of the world remains a contentious topic in the study of human evolution. Here we contribute to this debate with detailed magnetostratigraphic results on two exposed parallel sections of lacustrine sediments at Xiaochangliang in the Nihewan Basin, north China; these results place stringent controls on the age of Palaeolithic stone artifacts that were originally reported over two decades ago. Our palaeomagnetic findings indicate that the artifact layer resides in a reverse polarity magnetozone bounded by the Olduvai and Jaramillo subchrons. Coupled with an estimated rate of sedimentation, these findings constrain the layer's age to roughly 1.36 million years ago. This result represents the age of the oldest known stone assemblage comprising recognizable types of Palaeolithic tool in east Asia, and the earliest definite occupation in this region as far north as 40 degrees N.

Viral interleukin 6 stimulates human peripheral blood B cells that are unresponsive to human interleukin 6

Cellular responsiveness to human interleukin 6 (hIL6) requires the expression of two receptor molecules: IL6-specific receptor (CD126'IL6R') and a nonspecific signal-transducing molecule (CD130'gp130'). Regulation of responsiveness to hIL6 is generally controlled by CD126'IL6R' expression. A viral homologue of hIL6 (vIL6) is encoded by human herpesvirus-8 and has biologic activity similar to hIL6 on a number of cell lines. vIL6 differs from hIL6 in its receptor utilization, requiring only CD130'gp130'. Total human B cells isolated from peripheral blood, which are predominantly CD126'IL6R'-negative, as well as sorted CD126'IL6R'-negative B cells, could be stimulated by recombinant vIL6, but not by hIL6, as indicated by induction of IL6-like signaling (STAT3 phosphorylation). This suggests that the ability of vIL6 to stimulate B cells expressing little or no CD126'IL6R' allows it to act on a larger pool of target B cells, compared to human IL6.

[Effect of para-aminobenzoic acid on the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) on the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite (S-HA).

METHODS

The adhesion model in vitro established by Gibbons was adopted in this study to quantify adsorptive cells through [3H] thymidine labelling.

RESULTS

PABA solution over a range of concentration from 10(-9) to 10(-3) g/L could inhibit the attachment of S. mutans to S-HA effectively, and the inhibition declined when the concentration of PABA solution was 10(-3) g/L.

CONCLUSION

PABA can inhibit the adherence of Streptococcus mutans to S-HA effectively.

The Chk1-Cdc25C regulation is involved in sensitizing A253 cells to a novel topoisomerase I inhibitor BNP1350 by bax gene transfer

Promotion of apoptosis may potentiate the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents, thus improving the efficacy of cancer treatment. The transfection of the proapoptotic bax gene, which results in the overexpression of bax protein, augments the growth inhibition of A253 cells by BNP1350. Increased drug response was associated with the induction of DNA fragmentation in the size of 30-200 Kb, generating a cleaved fragment of 18 kDa from full-length 21 kDa bax and the cleavage of PARP. A253/vec cells treated with 0.07 microM(IC50) of BNP1350 accumulated in G2 phase at 24 h after drug removal. In contrast, A253/Bax cells treated with an equimolar concentration of BNP1350 primarily displayed a G1 phase accumulation with a concurrent decrease in G2 phase. Certain cell cycle regulatory protein expression and activities were altered following drug exposure in both cell lines under similar conditions. Cdk2- and cdc2-associated H1 kinase activities were markedly increased in the A253/Bax cell line with marginal increased activity in the A253/vec cell line. A chk1 activity assay was performed with GST-cdc25C (200-256) or GST-cdc25C(S216A) (200-256) fusion proteins as the substrate. Increased chk1 activity was observed in the A253/vec cell line, with little change in the A253/Bax cell line, when exposed to equimolar concentrations of BNP1350 (0.07 microM). A Western blot of immunoprecipitated chk1 indicated that increased chk1 phosphorylation following DNA damage induced by BNP1350 was accompanied by the observed G2 accumulation in the A253/vec cell line, while only a slight increase in chk1 phosphorylation was seen in the A253/Bax cell line. A decreased expression of cdc25C was observed in the BNP1350-treated A253/Bax cells, but not in the A253/vec cell line. Following exposure to BNP1350, increased binding of 14-3-3 proteins to chk1 occurred in both cell lines, with more being observed in the A253/vec cell line. The data have shown that inhibition of the chk1 pathway accompanied by the abrogation of G2 arrest is involved in sensitizing A253 cells to BNP1350 by bax gene transfer. These findings suggest that bax gene transfer sensitizes A253 cells to BNP1350 through apoptosis promoting and G2/M DNA damage checkpoint regulatory pathways.

Fluorescence produced by transfection reagents can be confused with green fluorescent proteins in mammalian cells

The Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter system is a convenient way to monitor gene expression and other cellular functions in mammalian cells. To study gene expression, a GFP-fusion plasmid construct is often transfected into mammalian cells using a variety of methods including calcium phosphate- and liposome-based DNA transfer. Subsequently, the expression of GFP-fusion protein is monitored by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry. Here, we report that certain transfection reagents can produce fluorescence that can be detected in a wide range of wavelengths, which can be confused with GFP-fusion protein. The fluorescence false positives can be a problem, particularly when the GFP expression levels are low. To improve the GFP-based detection or screening methods, it is imperative to include an appropriate negative control and to detect GFP using a narrow-wavelength emission filter corresponding to the emission spectrum around the GFP peak.

Angiogenesis in breast cancer: the role of transforming growth factor beta and CD105

The progression of breast cancer depends on the establishment of a neovasculature, by a process called angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is an invasive cellular event that requires the co-ordination of numerous molecules including growth factors and their receptors, extracellular proteins, adhesion molecules, and proteolytic enzymes. TGFbeta has emerged to be a major modulator of angiogenesis by regulating endothelial cell proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, and the expression of adhesion molecules. It is a potent growth inhibitor of normal mammary epithelial cells and a number of breast cancer cell lines. It seems that TGFbeta exerts pleiotropic effects in the oncogenesis of breast cancers in a contextual manner, i.e., it suppresses tumourigenesis at an early stage by direct inhibition of angiogenesis and tumour cell growth. However, over-production of TGFbeta by an advanced tumour may accelerate disease progression through indirect stimulation of angiogenesis and immune suppression. The cell membrane antigen CD105 (endoglin) binds TGFbeta1 and TGFbeta3 and is preferentially expressed in angiogenic vascular endothelial cells. The reduction of CD105 levels in HUVEC leads to in vitro angiogenesis inhibition and massive cell mortality in the presence of TGFbeta1. CD105 null mice die in utero with impaired vasculature, indicating the pivotal role of CD105 in vascular development. The administration of an immunotoxin-conjugate, mab to CD105, induces long-term and complete regression of breast cancer growth in SCID mice. Therefore, CD105 is a promising vascular target for antiangiogenic therapy.

[The development and application of HP-I closed thoracic cavity drainer]

The closed thoracic cavity drainer is equipped with a general standard infusion bottle as the drainage bottle, which can be easily supplied by all hospitals. Therefore, the new drainer is a very practical, cheap medical device of easy operation.

Cloning and characterization of Chinese hamster homologue of yeast DBF4 (ChDBF4)

The Dbf4 protein is the regulatory subunit of Cdc7 serine/threonine kinase, which is essential for entry into S phase. We report here the cloning and initial characterization of the Chinese hamster homologue of yeast DBF4. The deduced ChDbf4 protein contains 676 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 75.8 kDa, and shares extensive identity overall with those of human (68%) and mouse (73%). The ChDBF4 mRNA level was barely detectable in the cells arrested in the quiescent stage (G(0)) by isoleucine starvation. When cells in G(0) were released into the cell cycle, the ChDBF4 mRNA level did not significantly change until the cells reached the G(1)/S boundary, when the level rapidly increased and reached approximately 70% of the maximum level that was observed in mid to late S phase. Interestingly, gamma-irradiation rapidly and transiently downregulated the level of ChDBF4 mRNA in asynchronous cell populations. Since Dbf4-Cdc7 kinase is involved in the regulation of replication initiation, which can be transiently downregulated by irradiation (Larner et al., 1994. Mol. Cell. Biol. 14, 1901, our data raise the possibility that the downregulation of DBF4 (and, thus, the Cdc7 kinase activity) by irradiation may play a role in the cell-cycle checkpoint that functions at the G(1)/S transition and in S phase (Lee et al., 1997. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94, 526).

Angiogenesis in breast cancer: the role of transforming growth factor beta and CD105

The progression of breast cancer depends on the establishment of a neovasculature, by a process called angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is an invasive cellular event that requires the co-ordination of numerous molecules including growth factors and their receptors, extracellular proteins, adhesion molecules, and proteolytic enzymes. TGFbeta has emerged to be a major modulator of angiogenesis by regulating endothelial cell proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, and the expression of adhesion molecules. It is a potent growth inhibitor of normal mammary epithelial cells and a number of breast cancer cell lines. It seems that TGFbeta exerts pleiotropic effects in the oncogenesis of breast cancers in a contextual manner, i.e., it suppresses tumourigenesis at an early stage by direct inhibition of angiogenesis and tumour cell growth. However, over-production of TGFbeta by an advanced tumour may accelerate disease progression through indirect stimulation of angiogenesis and immune suppression. The cell membrane antigen CD105 (endoglin) binds TGFbeta1 and TGFbeta3 and is preferentially expressed in angiogenic vascular endothelial cells. The reduction of CD105 levels in HUVEC leads to in vitro angiogenesis inhibition and massive cell mortality in the presence of TGFbeta1. CD105 null mice die in utero with impaired vasculature, indicating the pivotal role of CD105 in vascular development. The administration of an immunotoxin-conjugate, mab to CD105, induces long-term and complete regression of breast cancer growth in SCID mice. Therefore, CD105 is a promising vascular target for antiangiogenic therapy.

Bcl-G, a novel pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family

A new member of the Bcl-2 family was identified, Bcl-G. The human BCL-G gene consists of 6 exons, resides on chromosome 12p12, and encodes two proteins through alternative mRNA splicing, Bcl-G(L) (long) and Bcl-G(S) (short) consisting of 327 and 252 amino acids in length, respectively. Bcl-G(L) and Bcl-G(S) have identical sequences for the first 226 amino acids but diverge thereafter. Among the Bcl-2 homology (BH) domains previously recognized in Bcl-2 family proteins, the BH3 domain is found in both Bcl-G(L) and Bcl-G(S), but only the longer Bcl-G(L) protein possesses a BH2 domain. Bcl-G(L) mRNA is expressed widely in adult human tissues, whereas Bcl-G(S) mRNA was found only in testis. Overexpression of Bcl-G(L) or Bcl-G(S) in cells induced apoptosis although Bcl-G(S) was far more potent than Bcl-G(L). Apoptosis induction by Bcl-G(S) depended on the BH3 domain and was suppressed by coexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-X(L) protein. Bcl-X(L) also coimmunoprecipitated with Bcl-G(S) but not with mutants of Bcl-G(S) in which the BH3 domain was deleted or mutated or with Bcl-G(L). Bcl-G(S) was predominantly localized to cytosolic organelles, whereas Bcl-G(L) was diffusely distributed throughout the cytosol. A mutant of Bcl-G(L) in which the BH2 domain was deleted displayed increased apoptotic activity and coimmunoprecipitated with Bcl-X(L), suggesting that the BH2 domain autorepresses Bcl-G(L).

Simulation of biomass gasification with a hybrid neural network model

Gasification of several types of biomass has been conducted in a fluidized bed gasifier at atmospheric pressure with steam as the fluidizing medium. In order to obtain the gasification profiles for each type of biomass, an artificial neural network model has been developed to simulate this gasification processes. Model-predicted gas production rates in this biomass gasification processes were consistent with the experimental data. Therefore, the gasification profiles generated by neural networks are considered to have properly reflected the real gasification process of a biomass. Gasification profiles identified by neural network suggest that gasification behavior of arboreal types of biomass is significantly different from that of herbaceous ones.

CD2-mediated IL-12-dependent signals render human gamma delta-T cells resistant to mitogen-induced apoptosis, permitting the large-scale ex vivo expansion of functionally distinct lymphocytes: implications for the development of adoptive immunotherapy strategies

The ability of human gamma delta-T cells to mediate a number of in vitro functions, including innate antitumor and antiviral activity, suggests these cells can be exploited in selected examples of adoptive immunotherapy. To date, however, studies to examine such issues on a clinical scale have not been possible, owing in large measure to the difficulty of obtaining sufficient numbers of viable human gamma delta-T cells given their relative infrequency in readily available tissues. Standard methods used to expand human T cells often use a combination of mitogens, such as anti-T-cell receptor antibody OKT3 and interleukin (IL)-2. These stimuli, though promoting the expansion of alpha beta-T cells, usually do not promote the efficient expansion of gamma delta-T cells. CD2-mediated, IL-12-dependent signals that result in the selective expansion of human gamma delta-T cells from cultures of mitogen-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells are identified. It is first established that human gamma delta-T cells are exquisitely sensitive to apoptosis induced by T-cell mitogens OKT3 and IL-2. Next it is shown that the CD2-mediated IL-12-dependent signals, which lead to the expansion of gamma delta-T cells, do so by selectively protecting subsets of human gamma delta-T cells from mitogen-induced apoptosis. Finally, it is demonstrated that apoptosis-resistant gamma delta-T cells are capable of mediating significant antitumor cytotoxicity against a panel of human-derived tumor cell lines in vitro. Both the biologic and the practical implications of induced resistance to apoptosis in gamma delta-T cells are considered and discussed because these findings may play a role in the development of new forms of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. (Blood. 2000;96:3827-3837)

Improving the performance of MALDI-TOF in oligonucleotide analysis using a new SDIFA technology

A new technology termed SDIFA is developed to improve the mass resolution of linear matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry in oligonucleotide analysis. Unlike the currently used delayed extraction method, SDIFA allows electrical isolation of the sample holder from ion extraction/acceleration and selectively samples part of the desorbed ions, thereby reducing the initial velocity distribution and improving resolution. In addition, a method was introduced to improve the space focusing of TOF. Isotope-limited mass resolution was obtained for oligonucleotides of up to 62 mer, and the true instrumental resolution reaches to 1,800 at 19.2 kDa. It was also demonstrated that excellent resolution was obtained across a large mass range using a single setting of acquisition parameters. This feature allows unambiguous identification of multiple A/T heterozygote samples in a mass range of 5,200-7,800 Da. Moreover, compared with DE, the performance of SDIFA was more stable, reproducible, and less dependent on the experimental conditions including the laser power, sample spots, sample substrates, delayed time, and extraction field strength. This enhanced ease of data acquisition is the key to automated spectrum acquisition.

A Saccharomyces gene family involved in invasive growth, cell-cell adhesion, and mating

The cell wall of bakers' yeast contains a family of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked glycoproteins of domain structure similar to the adhesins of pathogenic fungi. In wild-type cells each of these proteins has a unique function in different developmental processes (mating, invasive growth, cell-cell adhesion, or filamentation). What unifies these developmental events is adhesion, either to an inert substrate or to a cell. Although they differ in their specificities, many of these proteins can substitute for each other when overexpressed. For example, Flo11p is required during vegetative growth for haploid invasion and diploid filamentation, whereas Fig2p is required for mating. When overexpressed, Flo11p and Fig2p can function in mating, invasion, filamentation, and flocculation. The ability of Flo11p to supply Fig2p function in mating depends on its intracellular localization to the mating projection, where Fig2p normally functions in the adhesion of mating cells. Our data show that even distant family members retain the ability to carry out disparate functions if localized and expressed appropriately.

[A comparative study on the capacities of different strains of Streptococcus sanguis for P-aminobenzoic acid production]

This study was intended to compare the capacities of different strains of Strep, sanguis for P-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) production. The synthesis of PABA during the growth of four strains of Strep. sanguis was measured by the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method. The results showed that the concentrations of PABA synthesized by S. sanguis 10556, S. sanguis 10557, S. sanguis S34 and S. sanguis H7-4. Were 1.979 +/- 0.081 micrograms/ml, 1.383 +/- 0.193 micrograms/ml, 1.983 +/- 0.052 micrograms/ml and 1.032 +/- 0.229 micrograms/ml, respectively, and in term of PABA concentration, S. sanguis 10556 was significantly different from S. sanguis 10557 and S. sanguis H7-4; S. sanguis S34 was significantly different from S. sanguis 10557 and S. sanguis H7-4. No significant difference was found between S. sanguis 10556 and S. sanguis S34, nor between S. sanguis 10557 and S. sanguis H7-4, either. In conclusion, the method is simple, rapid and accurate. S. sanguis did synthesize PABA, and the difference in ability for PABA formation existed among the four strains of S. sanguis. This study is helpful to researches on the symbiosis between S. sanguis and S. muntans and to determination of their role in the microbial homeostasis of dental plaque.

Engagement of the human pre-B cell receptor generates a lipid raft-dependent calcium signaling complex

Pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR) expression is critical for B lineage development. The signaling events initiated by the pre-BCR, however, remain poorly defined. We demonstrate that lipid rafts are the major functional compartment for human pre-B cell activation. A fraction of pre-BCR was constitutively raft associated, and receptor engagement enhanced this association. These events promoted Lyn activation and Igbeta phosphorylation and led to the generation of a raft-associated signaling module composed of tyrosine phosphorylated Lyn, Syk, BLNK, PI3K, Btk, VAV, and PLCgamma2. Formation of this module was essential for pre-BCR calcium signaling. Together, these observations directly link the previously identified genetic requirement for the components of this module in B lineage development with theirfunctional role(s) in human preBCR signaling.

Structural effects on polyether cationization by alkali metal ions in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization

Structural effects on polyether cationization in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) are investigated using three different polyethers: PEG (polyethylene glycol), PPG (polypropylene glycol), and PTHF (polytetrahydrofuran). This study was performed using equimolar cesium and lithium chlorides as the cationizing agent. It was observed that the polyether structure variation led to a substantial change in polyether selectivity for alkali metal ion complexation. Moreover, it was found that like PEG, PPG displays a different selectivity for Cs+ and Li+ with different matrices. Discussion of these results and their implication in MALDI are given.

Groucho/TLE/R-esp proteins associate with the nuclear matrix and repress RUNX (CBF(alpha)/AML/PEBP2(alpha)) dependent activation of tissue-specific gene transcription

The Runt related transcription factors RUNX (AML/CBF(alpha)/PEBP2(alpha)) are key regulators of hematopoiesis and osteogenesis. Using co-transfection experiments with four natural promoters, including those of the osteocalcin (OC), multi drug resistance (MDR), Rous Sarcoma Virus long terminal repeat (LTR), and bone sialoprotein (BSP) genes, we show that each of these promoters responds differently to the forced expression of RUNX proteins. However, the three RUNX subtypes (i.e. AML1, AML2, and AML3) regulate each promoter in a similar manner. Although the OC promoter is activated in a C terminus dependent manner, the MDR, LTR and BSP promoters are repressed by three distinct mechanisms, either independent of or involving the AML C terminus, or requiring only the conserved C-terminal pentapeptide VWRPY. Using yeast two hybrid assays we find that the C terminus of AML1 interacts with a Groucho/TLE/R-esp repressor protein. Co-expression assays reveal that TLE proteins repress AML dependent activation of OC gene transcription. Western and northern blot analyses suggest that TLE expression is regulated reciprocally with the levels of OC gene expression during osteoblast differentiation. Digital immunofluorescence microscopy results show that TLE1 and TLE2 are both associated with the nuclear matrix, and that a significant subset of each colocalizes with AML transcription factors. This co-localization of TLE and AML proteins is lost upon removing the C terminus of AML family members. Our findings indicate that suppression of AML-dependent gene activation by TLE proteins involves functional interactions with the C terminus of AML at the nuclear matrix in situ. Our data are consistent with the concept that the C termini of AML proteins support activation or repression of cell-type specific genes depending on the regulatory organization of the target promoter and subnuclear localization.

A new MALDI-TOF based mini-sequencing assay for genotyping of SNPS

A new MALDI-TOF based mini-sequencing assay termed VSET was developed for genotyping of SNPs. In this assay, specific fragments of genomic DNA containing the SNP site(s) are first amplified, followed by mini-sequencing in the presence of three ddNTPs and the fourth nucleotide in the deoxy form. In this way, the primer is extended by only one base from one allele, while it is typically extended by two bases from another allele. The products are then analyzed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The genotype of the SNP site is identified based on the number of nucleotides added. This assay has been examined using both synthetic and genomic DNA samples. In addition, multiplexed assays were successfully performed to genotype four SNP sites in a single tube. The main aspect of this assay is that it can overcome the key problems associated with the currently used mini-sequencing methods. First, it significantly reduces the stringent high-resolution and extensive desalting requirements that are essential to the pinpoint assay. Second, it avoids the long extension problem associated with the PROBE assay.

Cytonic acids A and B: novel tridepside inhibitors of hCMV protease from the endophytic fungus Cytonaema species

Two novel human cytomegalovirus protease inhibitors, cytonic acids A (1) and B (2), have been isolated from the solid-state fermentation of the endophytic fungi Cytonaema sp. Their structures as p-tridepside isomers were elucidated by MS and NMR methods.

Plasma levels of soluble CD105 correlate with metastasis in patients with breast cancer

CD105 (endoglin), a receptor for transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 and beta3 in vascular endothelial cells, is highly up-regulated in blood vessels of tissues where neovascularisation occurs. It modulates endothelial-mesenchymal signalling and is essential for angiogenesis. Indeed, CD105 knock-out mice die from malvascularisation by 11.5 day p.c. In the present study CD105, TGFbeta1 and CD105/TGFbeta1 complexes were quantified in plasma samples from 77 healthy individuals and 92 patients with early stage breast cancer prior to any treatment. When compared with normal controls, both CD105 and CD105/TGFbeta1 complex levels were significantly elevated in breast cancer patients, whereas TGFbeta1 levels were lower in cancer patients. The most important finding to emerge was that CD105 levels were significantly increased in patients who developed distant metastasis compared with disease-free patients. While there was no significant difference between CD105 levels in controls compared to disease-free patients, it was significantly higher in patients with metastatic disease. Thus patients who had died following local relapse or distant metastases possessed the highest levels of CD105. Neither CD105/TGFbeta1 complex nor TGFbeta1 levels correlated with tumour progression. Our data indicate that CD105 might be a valuable novel angiogenic marker for identifying breast cancer patients who are at high risk of developing metastasis.

Plasma levels of soluble CD105 correlate with metastasis in patients with breast cancer

CD105 (endoglin), a receptor for transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 and beta3 in vascular endothelial cells, is highly up-regulated in blood vessels of tissues where neovascularisation occurs. It modulates endothelial-mesenchymal signalling and is essential for angiogenesis. Indeed, CD105 knock-out mice die from malvascularisation by 11.5 day p.c. In the present study CD105, TGFbeta1 and CD105/TGFbeta1 complexes were quantified in plasma samples from 77 healthy individuals and 92 patients with early stage breast cancer prior to any treatment. When compared with normal controls, both CD105 and CD105/TGFbeta1 complex levels were significantly elevated in breast cancer patients, whereas TGFbeta1 levels were lower in cancer patients. The most important finding to emerge was that CD105 levels were significantly increased in patients who developed distant metastasis compared with disease-free patients. While there was no significant difference between CD105 levels in controls compared to disease-free patients, it was significantly higher in patients with metastatic disease. Thus patients who had died following local relapse or distant metastases possessed the highest levels of CD105. Neither CD105/TGFbeta1 complex nor TGFbeta1 levels correlated with tumour progression. Our data indicate that CD105 might be a valuable novel angiogenic marker for identifying breast cancer patients who are at high risk of developing metastasis.

Characterization of protein kinase chk1 essential for the cell cycle checkpoint after exposure of human head and neck carcinoma A253 cells to a novel topoisomerase I inhibitor BNP1350

Cellular topoisomerase I is an important target in cancer chemotherapy. A novel karenitecin, BNP1350, is a topoisomerase I-targeting anticancer agent with significant antitumor activity against human head and neck carcinoma A253 cells in vitro. As a basis for future clinical trials of BNP1350 in human head and neck carcinoma, in vitro studies were carried out to investigate its effect on DNA damage and cell cycle checkpoint response. The treatment of A253 cells with BNP1350 caused biphasic profiles of DNA fragmentation displayed from 0 to 48 h after 2-h exposure. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the first wave of DNA damage was mainly megabase DNA fragmentation, but the second wave of DNA damage was 50- to 300-kb DNA fragmentation in addition to megabase DNA damage. The cell cycle checkpoint response was characterized after exposure to 0.07 and 0.7 microM concentrations of BNP1350, the IC(50) and IC(90) values, respectively. After exposure to a low concentration of BNP1350 (IC(50)), A253 cells accumulated primarily in G(2) phase. In contrast, treatment with a high concentration of BNP1350 (IC(90)) resulted in S phase accumulation. The concentration-associated cell cycle perturbation by BNP1350 was correlated with different profiles of cell cycle-regulatory protein expression. When treated with the low concentration of BNP1350, cyclin B/cdc2 protein expression was up-regulated, whereas with the high concentration, no significant change was observed at 24 and 48 h. In addition, increased phosphorylation of a G(2) checkpoint kinase chk1 was observed when cells were treated with a low concentration of BNP1350, whereas only slight inhibition of chk1 activity was found in the cells treated with the higher concentration. Altered chk1 phosphorylation after DNA damage appears to be associated with specific phases of cell cycle arrest induced by BNP1350. Because A253 cells do not express the p53 protein, the drug-induced alterations of the G(2) checkpoint kinase chk1 are not p53-dependent.

Fractionation and analysis of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. by affinity chromatography with human serum albumin as stationary phase

A method for the screening and analysis of biologically active compounds in traditional Chinese medicine is proposed. Affinity chromatography using a human serum albumin (HSA) stationary phase was applied to separate and analyze the bioactive compounds from Artemisia capillaris Thunb. Five major peaks and several minor peaks were resolved based on their affinity to HSA, two of them were identified as scoparone (SCO, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) and capillarisin (CAP). CAP shows a much higher affinity to HSA than SCO. The effects of acetonitrile concentration, eluent pH, phosphate concentration and temperature on the retention behaviors of several major active components were also investigated, and it was found that hydrophobicity and eluent pH play major roles in changing retention values. The results demonstrate that the affinity chromatography with a HSA stationary phase is an effective way for analyzing and screening biologically active compounds in traditional Chinese medicine.