Generation and regulation of developing immortalized neural cell lines

The genetic and environmental signals that regulate progressive lineage elaboration in the mammalian brain are poorly understood. In addition, characterization of the developmental profiles of early central nervous system (CNS) stem/ progenitor cells and analysis of the mechanisms involved in their clonal expansion, lineage restriction, and cellular maturation have been fragmentary and elusive. These seminal neurodevelopmental issues have been examined using a series of clonally derived neural stem/progenitor cell lines established by retroviral transduction of embryonic (E16.5-E17.5) murine hippocampal and cerebellar cells using temperature-sensitive alleles (A58/U19) of the simian virus (SV) 40 large tumor (T) antigen. Under conditions permissive for T-antigen expression (33 degrees C), single neural stem cells exhibited self-renewal, clonal expansion, and both symmetric and asymmetric modes of cell division. By contrast, at the nonpermissive temperature for T-antigen expression (39 degrees C), specific sets of cytokines potentiated the progressive elaboration of neuronal, oligodendroglial, and astroglial lineage species. These observations demonstrate that a spectrum of genetic and epigenetic signals and distinct cellular processes are involved in orchestrating the evolution of individual neural lineages from regional CNS stem/progenitor species. Further, the availability of conditionally immortalized neural cell lines that can be transplanted back into the mammalian brain may represent an important experimental resource for the detailed characterization of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the developmental sculpting, plasticity, and regeneration of the mammalian CNS.

Alterations in ultraspiracle (USP) content and phosphorylation state accompany feedback regulation of ecdysone synthesis in the insect prothoracic gland

Insect molting and metamorphosis are elicited by a class of ecdysteroids, mainly 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), the precursor of which is synthesized in the prothoracic gland. 20E acts via the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and its heterodimer partner ultraspiracle (USP). Analysis of the prothoracic gland of Manduca sexta revealed that the developmental expression and phosphorylation of a specific USP form, p47, is positively correlated with ecdysteroidogenesis and that 20E, but not ecdysone, is responsible for initiating the translational expression and phosphorylation of p47. The latter forms a functional complex with EcR and the ligand-complex interaction results in the down regulation of ecdysteroidogenesis and the inhibition of prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH)-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis. The composite data suggest that USP plays a key role in modulating PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroid biosynthesis through the selective expression and phosphorylation of the p47 USP isoform.

Synthesis and characterization of bay region halohydrins derived from Benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide and their role as intermediates in halide-catalyzed cis adduct formation

The bay region epoxide of benzo[a]pyrene (anti-BPDE) alkylates DNA to form adducts with >98% trans stereochemistry. Halide ions catalyze this reaction; however, this pathway is characterized by the formation of adducts with altered cis stereochemistry. Bay region halohydrins are possible intermediates in these reactions, but are too unstable to be isolated from aqueous solutions. However, we successfully synthesized halohydrins in tetrahydrofuran (THF) by treatment of anti-BPDE with the corresponding lithium halide salt in the presence of acetic acid. Absorbance and CD spectroscopy clearly indicated the formation of chloro-, bromo-, and iodohydrins. The structure and stereochemistry of the chlorohydrin was established by NMR. Chloride addition is exclusively at the benzylic position of the epoxide, and the stereochemistry of the C-9 and -10 positions is trans. The long-wavelength absorbance band in the chloro-, bromo-, and iodohydrin is red-shifted 7, 13, and 22 nm, respectively, relative to the hydrolysis product of anti-BPDE. The ellipticity of the same absorbance band in CD spectra of enantiomerically pure halohydrins is opposite in sign compared to that of the corresponding anti-BPDE enantiomer. The relative stability of these derivatives is chlorohydrin > bromohydrin > iodohydrin. The chloro- and bromohydrins were isolated, but the iodohydrin decomposed during this manipulation. The addition of 500 mM chloride decreased the hydrolysis rate of the chlorohydrin 4-fold in 50% THF/buffer. Direct evidence for the transient formation of the iodohydrin in aqueous buffer/acetone mixtures was obtained by absorbance spectroscopy. At 1 M chloride, bromide, and iodide, alkylation of deoxyadenosine by anti-BPDE in aqueous buffer yields 85, 91, and 92% cis adducts, respectively. In the absence of halide, alkylation of deoxyadenosine in buffer by anti-BPDE, the chlorohydrin, and the bromohydrin yields 32, 65, and 83% cis adducts, respectively.

Resistance to etoposide-induced apoptosis in a Burkitt's lymphoma cell line

Burkitt's lymphoma cells that vary in their phenotypic characteristics show significantly different degrees of susceptibility to radiation-induced apoptosis. Propensity to undergo apoptosis is reflected in the degradation of substrates such as DNA-dependent protein kinase but the status of bcl-2, c-myc and p53 has been uninformative. In this study, we have focused on 2 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated Burkitt's cell lines, one (WW2) susceptible and the other (BL29) resistant to etoposide-induced apoptosis. Differences in expression of BHRF1, an EBV gene that is homologous to the Bcl-2 proto-oncogene and known to inhibit apoptosis, or changes in apoptosis inhibitory proteins (IAPs), did not appear to account for the difference in susceptibility in the 2 cell lines. Cytoplasmic extracts from etoposide-treated WW2 cells caused apoptotic changes in nuclei isolated from either BL29 or WW2 cells, whereas extracts from BL29 cells failed to do so. In addition, extracts from etoposide-treated WW2 cells degraded the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), an important indicator of apoptosis, but this protein was resistant to degradation by BL29 extracts. It appears likely that caspase 3 (CPP32) is involved in this degradation since it was activated only in the apoptosis susceptible cells and the pattern of cleavage of DNA-PKcs was similar to that reported previously with recombinant caspase 3. As observed previously, addition of caspase 3 to nuclei failed to induce morphological changes indicative of apoptosis, but addition of caspase 3 to nuclei in the presence of extract from the resistant cells led to apoptotic changes. We conclude that resistance to apoptosis in BL29 cells is due to a failure of etoposide to activate upstream effectors of caspase activity.

[Determination of total amount of acid in soda water by AAS]

A new indirect AAS method for the determination of the total amount of acid in soda water is investigated. After adding MgNH4PO4 reagent to sample solution to react with organic acid, the unreacted reagent subsides by using centrifuge and Mg is detected in solution by AAS. The content of acid is calculated in samples. The results agreed weel with those obtained by volumetric analysis. The relative standard deviations are less than 5.3% and the recoveries are between 91 and 104%.

[Animal experiment and clinical application of self-made mechanically detachable coils]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the practical and thrombogenetic characteristics of self-made mechanically detachable coils by the animal experiment and primary clinical application.

METHOD

The bifurcation type of aneurysm model was established on rabbit and embolized with self-made mechanically detachable coils 2 weeks after surgery. 24 coils were used in 5 experimental aneurysms. Control angiography was performed and the rabbits were sacrificed 2 - 3 weeks after the embolization. The embolized aneurysm samples were examined by pathologist. Ten patients were treated with self-made mechanically detachable coils in primary clinical application. They were divided into aneurysms (7 patients), traumatic carotid-carvenous fistulas (2), dural arterio-venous fistula in carvenous sinus region (1). 146 coils were used totally and all were delivered with mechanical detachable system (MDS Balt co. France).

RESULT

Pathologically, the cavities of rabbit aneurysm models were occluded by tungsten coils (2 complete, 3 almost complete). The coils were trapped in granulation tissue which was covered by a thin layer of endothelium on the surface facing the blood flow. In the coils dense packing ones, the aneurysms were completely excluded from the parent circulation by neointimal layers. In the practice procedures, the coils fit MDS (Balt co. France) very well and can be delivered, withdrew and detached smoothly.

CONCLUSION

The self-made mechanically detachable coils have practical reliability and evident thrombogenetic effects.

[Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with GDC: report of 8 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usefulness and practical experience in intracranial aneurysm embolization with guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) applied firstly in China.

METHOD

Under general anesthesia and systematic anticoagulation, eight cases of intracranial aneurysms were embolized with GDC which was introduced by tracker micro-catheter, combined remodeling technique (RT) if necessary.

RESULT

100% occlusion was achieved in 5 cases, 95% in 2 and 90% in 1, without any complication. Among these cases, 4 failed in the previous attempts of endovascular treatment with mechanical detachable system (MDS), because MDS could not be safely and totally placed inside the aneurysms and Mag 3F/2F micro-catheter could not be navigated into the aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

Embolization of intracranial aneurysms with GDC is safe, effective and reliable, and it may offer the cure opportunity to those enearysms which are very dangerous to embolize or can not be embolized with MDS.

[Interventional endovascular therapeutic modalities of giant intracranial aneurysm]

OBJECTIVE

To treat 28 cases of intracranial giant aneurysms in the last 7 years and study the therapeutic methods and their effectiveness on this disease.

METHOD

The cases of giant aneurysms were divided into several groups. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods were compared. The main modality of endovascular therapy was to use balloon to occlude the parent artery.

RESULT

In the 16 cases treated by the proximal balloon occlusion, 13 were cured angiographically with complete obliteration of the aneurysmal sac and in 4 of them the aneurysms disappeared both on CT and MRI. No deterioration after operation was encountered with the exception of 2 deaths.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular therapy can cure the intracranial aneurysms which were difficulty treated by direct open operation.

[Study on the antimutagenicity of curcumin]

Curcumin is a coloring additive used in food, which has many biological functions. In order to provide basic information on its anticarcinogenicity, the antimutagenicity of curcumin was determined by Ames test and micronuclei test. The results indicated that curcumin (60-250 micrograms/plate) inhibited the revert mutant induced by 2, 7-diaminofluorene (2AF) with S-9 in TA98 and in TA100. The inhibitory rates are 29.5%-55.9% and 37.5%-59.1% respectively. Before the injection of cyclophosphamide (CP), mice were given with curcumin (60, 120, and 240 mg/kg) orally once a day for a week. The results revealed that curcumin reduced the micronuclei formation induced by CP. The inhibitory rates of curcumin are 43.7%, 56.9%, and 63.9% respectively, which are different from that of the positive control significantly.

A new approach to oligonucleotide synthesis in solution

A new approach to the synthesis of oligonucleotides and their phosphorothioate analogues in solution has been developed; it is based on H-phosphonate coupling and in situ sulfur-transfer.

Development of bone morphogenetic protein receptors in the nervous system and possible roles in regulating trkC expression

Characterization of bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) expression during development is necessary for understanding the role of these factors during neural maturation. In this study, in situ hybridization analyses demonstrate that BMP-specific type I (BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB) and type II (BMPR-II) receptor mRNAs are expressed at significant levels in multiple regions of the CNS, cranial ganglia, and peripheral sensory and autonomic ganglia during the embryonic and neonatal periods. All three BMP receptor subunits are expressed within periventricular generative zones. BMPR-IA is more abundant than the other receptor subtypes, with widespread expression in the brain, cranial ganglia, and peripheral ganglia. By contrast, BMPR-IB mRNA displays significant expression within more restricted regions, including the anterior olfactory nuclei. BMPR-II mRNA exhibits peak expression within the cerebellar Purkinje cell layer and the hippocampus, as well as within cranial ganglia. The distribution of BMP receptors within large neurons in adult dorsal root ganglia suggested a possible role in regulating expression of the neurotrophin receptor trkC. This hypothesis was tested in explant cultures of embryonic day 15 (E15) and postnatal day 1 (P1) sympathetic superior cervical ganglia (SCG). Treatment of the E15 or the P1 SCG with BMP-2 induced expression of trkC mRNA and responsiveness of sympathetic neurons to NT3 as measured by neurite outgrowth. The pattern of expression of BMP receptors in embryonic brain suggests several potentially novel areas for further developmental analysis and supports numerous recent studies that indicate that BMPs have a broad range of cellular functions during neural development and in adult life.

Bone morphogenetic proteins induce apoptosis and growth factor dependence of cultured sympathoadrenal progenitor cells

Neuron numbers in developing vertebrate organisms are regulated by the availability of growth factors which promote their survival. However, neuron survival may also be regulated by growth factors which promote rather than prevent cell death. This study examined the effects of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in inducing apoptosis of MAH cells, an immortalized sympathoadrenal progenitor cell line. Treatment of MAH cells with BMP2 or BMP4 killed the cells in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, treatment with BMP7 or TGFbeta1 failed to affect survival, suggesting that induction of apoptosis is specific to the dpp subgroup of BMPs. Survival after treatment with BMP2 or BMP4 required addition of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), indicating that BMP treatment made the neurons dependent upon an exogenous factor for survival. Several experimental observations suggested an apoptotic mechanism for BMP-induced death. After BMP2 treatment, the cells progressively shrank and became pyknotic. Further, there was prominent endonucleosomic cleavage of DNA (laddering) as well as TUNEL staining. Moreover, BMP-induced death was inhibited by the caspase inhibitor z-VAD and was partially prevented by the endonuclease inhibitor aurintricarboxylic acid. These observations suggest that neuron numbers may be regulated by factors which promote death and that exposure to such factors may be a signal for the development of dependence upon other growth factors for survival.

[Influence of prepregnancy weight and maternal weight gain on pregnancy outcome]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of weight before pregnancy and maternal weight gain on pregnancy outcome.

METHODS

Body wight index (BWI) was calculated before pregnancy and maternal weight gain and pregnancy outcomes were followed up in 2,584 primipara with singleton births.

RESULTS

Compared with normal weight women, the prevalences of pregnancy induced hypertension, operative deliveries and high birth weight infants were significantly higher in women with heavy weight, and prevalence of low birth weight infants was significantly higher in women with lower weight.

CONCLUSION

Prepregnancy weight and weight gain during pregnancy have direct impact on birth weight of the baby and maternal complications.

The radiosensitive cell line 180BR is not defective in the major DNA damage-sensing proteins

The fibroblast culture 180BR, established from a patient showing an adverse response to radiotherapy, has been shown previously to be hypersensitive to ionizing radiation and to be defective in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. We demonstrate here that the products of the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) and its regulatory subunits (Ku 70 and Ku 80) are present at normal levels and possess functional activity. The product of the gene mutated in the human genetic disorder ataxia-telangiectasia was also detected in these cells. Apoptosis was detected after high-dose ionizing radiation exposure, and this process was accompanied by specific degradation of DNA-PKcs, ATM, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Activation of CPP32, an interleukin 1beta converting enzyme-like protease implicated in apoptosis, was also observed in 180BR cells in response to radiation damage. The radiosensitivity observed in 180BR cells can be accounted for, at least in part, by radiation-induced apoptosis, and the defect in these cells is not a gross one in DNA-PKcs or ATM.

Directional control of planar human arm movement

We examined the patterns of joint kinematics and torques in two kinds of sagittal plane reaching movements. One consisted of movements from a fixed initial position with the arm partially outstretched, to different targets, equidistant from the initial position and located according to the hours of a clock. The other series added movements from different initial positions and directions and >40-80 cm distances. Dynamic muscle torque was calculated by inverse dynamic equations with the gravitational components removed. In making movements in almost every direction, the dynamic components of the muscle torques at both the elbow and shoulder were related almost linearly to each other. Both were similarly shaped, biphasic, almost synchronous and symmetrical pulses. These findings are consistent with our previously reported observations, which we termed a linear synergy. The relative scaling of the two joint torques changes continuously and regularly with movement direction. This was confirmed by calculating a vector defined by the dynamic components of the shoulder and elbow torques. The vector rotates smoothly about an ellipse in intrinsic, joint torque space as the direction of hand motion rotates about a circle in extrinsic Cartesian space. This confirms a second implication of linear synergy that the scaling constant between the linearly related joint torques is directionally dependent. Multiple linear regression showed that the torque at each joint scales as a simple linear function of the angular displacement at both joints, in spite of the complex nonlinear dynamics of multijoint movement. The coefficients of this function are independent of the initial arm position and movement distance and are the same for all subjects. This is an unanticipated finding. We discuss these observations in terms of the hypothesis that voluntary, multiple degrees of freedom, rapid reaching movements may use rule-based, feed-forward control of dynamic joint torque. Rule-based control of joint torque with separate dynamic and static controllers is an alternative to models such as those based on the equilibrium point hypotheses that rely on a positionally based controller to produce both dynamic and static torque components. It is also an alternative to feed-forward models that directly solve the problems of inverse dynamics. Our experimental findings are not necessarily incompatible with any of the alternative models, but they describe new, additional findings for which we need to account. The rules are chosen by the nervous system according to features of the kinematic task to couple muscle contraction at the shoulder and elbow in a linear synergy. Speed and load control preserves the relative magnitudes of the dynamic torques while directional control is accomplished by modulating them in a differential manner. This control system operates in parallel with a positional control system that solves the problems of postural stability.

An immunophilin is a component of the insect ecdysone receptor (EcR) complex

The ecdysone receptor (EcR) complex has been identified in the prothoracic gland of Manduca sexta by specific immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses, and includes EcR, ultraspiracle (USP) and FKBP46. The EcR complex binds ponasterone A in a dose-dependent manner with a Kd of 7.04 x 10(-9) M. Immunocytochemistry revealed that EcR, USP and FKBP46 were localized within the nucleus of the prothoracic gland cells, and suggested that the developmental expression patterns of EcR and USP changed in concert with the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer whereas that of FKBP46 did not. The composite results suggest that the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer, of which 20 hydroxyecdysone is the major component, modulates the expression of both EcR and USP in the prothoracic gland to achieve feedback regulation.

Fed-batch culture strategy for high yield of baker's yeast with high fermentative activity

Based on the determination of the operational conditions for batch culture and fed-batch culture of baker's yeast by process analysis and continuous culture, a correlation, which describes the relationship between fermentative activity (FA) and specific growth rate (mu), was obtained. Combining this correlation and the exponential fed-batch culture equation, a fed-batch culture strategy was developed to obtain high yield and high fermentative activity by controlling mu at different stages. The results showed that when the initial and residual sugar concentrations were controlled to be 15-30 g/L and 3-6 g/L, respectively, different stirring speeds were applied at different stages to provide optimal oxygen transfer conditions. When this proposed fed-batch culture strategy was used in a fed-batch culture, the yield of baker's yeast reached 0.432 g/g with high fermentative activity (1180 ml). Thus, the combined bed-batch culture of baker's yeast with high yield and high fermentative activity was realized.

Control of ecdysteroidogenesis: activation and inhibition of prothoracic gland activity

The ecdysteroid hormones, mainly 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), play a pivotal role in insect development by controlling gene expression involved in molting and metamorphosis. In the model insect Manduca sexta the production of ecdysteroids by the prothoracic gland is acutely controlled by a brain neurohormone, prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH). PTTH initiates a cascade of events that progresses from the influx of Ca2+ and cAMP generation through phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 and S6-dependent protein synthesis, and concludes with an increase in the synthesis and export of ecdysteroids from the gland. Recent studies indicate that S6 phosphorylation probably controls the steroidogenic effect of PTTH by gating the translation of selected mRNAs whose protein products are required for increased ecdysteroid synthesis. Inhibition of S6 phosphorylation prevents an increase in PTTH-stimulated protein synthesis and subsequent ecdysteroid synthesis. Two of the proteins whose translations are specifically stimulated by PTTH have been identified, one being a beta tubulin and the other a heat shock protein 70 family member. Current data suggest that these two proteins could be involved in supporting microtubule-dependent protein synthesis and ecdysone receptor assembly and/or function. Recent data also indicate that the 20E produced by the prothoracic gland feeds back upon the gland by increasing expression and phosphorylation of a specific USP isoform that is a constituent of the functional ecdysone receptor. Changes in the concentration and composition of the ecdysone receptor complex of the prothoracic gland could modulate the gland's potential for ecdysteroid synthesis (e.g. feedback inhibition) by controlling the levels of enzymes or other proteins in the ecdysteroid biosynthetic pathway.

Regulation of bradykinin B2-receptor expression by oestrogen

1. Tissue kallikrein is overexpressed in the kidney of female rats, this sexual dimorphism being associated with a greater effect of early blockade of bradykinin B2-receptors on female blood pressure phenotype. We evaluated the effect of ovariectomy and oestradiol benzoate (50 micrograms kg-1 every two days for two weeks) on the vasodepressor response to intra-arterial injection of bradykinin (150-900 ng kg-1) and on the expression of bradykinin B2-receptors. 2. Ovariectomy reduced the magnitude of the vasodepressor response to bradykinin and unmasked a secondary vasopressor effect. Oestrogen replacement restored the vasodepressor response to bradykinin in ovariectomized rats. 3. The vasodepressor responses to sodium nitroprusside (3-18 micrograms kg-1), acetylcholine (30-600 ng kg-1), desArg9-bradykinin (150-900 ng kg-1) or prostaglandin E2 (30-600 ng kg-1) were significantly reduced by ovariectomy. Oestrogen restored to normal the responses to desArg9-bradykinin, acetylcholine and prostaglandin E2, but not that to sodium nitroprusside. 4. B2-receptor mRNA levels were decreased by ovariectomy in the aorta and kidney and they were restored to normal levels by oestrogen. Neither ovariectomy nor oestradiol affected receptor expression in the heart and uterus. 5. These results indicate that oestrogen regulates B2-receptor gene expression and function. Since kinins exert a cardiovascular protective action, reduction in their vasodilator activity after menopause might contribute to the increased risk of pathological cardiovascular events. Conversely, the cardioprotective effects of oestrogen replacement might be, at least in part, mediated by activation of the kallikrein-kinin system.

Avoidance of sulfur loss during ammonia treatment of oligonucleotide phosphorothioates

Sulfur loss during the unblocking of phosphorothioate analogues of oligonucleotides with concentrated aqueous ammonia can be completely suppressed by the addition of 2-mercaptoethanol.

[Determination of organic acids and inorganic anions by gradient ion chromatography]

The chromatographic conditions for separation and detection of organic acids and inorganic anions by gradient ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection were studied. The optimized gradient programs were established. Ion chromatography were performed with a DX-100 chromatograph (DIONEX). The separation column is IonPac-AS11. Compared with NaHCO3/Na2CO3 and Na2B4O7, NaOH was the optimal eluent. The effect of organic modifier was also studied. Among methanol, 2-propanol and acetonitrile, methanol can make ion pairs such as malate and succinate, malonate and tartrate gaining baseline resolution. By using ion exchange separation, Cl-, NO3-, malate, succinate, malonate, tartrate, SO4(2-), oxalate were eluted between 5 mmol/L NaOH-16% CH3OH and 10 mmol/L NaOH-16% CH3OH in 25 min. A mobile phase composed of 30 mmol/L NaOH, 50% CH3OH and D.I. water was chosen to elute two groups of organic acids and inorganic anions: (1) quinate, formate, Cl-, malate, malonate, oxalate, citrate, isocitrate, aconitate; (2) lactate, Cl-, SO4(2-), tartrate, PO4(3-), citrate, isocitrate, aconitate. The detection limits (S/N = 3) were 0.1625 (quinate), 0.0691 (formate), 0.0115 (Cl-), 0.0886 (malate), 0.0591 (malonate), 0.0263 (oxalate), 0.1147 (citrate), 0.2017 (isocitrate), 0.3656 (cis-aconitate), 0.1045 (trans-aconitate), 0.1950 (lactate), 0.0729 (tartrate), 0.0224 (SO4(2-)) and 0.0692 (PO4(3-)) mg/L. The relative standard deviations were lower than 11.9% (n = 7) and the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.9212 for Cl- to 0.9999 for formate. The method was applied to determine the organic acids and inorganic anions of beverages and citric acids fermenting-medium. The results were satisfactory.

DNA polymorphisms in the 5'-flanking region of the human tissue kallikrein gene

Human tissue kallikrein gene polymorphisms were identified in the promoter region by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. One polymorphic region was identified between nucleotides -121 and -133 with respect to the transcription initiation site of the tissue kallikrein gene. Ten alleles with length and nucleotide sequence variations were detected among 108 unrelated Caucasians, African-Americans, and Asians. The polymorphisms show Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Allele-specific amplification and PCR analyses were used to detect the various forms of polymorphism. The promoter activity was analyzed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells by transient transfection assays. Sequential 5'-deletion analysis of the tissue kallikrein gene promoter revealed that the region from -144 to -98 is crucial for its promotor activity, while alleles D and H had significantly lower promoter activities than the other alleles in the -940/+10 deletion constructs. The high variability and the proximity to the tissue kallikrein gene render it suitable for application as a new tool in genetic studies for evaluation of the tissue kallikrein gene in the pathogenesis of human essential hypertension.

Bone morphogenetic proteins induce astroglial differentiation of oligodendroglial-astroglial progenitor cells

We have used bipotent postnatal cortical oligodendroglial-astroglial progenitor cells (O-2As) to examine the role of inductive signals in astroglial lineage commitment. O-2A progenitor cells undergo progressive oligodendroglial differentiation when cultured in serum-free medium, but differentiate into astrocytes in medium supplemented with FBS. We now report that the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a major subclass of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) superfamily, promote the selective, dose-dependent differentiation of O-2As into astrocytes with concurrent suppression of oligodendroglial differentiation. This astroglial-inductive action is not sanctioned by other members of the TGFbeta superfamily. Astroglial differentiation requires only very brief initial exposure to the BMPs and is accompanied by increased cellular survival and accelerated exit from cell cycle. Dual-label immunofluorescence microscopy documents that O-2A progenitor cells express a complement of BMP type I and type II receptor subunits required for signal transduction. Furthermore, expression of BMP2 in vivo reaches maximal levels during the period of gliogenesis. These results suggest that the BMPs act as potent inductive factors in postnatal glial lineage commitment that initiate a stable program of astroglial differentiation.

Specific cleavage of the large subunit of replication factor C in apoptosis is mediated by CPP32-like protease

Recent evidence suggests that the growing family of cysteine proteases related to the interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE) is of central importance in mediating apoptosis. Proteolytic cleavage of a small group of cellular substrates by these enzymes in association with the onset of apoptosis has been reported. In the present study, we searched a protein data base for potential death substrates possessing the CPP32 cleavage site, DEVD, and identified several candidates including RFC140, the large subunit of replication factor C, which we subsequently demonstrated to be specifically cleaved in a variety of cell types undergoing apoptosis in response to different cytotoxic agents, whereas no degradation is observed in a cell line resistant to etoposide-induced apoptosis. The abrogation of RFC140 cleavage in apoptotic extracts by Ac-DEVD-CHO, a potent inhibitor of CPP32, together with the finding that a CPP32 consensus cleavage sequence, DEVD, exists in RFC140, suggests that CPP32 or a close relative is responsible for RFC140 degradation in apoptosis.

Promoter-dependent tissue-specific expressive nature of imprinting gene, insulin-like growth factor II, in human tissues

The insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2) is a polypeptide with structure homology to insulin which possesses mitogen activity, and imprinted with paternal allele. In order to elucidate the distribution of imprinting pattern and relationship between allele- and tissue-specific expression of IGF2 in growth and maturation of human tissues, we investigated allele-specific expression of IGF2 in a wide spectrum of normal maturated human tissues by a PCR-based assay and found monoallelic expression in all eight-type tissues tested except human adult liver. Moreover, when a RT-PCR based sensitive allele-specific primer extension for an Apa I polymorphism within exon 9 of IGF2 was used, the analysis revealed the gene was normally imprinted in placenta; in contrast to the finding with placenta, IGF2 transcripts were biallelically expressed in human adult liver. Our results have clearly demonstrated preferential paternal expression and tissue-specific imprinting pattern of IGF2 in all human tissues tested in this study. Collectively, since IGF2 expression in developing fetal and adult liver is specified by distinct promoters, these extensive observations definitively indicate that transcriptional imprinting of IGF2 is more likely a promoter dependent manner.

[The inhibitory effect of recombinant human C3 fragment on murine endotoxic shock]

OBJECTIVE

To study the potentially practical use of C3 inactive fragment in anti-inflammation.

METHODS

A vector expressing RGD polypeptide derived from the alpha chain segment of human C3 was constructed by using PCR and genetic engineering methods and a recombinant protein (namely C 33) was expressed with high efficiency in E. coli.

RESULTS

The analysis of SDS-PAGE showed the molecular weight of C 33 was about 15 KD. Its purity was above 95% after purification. The amino acid composition was inconsistent with the theoretical values. U937 cells stimulated by low dosage PMA adhered with coated C 33, and the adhesion was blocked by anti-CD 11b monoclonal antibody. After injection of purified C 33 into mice which were consequently challenged by dead E. coli, the mortality of the endotoxic shock was significantly reduced.

CONCLUSION

C 33 can specifically bind to CD 11b/CD 18. C 33 as a ligand for CD 11b/CD 18 might be potentially used as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide-DNA cis adduct formation through a trans chlorohydrin intermediate

Alkylation of DNA by 7r,8t-dihydroxy,9t,10t-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (anti-BPDE) forms mainly trans adducts (with respect to the C-9/10 positions). We recently described a halide-catalyzed pathway that preferentially generates cis adducts and now report that the trans chlorohydrin of anti-BPDE (trans-BPDCH) is an intermediate in the chloride-catalyzed reaction. trans-BPDCH was synthesized, and both it and anti-BPDE were reacted with deoxyadenosine as a model DNA nucleophile. The stereochemistry and yields of deoxyadenosine adducts were determined as a function of chloride concentration. In the absence of salt, the fraction of cis adducts obtained from anti-BPDE and trans-BPDCH are 0.33 and 0.67, respectively. Adding sodium chloride increases the fraction of cis adducts (and consequently decreases the fraction of trans adducts), with the midpoint of the increase for both substrates at approximately 35-40 mM chloride. The chloride-dependent curves for BPDE and BPDCH converge at 1 M chloride, where the fraction of cis adducts is 0.88. Chloride also increases the total yield of cis adducts with either substrate, whereas the yield of trans adducts from the chlorohydrin is not significantly changed. These results support a mechanism by which chloride ion undergoes nucleophilic addition to the benzylic C-10 position of anti-BPDE. This generates a trans halohydrin that alkylates DNA with inversion of configuration to form a cis adduct. This pathway may have biological significance because chlorohydrins could form in serum or in cells with relatively high intracellular concentrations of chloride.

Molecular cloning, developmental expression, and phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 in the endocrine gland responsible for insect molting

Phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 is requisite for prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH)-stimulated specific protein synthesis and subsequent ecdysteroidogenesis in the prothoracic glands of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. To better understand the role of S6 in regulating ecdysteroidogenesis, S6 cDNA was isolated from a Manduca prothoracic gland cDNA library and sequenced. The deduced protein is comprised of 253 amino acids, has a molecular weight of 29,038, and contains four copies of a 10-amino acid motif defining potential DNA-binding sites. This Manduca S6 possesses a consensus recognition sequence for the p70(s6k) binding domain as well as six seryl residues at the carboxyl-terminal sequence of 17 amino acids. Phosphoamino acid analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of Manduca prothoracic gland S6 is limited exclusively to serine residues. Although alterations in the quantity of S6 mRNA throughout the last larval instar and early pupal-adult development were not well correlated with the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer, developmental expression and phosphorylation of S6 were temporally correlated with PTTH release and the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer. These data provide additional evidence that S6 phosphorylation is a critical element in the transduction pathway leading to PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis.

TNF-alpha up-regulates renal MIF expression in rat crescentic glomerulonephritis

BACKGROUND

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a potent proinflammatory mediator that participates in the pathogenesis of endotoxemia and experimental crescentic glomerulonephritis. However, very little is known about how MIF production is regulated in disease. We therefore examined whether tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a known inducer of MIF expression by macrophages in vitro, up-regulates local and systemic MIF expression in a macrophage-mediated rat model of crescentic glomerulonephritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis was induced in groups of six primed rats. Animals were treated with 1 mg/kg soluble TNF-alpha receptor (TNFbp) or saline from the time of disease induction until they were killed on Days 1, 7, or 14. Renal MIF expression was assessed by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA, and compared with macrophage accumulation and indices of renal damage.

RESULTS

Although TNFbp treatment on Day 1 of the disease had only a partial effect upon the up-regulation of glomerular MIF expression, on Days 7 to 14 it almost completely abrogated the increase in glomerular and interstitial MIF mRNA and protein expression. In addition, TNFbp treatment significantly inhibited MIF secretion by cultured glomeruli and reduced serum MIF levels. The inhibition of renal MIF expression was paralleled by a significant inhibition of glomerular and interstitial macrophage infiltration (p < 0.001 versus saline treated), a significant suppression of renal injury (proteinuria and serum creatinine), and a marked reduction in histologic damage (glomerular hypercellularity, crescent formation, and interstitial fibrosis; all p < 0.01 versus saline treated).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates for the first time that TNF-alpha up-regulates local MIF expression by both infiltrating macrophages and resident kidney cells in rat crescentic glomerulonephritis. In addition, TNF-alpha regulates systemic MIF production. Thus, TNF-alpha, together with MIF, may play a pathological role in immunologically induced renal disease.

Resistance of actin to cleavage during apoptosis

A small number of cellular proteins present in the nucleus, cytosol, and membrane fraction are specifically cleaved by the interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE)-like family of proteases during apoptosis. Previous results have demonstrated that one of these, the cytoskeletal protein actin, is degraded in rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells upon serum withdrawal. Extracts from etoposide-treated U937 cells are also capable of cleaving actin. It was assumed that cleavage of actin represented a general phenomenon, and a mechanism coordinating proteolytic, endonucleolytic, and morphological aspects of apoptosis was proposed. We demonstrate here that actin is resistant to degradation in several different human cells induced to undergo apoptosis in response to a variety of stimuli, including Fas ligation, serum withdrawal, cytotoxic T-cell killing, and DNA damage. On the other hand, cell-free extracts from these cells and the ICE-like protease CPP32 were capable of cleaving actin in vitro. We conclude that while actin contains cleavage sites for ICE-like proteases, it is not degraded in vivo in human cells either because of lack of access of these proteases to actin or due to the presence of other factors that prevent degradation.

Heteronuclear ribonucleoproteins C1 and C2, components of the spliceosome, are specific targets of interleukin 1beta-converting enzyme-like proteases in apoptosis

Apoptosis induced by a variety of agents results in the proteolytic cleavage of a number of cellular substrates by enzymes related to interleukin 1beta-converting enzyme (ICE). A small number of substrates for these enzymes have been identified to date, including enzymes involved in DNA repair processes: poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and DNA-dependent protein kinase. We describe here for the first time the specific cleavage of the heteronuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) C1 and C2 in apoptotic cells induced to undergo apoptosis by a variety of stimuli, including ionizing radiation, etoposide, and ceramide. No cleavage was observed in cells that are resistant to apoptosis induced by ionizing radiation. Protease inhibitor data implicate the involvement of an ICE-like protease in the cleavage of hnRNP C. Using recombinant ICE-like proteases and purified hnRNP C proteins in vitro, we show that the C proteins are cleaved by Mch3alpha and CPP32 and, to a lesser extent, by Mch2alpha, but not by ICE, Nedd2, Tx, or the cytotoxic T-cell protease granzyme B. The results described here demonstrate that the hnRNP C proteins, abundant nuclear proteins thought to be involved in RNA splicing, belong to a critical set of protein substrates that are cleaved by ICE-like proteases during apoptosis.

Coordinating two degrees of freedom during human arm movement: load and speed invariance of relative joint torques

1. Eight subjects performed three series of pointing tasks with the unconstrained arm. Series one and two required subjects to move between two fixed targets as quickly as possible with different weights attached to the wrist. By specifying initial and final positions of the finger tip, the first series was performed by flexion of both shoulder and elbow and the second by shoulder flexion and elbow extension. The third series required flexion at both joints, and subjects were instructed to vary movement speed. We examined how variations in load or intended speed were associated with changes in the amount and timing of the electromyographic (EMG) activity and the net muscle torque production. 2. EMG and torque patterns at the individual joints varied with load and speed according to most of the same rules we have described for single-joint movements. 1) Movements were produced by biphasic torque pulses and biphasic or triphasic EMG bursts at both joints. 2) The accelerating impulse was proportional to the load when the subject moved "as fast and accurately as possible" or to speed if that was intentionally varied. 3) The area of the EMG bursts of agonist muscles varied with the impulse. 4) The rates of rise of the net muscle torques and of the EMG bursts were proportional to intended speed and insensitive to inertial load. 5) The areas of the antagonist muscle EMG bursts were proportional to intended movement speed but showed less dependence on load, which is unlike what is observed during single-joint movements. 3. Comparisons across joints showed that the impulse produced at the shoulder was proportional to that produced at the elbow as both varied together with load and speed. The torques at the two joints varied in close synchrony, achieving maxima and going through zero almost simultaneously. 4. We hypothesize that "coordination" of the elbow and shoulder is by the planning and generation of synchronized, biphasic muscle torque pulses that remain in near linear proportionality to each other throughout most of the movement. This linear synergy produces movements with the commonly observed kinematic properties and that are preserved over changes in speed and load.

Modulators of crescentic glomerulonephritis

Glomerular crescent formation is a prominent feature of aggressive forms of glomerulonephritis and is associated with a poor prognosis. An understanding of the mechanisms involved in crescent formation is crucial for the development of new therapies for this disease. This article reviews current ideas on the pathogenesis of glomerular crescent formation and describes methods for modulation of this process. Emphasis is given to the role of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in crescent development and its modulation by cytokine blockade.

High level of circulating human tissue kallikrein induces hypotension in a transgenic mouse model

We established a unique transgenic mouse model in liver-targeted expression of human tissue kallikrein using a mouse albumin enhancer and promoter. Northern blot analysis and ELISA showed that human tissue kallikrein was predominantly expressed in the liver of transgenic mice and secreted into the circulation at a high level. The transcript was also detected in the kidney, pancreas, salivary gland and heart at a low level by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot analysis. Systolic blood pressures were measured by the tail-cuff method, all three independent transgenic mouse lines are hypotensive (84.6 +/- 1.0 mmHg, n = 17; 84.5 +/- 1.5 mmHg, n = 9; 83.1 +/- 0.8 mmHg, n = 13, P < 0.01) compared with the control mice (100.9 +/- 0.9 mmHg, n = 17). Administration of aprotinin, a potent tissue kallikrein inhibitor or Hoe 140, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, restored the blood pressure of transgenic mice but had no significant effect on control littermates. These studies show that over-production of tissue kallikrein in the circulation plays a role in blood pressure regulation.

Role of protein kinase activity in apoptosis

The transmission of signals from the plasma membrane to the nucleus involves a number of different pathways all of which have in common protein modification. The modification is primarily in the form of phosphorylation which leads to the activation of a series of protein kinases. It is now evident that these pathways are common to stimuli that lead to mitogenic and apoptotic responses. Even the same stimuli under different physiological conditions can cause either cell proliferation or apoptosis. Activation of specific protein kinases can in some circumstances protect against cell death, while in others it protects the cell against apoptosis. Some of the pathways involved lead to activation of transcription factors and the subsequent induction of genes involved in the process of cell death or proliferation. In other cases, such as for the tumour suppressor gene product p53, activation may be initiated both at the level of gene expression or through pre-existing proteins. Yet in others, while the initial steps in the pathway are ill-defined, it is clear that downstream activation of a series of cystein proteases is instrumental in pushing the cell towards apoptosis. In this report we review the involvement of protein kinases at several different levels in the control of cell behaviour.

Expression and cellular localization of tissue kallikrein-kinin system in human adrenal gland

The tissue kallikrein-kinin system has been implicated in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte homeostasis. To understand the function of this system, we identified the expression and cellular localization of its components including tissue kallikrein, kallistatin, kininogen, and bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors in human adrenal gland. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot analysis showed that these five components of this system were all expressed in human adrenal gland. In situ hybridization histochemistry with respective digoxigenin-labeled antisense riboprobes revealed localization of kallikrein transcript throughout the adrenal cortex and medulla except the zona glomerulosa, whereas kallistatin mRNA was only localized in the zona fasciculata. Low-molecular-weight kininogen and B2 receptor mRNAs were colocalized in the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata and also in the zona reticularis and chromaffin cells but to a lesser degree. The B1 receptor mRNA was stained in the zona fasciculata and medulla. These results show the expression and differential colocalization of the components of the tissue kallikrein-kinin system and reveal the potential action sites of this system in the adrenal gland.

Induction of p53 and increased sensitivity to cisplatin in ataxia-telangiectasia cells

Several reports have demonstrated a defective p53 response to ionizing radiation exposure in ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) cells. On the other hand, p53 induction was normal after u.v. irradiation, an agent to which A-T cells are not hypersensitive. We show here that A-T cells are more sensitive than normal lymphoblastoid cells to cisplatin treatment but the rate of induction of p53 by cisplatin is similar in both cell types. In addition, the half-life of p53, both in the induced and uninduced forms, is the same in A-T and normal lymphoblastoid cells. The use of a reporter assay to determine the functional status of p53 confirmed the results obtained in the induction experiments with cisplatin. These results demonstrate that p53 induction status in A-T cells does not correlate with sensitivity to the inducting agent and there is no inherent defect in the turn-over of p53 in the induced or uninduced states in A-T.

Interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme-like protease cleaves DNA-dependent protein kinase in cytotoxic T cell killing

Cytotoxic T cells (CTL) represent the major defense mechanism against the spread of virus infection. It is believed that the pore-forming protein, perforin, facilitates the entry of a series of serine proteases (particularly granzyme B) into the target cell which ultimately leads to DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. We demonstrate here that during CTL-mediated cytolysis the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), an enzyme implicated in the repair of double strand breaks in DNA, is specifically cleaved by an interleukin (IL)-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE)-like protease. A serine protease inhibitor, 3,4-dichloroisocoumarin (DCl), which is known to block granzyme B activity, inhibited CTL-induced apoptosis and prevented the degradation of DNA-PKcs in cells but failed to prevent the degradation of purified DNA-PKcs by CTL extracts. However, Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-CH2Cl (YVAD-CMK) and other cysteine protease inhibitors prevented the degradation of purified DNA-PKcs by CTL extracts. Furthermore, incubation of DNA-PKcs with granzyme B did not produce the same cleavage pattern observed in cells undergoing apoptosis and when this substrate was incubated with either CTL extracts or the ICE-like protease, CPP32. Sequence analysis revealed that the cleavage site in DNA-PKcs during CTL killing was the same as that when this substrate was exposed to CPP32. This study demonstrates for the first time that the cleavage of DNA-PKcs in this intact cell system is exclusively due to an ICE-like protease.

Expression and cellular localization of the kallikrein-kinin system in human ocular tissues

Tissue kallikrein is a serine proteinase which processes kininogens to release bioactive kinins. Kinins mediate a variety of biological processes through the interaction with kinin receptors. Kinins are involved in the regulation of blood pressure and local blood flow, vasodilation, smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, production of pain and inflammation, and stimulation of cell proliferation. The tissue kallikrein-kinin system has been implicated in a number of pathophysiological processes such as hypertension, allergy and diabetes mellitus. In the present study, we have identified the expression and localization of components of the kallikrein-kinin system in the human eye by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot analyses, and in situ hybridization histochemistry. RT-PCR and Southern blot analyses have detected mRNAs of the key components of the system including tissue kallikrein, low molecular weight kininogen, and bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors at high levels in human retina, choroid and ciliary body, and relatively low levels in the optic nerve. In situ hybridization has identified cellular localization of these four mRNAs in ocular tissues. They are expressed in retinal neuronal cells including the outer nuclear layer, inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer. These mRNAs were also identified in endothelial cells of ocular blood vessels, ciliary muscle and lens epithelial cells. The sense riboprobes showed negative staining, which indicates the specificity of the antisense riboprobes. These results suggest that the tissue kallikrein-kinin system is produced endogenously in human ocular tissues. Similar expression patterns of kallikrein, kininogen and kinin receptors indicate that the kallikrein-kinin system may function in an autocrine or paracrine fashion in the eye.

Expression of p53, bcl-2, bax, bcl-x2 and c-myc in radiation-induced apoptosis in Burkitt's lymphoma cells

Apoptosis, a form of physiological cell death, is a genetically determined program essential for normal development and maintenance of tissues, which has been linked to a variety of gene products. We have examined the susceptibility to radiation-induced apoptosis of cell lines derived from the human B cell tumour, Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), displaying a variety of phenotypic characteristics and expressing genes implicated in apoptosis at different levels. The susceptibility to apoptosis following gamma radiation varied significantly amongst the lines. Cell lines with wild type p53 were susceptible to radiation-induced apoptosis but two of five BL lines with only mutant p53 allele also displayed similar susceptibility. Some BL cell lines that expressed bcl-2 at levels comparable with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformed normal B cells were highly susceptible to gamma radiation-induced apoptosis, whereas others expressing low levels were resistant. When these lines were analysed for bax and bcl-X(L) expression again no correlation was observed with susceptibility or resistance to apoptosis. Two BL cell lines having deregulated expression of c-myc were resistant to the induction of apoptosis while two others which had regulated c-myc expression were susceptible. Thus the status of p53, c-myc, bcl-2, bcl-X(L) and bax is not sufficiently informative in BL lines to predict susceptibility to radiation-induced apoptosis.

DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit: a target for an ICE-like protease in apoptosis

Radiosensitive cell lines derived from X-ray cross complementing group 5 (XRCC5), SCID mice and a human glioma cell line lack components of the DNA-dependent protein kinase, DNA-PK, suggesting that DNA-PK plays an important role in DNA double-strand break repair. Another enzyme implicated in DNA repair, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, is cleaved and inactivated during apoptosis, suggesting that some DNA repair proteins may be selectively targeted for destruction during apoptosis. Here we demonstrate that DNA-PKcs, the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK, is preferentially degraded after the exposure of different cell types to a variety of agents known to cause apoptosis. However, Ku, the DNA-binding component of the enzyme, remains intact. Degradation of DNA-PKcs was accompanied by loss of DNA-PK activity. One cell line resistant to etoposide-induced apoptosis failed to show degradation of DNA-PKcs. Protease inhibitor data implicated an ICE-like protease in the cleavage of DNA-PKcs, and it was subsequently shown that the cysteine protease CPP32, but not Mch2alpha, ICE or TX, cleaved purified DNA-PKcs into three fragments of comparable size with those observed in cells undergoing apoptosis. Cleavage sites in DNA-PKcs, determined by antibody mapping and microsequencing, were shown to be the same for CPP32 cleavage and for cleavage catalyzed by extracts from cells undergoing apoptosis. These observations suggest that DNA-PKcs is a critical target for proteolysis by an ICE-like protease during apoptosis.

Cellular localization of low-molecular-weight kininogen and bradykinin B2 receptor mRNAs in human kidney

Kininogen is the precursor of the kinin peptide, which binds to kinin receptors and mediates a broad spectrum of physiological effects. To understand the function of kinin in the kidney, we have identified the cellular localization of the human low-molecular-weight (LMW) kininogen and bradykinin B2 receptor mRNAs in the human kidney by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Kininogen mRNA was found in the juxtaglomerular cells, mesangial areas, epithelium of parietal and visceral (podocytes) layers of Bowman's capsule, proximal and distal tubules, thin and thick segments of Henle's loop, collecting ducts, and the endothelial cells of the blood vessels. B2 receptor mRNA was colocalized with kininogen mRNA in the kidney except the podocytes. The most intense signals were observed in the distal tubules and collecting ducts for both kininogen and B2 receptor mRNAs. No signals were observed in the interstitial cells and macula densa. Control sections did not stain with either the kininogen or B2 receptor sense riboprobe. A Northern blot showed that the expression of LMW kininogen is in the liver and the kidney. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction Southern blot showed expression of B2 receptor mRNA in the endothelial cells, renal proximal tubular cells, and kidney. Our results show the sites of action of kinin in the human kidney and provide further insight into the physiological role of the kallikrein-kinin system on renal function.

High level expression of human tissue kallikrein in the circulation induces hypotension in transgenic mice

In order to create an animal model expressing a high level of tissue kallikrein in the circulation, the human tissue kallikrein gene was placed under the control of a mouse albumin enhancer and promoter to target its expression to liver. Three lines of transgenic mice carrying the human tissue kallikrein gene were established. The major site of human tissue kallikrein synthesis was identified in the liver of transgenic mice, and a high level of human tissue kallikrein was secreted into the mouse circulation. The systolic blood pressures of these transgenic mice are about 15-20 mmHg lower than that of the control mice. Administration of aprotinin, a potent tissue kallikrein inhibitor, restored normal blood pressure in these animals. These studies show that a high level of foreign tissue kallikrein in the circulation plays a role in blood pressure regulation.

Reorientations in the bacteriorhodopsin photoscycle are pH dependent

Chromophore reorientations during the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle in the purple membrane of Halobacterium salinarium have been detected by time-resolved linear dichroism measurements of the optical anisotropy over the pH range from 4 to 10 and at ionic strengths from 10 mM to 1 M. The results show that reorientations in the L and M states of bacteriorhodopsin are pH dependent, reaching their largest amplitude when the membrane is at pH 6-8. Reorientations on the millisecond time scale of unexcited spectator proteins in the native purple membrane also depend on pH, consistent with the suggestion that spectator reorientations are triggered by reorientation of the photoexcited protein. The results imply that a group with a PK(a) of 5 to 6 enables reorientations, and that the deprotonation of a site at pH values above 9 restricts reorientational motion. This suggests that reorientations in M may be correlated with proton release.

Coordinating movement at two joints: a principle of linear covariance

1. Six subjects performed fast, "single-joint" flexions at either the elbow or shoulder over three angular distances in a sagittal plane. Movement endpoints were located to require flexion of only a single, "focal" joint, without any external, mechanical constraint on the other, "nonfocal" joint. Three subjects performed another series of movements between two targets while moving along different paths and in which both joints were flexed. 2. We compared the torque patterns that were produced at the two joints. For single-joint movements, they were both biphasic pulses that accelerated and then decelerated the limb. 3. The torque at the nonfocal joint of a single joint movement was very close to linearly proportional to that at the focal joint throughout the movement. Elbow and shoulder torques differed by a linear scaling constant and went through extrema and zero crossings almost simultaneously. 4. In contrast, during movements in which subjects were explicitly instructed to use a hand path they would not naturally, use the linear interjoint torque scaling rule did not apply. This demonstrated that when we wish to move along a path between two targets that is not produced by linear torque covariation, we are able to modify that rule at will. 5. We speculate that linear, dynamic covariation of the torque patterns across two joints may be an important principle for reducing the number of degrees of freedom that the nervous system must independently control in performing unconstrained limb movements over naturally chosen paths.

Use of chimeric human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 reverse transcriptases for structure-function analysis and for mapping susceptibility to nonnucleoside inhibitors

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and type 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) reverse transcriptases (RTs) are evolutionary related. To study the effect of homologous sequence replacements on polymerase function and to map the determinants of the lack of susceptibility of HIV-2 RT to nonnucleoside drugs, a series of chimeric HIV-1/HIV-2 RTs were constructed. Analysis of the chimeric RTs showed that wild-type levels of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity were retained when both finger and palm subdomains were exchanged as a unit between the two parental RTs. Analysis of enzymatically active chimeras for inhibition by the thiobenzimidazolone derivative TIBO R82150 showed that a segment of HIV-2 RT at 212-250, when placed in the HIV-1 RT context, conferred a 40-fold decrease in susceptibility to TIBO R82150. Site-directed mutagenesis of this segment found Tyr227 to be a key residue in this segment for the natural resistance of HIV-2 RT to TIBO R82150.

Enhanced fidelity of 3TC-selected mutant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

Monotherapy with (-)2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine (3TC) leads to the appearance of a drug-resistant variant of human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) with the methionine-184 --> valine (M184V) substitution in the reverse transcriptase (RT). Despite resulting drug resistance, treatment for more than 48 weeks is associated with a lower plasma viral burden than that at baseline. Studies to investigate this apparent contradiction revealed the following. (i) Titers of HIV-neutralizing antibodies remained stable in 3TC-treated individuals in contrast to rapid declines in those treated with azidothymidine (AZT). (ii) Unlike wild-type HIV, growth of M184V HIV in cell culture in the presence of d4T, AZT, Nevirapine, Delavirdine, or Saquinavir did not select for variants displaying drug resistance. (iii) There was an increase in fidelity of nucleotide insertion by the M184V mutant compared with wild-type enzyme.

Protein phosphatase activity is required for prothoracicotropic hormone-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis in the prothoracic glands of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

The multiple phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 appears to be required for prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH)-stimulated protein synthesis and ecdysteroidogenesis by the prothoracic glands of Manduca sexta. The present study investigated the role of protein phosphatase in these phenomena by analyzing the effects of pretreatment of prothoracic glands with the phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin A in both basal and PTTH-stimulated glands. Okadaic acid or calyculin A treatment enhanced ribosomal S6 phosphorylation in control glands to a level similar to that observed with PTTH-stimulated glands. This treatment also prevented S6 dephosphorylation but had no apparent synergistic effect on S6 phosphorylation in PTTH-stimulated glands. Most importantly, okadaic acid or calyculin A treatment inhibited, rather than augmented, ecdysteroidogenesis in both PTTH-stimulated and non-stimulated glands. The composite data suggest that protein phosphatase activity sensitive to okadaic acid or calyculin A is required for PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis.