Biosynthesis, molecular structure, and domain architecture of potato suberin: a (13)C NMR study using isotopically labeled precursors

Although suberin in potato wound periderm is known to be a polyester containing long-chain fatty acids and phenolics embedded within the cell wall, many aspects of its molecular structure and polymer-polymer connectivities remain elusive. The present work combines biosynthetic incorporation of site-specifically (13)C-enriched acetates and phenylalanines with one- and two-dimensional solid-state (13)C NMR spectroscopic methods to monitor the developing suberin polymer. Exogenous acetate is found to be incorporated preferentially at the carboxyl end of the aliphatic carbon chains, suggesting addition during the later elongation steps of fatty acid synthesis. Carboxyl-labeled phenylalanine precursors provide evidence for the concurrent development of phenolic esters and of monolignols typical of lignin. Experiments with ring-labeled phenylalanine precursors demonstrate a predominance of sinapyl and guaiacyl structures among suberin's phenolic moieties. Finally, the analysis of spin-exchange (solid-state NOESY) NMR experiments in ring-labeled suberin indicates distances of no more than 0.5 nm between pairs of phenolic and oxymethine carbons, which are attributed to the aromatic-aliphatic polyester and the cell wall polysaccharide matrix, respectively. These results offer direct and detailed molecular information regarding the insoluble intermediates of suberin biosynthesis, indicate probable covalent linkages between moieties of its polyester and polysaccharide domains, and yield a clearer overall picture of this agriculturally important protective material.

Prognostic value of protein C concentrations in neutropenic patients at high risk of severe septic complications

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prognostic value of protein C, endogenous activated protein C, and D-dimer concentrations in patients at high risk of developing severe septic complications secondary to cytostatic chemotherapy.

DESIGN

Prospective, comparative, single-center study.

SETTING

Specialized ward for treating patients with acute leukemia and associated intensive care unit at a university hospital.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-six consecutive patients who developed either severe sepsis (n = 13) or septic shock (n = 13) during chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (leukocytes <1,000/microL).

INTERVENTION

None, other than standard care.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Baseline blood samples were obtained from 97 adult patients treated with intensive cytostatic chemotherapy. Serial blood sampling was performed in 62 of 97 patients who developed fever (>38.3 degrees C). Thirteen patients progressed to severe sepsis and 13 patients to septic shock. Protein C, endogenous activated protein C, and D-dimer were measured in these 26 patients. At fever onset, protein C concentrations decreased from normal baseline concentrations and were significantly lower in the group of patients who progressed to septic shock compared with those who developed severe sepsis (medians for protein C activity: 23.1% vs. 69.5%; p = .0003). The median elapsed time between detection of fever and the diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock was 16 hrs and 12 hrs, respectively. All septic shock patients died, whereas patients who progressed only to severe sepsis survived.

CONCLUSIONS

Septic shock in neutropenic patients is associated with increased protein C consumption. The data demonstrate that the coagulation cascade is activated and produces a hypercoagulable state before the onset of clinical symptoms of severe sepsis and septic shock. Low protein C concentrations at the onset of fever and before the onset of clinical symptoms of severe sepsis or septic shock may have prognostic value in predicting an unfavorable outcome. Protein C measurements may help identify patients at risk in an early phase of neutropenic sepsis. It is also attractive to speculate that because low protein C concentrations were seen in these patients, protein C replacement may be beneficial in sepsis.

Universal distribution of residual carriers in tetrahedrally coordinated amorphous semiconductors

An uncommon electron spin resonance technique is used to show that a universal distribution of residual carriers exists in tetrahedrally coordinated amorphous semiconductors following optical excitation at low temperatures. This universal behavior at long decay times results because statistical fluctuations in the electron and hole densities cannot occur and therefore do not affect the kinetics. This behavior is confirmed for carrier densities between 10(16) and 10(17) cm (-3) and decay times as long as 10(4) s.

NMR studies of structure and dynamics in fruit cuticle polyesters

Cutin and suberin are support polymers involved in waterproofing the leaves and fruits of higher plants, regulating the flow of nutrients among various plant organs, and minimizing the deleterious impact of microbial pathogens. Despite the complexity and intractable nature of these plant biopolyesters, their molecular structure and development are amenable to study by suitable solid-state and solution-state NMR techniques. Interactions of tomato cutin with water were examined by solid-state 2H and 13C NMR, showing that water films enhance rapid segmental motions of the acyl chains and are associated with a fivefold increase in surface elasticity upon cutin hydration. The suberization of wounded potato tissues was studied by solid-state 13C NMR, revealing the likely phenylpropanoid structures that permit dense cross-linking of the suberin structure and their proximity to the cell-wall polysaccharides. Finally, two new approaches were developed to elucidate the molecular structures of these biopolymers: partial depolymerization followed by spectroscopic analysis of the soluble oligomers; and swelling of the intact materials followed by magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR analysis.

High-temperature ultrafast liquid chromatography

A novel liquid chromatographic system which enables high temperature ultrafast liquid chromatography (HTU-FLC) has been designed through the careful consideration of heat transfer, band broadening, and pressure drop. Studies of the effect of linear velocity on the HETP show that column efficiency at high velocity, especially of well-retained solutes, dramatically improves at higher temperatures. At 150 degrees C, at a flow rate of 15 mL/min with a 5 cm by 4.6 mm (i.d.) column packed with 3 microns polystyrene-coated zirconia porous particles, long chain alkylphenones were completely resolved, and the analysis time could be decreased by a factor of 50 compared to that at room temperature (25 degrees C) at a conventional flow rate (4 mL/min). In addition, using pure water as the mobile phase, five phenols were separated in less than 30 s.

[A clinical analysis of 94 cases of recurrent stroke]

Ninety-four cases of recurrent stroke were analyzed retrospectively, and 290 cases of first stroke episode were selected as controls. Results showed that recurrent stroke mainly appeared within the first year after the initial episode males predominant. The clinical manifestations of recurrent stroke were variable and commonly more severe. No significant differences was observed between the groups with respect to a variety of factors including the presence of hypertension, diabetes, history of transient ischemic attack, or familial history of stroke, cardiac attacks, cigarette smoking and/or alcohol consumption. The risk factors for recurrent stroke were discussed.

Probing chemical and conformational differences in the resting and active conformers of platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3)

Integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) is the fibrinogen receptor that mediates platelet adhesion and aggregation. The ligand binding function of alpha(IIb)beta(3) is "activated" on the platelet surface by physiologic stimuli. Two forms of alpha(IIb)beta(3) can be purified from platelet lysates. These forms are facsimiles of the resting (Activation State-1 or AS-1) and the active (Activation State-2 or AS-2) conformations of the integrin found on the platelet surface. Here, the differences between purified AS-1 and AS-2 were examined to gain insight into the mechanism of activation. Four major findings are put forth. 1) The association rate (k(1)) between fibrinogen and the integrin is a key difference between AS-1 and AS-2. 2) Although the divalent ion Mn(2+) enhances the ligand binding function of AS-1, this ion is unable to convert AS-1 to AS-2. Therefore, its effect on integrin is unrelated to activation. 3) Peptide mass fingerprints indicate that the chemical structure of AS-1 and AS-2 are virtually identical, calling into question the idea that post-translational modifications are necessary for activation. 4) The two forms of alpha(IIb)beta(3) have significant conformational differences at three positions. These include the junction of the heavy and light chain of alpha(IIb), the divalent ion binding sites on alpha(IIb), and at a disulfide-bonded knot linking the amino terminus of beta(3) to the cysteine-rich domain. These observations indicate that integrin is activated by a series of specific conformational rearrangements in the ectodomain that increase the rate of ligand association.

Dexamethasone differentially regulates expression of carboxylesterase genes in humans and rats

Carboxylesterases play important roles in the metabolism of endogenous and foreign compounds, therefore, xenobiotic regulation of carboxylesterase gene expression has both physiological and pharmacological significance. We previously reported that liver microsomal esterase activity was significantly decreased in rats treated with dexamethasone accompanied by a decrease in immunoreactive proteins of rat hydrolase A, B, and C. The aim of this study was to determine whether the suppressed expression of these enzymes was linked to the change of the mRNA levels, and whether cultured hepatocytes responded similar to whole animals to this chemical. Northern blotting analyses demonstrated that the levels of the corresponding mRNA were markedly decreased in rats treated with dexamethasone, suggesting that the suppressed expression is achieved through trans-suppression and/or increased degradation of the transcripts. Exposure of cultured rat hepatocytes to nanomolar levels of dexamethasone markedly decreased the levels of immunoreactive proteins of hydrolase A, B, and C. In contrast, exposure of cultured human hepatocytes to dexamethasone caused a slight increase in HCE-1 and HCE-2, two major forms of human liver microsomal carboxylesterases. The inductive effects in human hepatocytes were observed only when micromolar concentrations of dexamethasone were used. These results suggest that a major species difference exists regarding the regulation of carboxylesterase gene expression by dexamethasone. Both the glucocorticoid receptor and the pregnane X receptor are known to mediate dexamethasone action. Differential concentrations required suggest that suppression of rat hydrolases is mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor, whereas the induction of human carboxylesterases is mediated by the pregnane X receptor.

Asymmetry and direction reversal in fluctuation-induced biased Brownian motion

The biased movement of a Brownian particle in a periodic potential fluctuating between a flat and a kinked ratchet state, as first studied by Chauwin, Ajdari, and Prost, is examined. The purpose is to study the physical origin of the frequency-dependent direction reversal of the biased Brownian motion in this system. We show that the existence of the directional reversal depends not only on the lengths of the projections of the two ratchet arms on the potential axis (the arm-projection asymmetry), but also the overall spatial geometry of the potential in a period. In particular, we show that the direction reversal can be obtained in this kinked ratchet model even when the two arm projections are equal. Since this two-state model is the simplest to generate direction reversal and particles can be separated more efficiently in a fluctuating potential if direction reversal exists, the results obtained in this study should be useful for future application in particle separation.

Pivot residue: an analysis of domain motion in proteins

In this study, we present an approach to identify some residues that represent the pivot points to experience conformational changes between open (unligand) and closed (ligand) forms of a protein. First, an angle, theta, formed by 4 consecutive Ca atoms in polypeptide backbones was introduced. The difference of this angle, deltatheta, from the equivalent residues between the open and the closed form was used to represent the local torsion changes in the protein structure, and the residue with the maximum among deltatheta was identified to be a pivot residue. We demonstrate the ability of our method by identifying the pivot residues from five proteins, Lysozyme mutates, Lactoferrin, Lay/Arg/Orn-binding protein, Calmodulin and Catabolit gene activator protein. These pivot residues are located at the hinges in the proteins, they are hinge points for the domain motion. These examples also show that the pivot residues are useful to distinguish the mechanism between shear motion and hinge motion in a protein.

Evidence for polymorphism in the canine metabolism of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, celecoxib

The pharmacokinetics of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, was characterized in beagle dogs. Celecoxib is extensively metabolized by dogs to a hydroxymethyl metabolite with subsequent oxidization to the carboxylic acid analog. There are at least two populations of dogs, distinguished by their capacity to eliminate celecoxib from plasma at either a fast or a slow rate after i.v. administration. Within a population of 242 animals, 45.0% were of the EM phenotype, 53.5% were of the PM phenotype, and 1.65% could not be adequately characterized. The mean (+/-S.D.) plasma elimination half-life and clearance of celecoxib were 1.72 +/- 0.79 h and 18.2 +/- 6.4 ml/min/kg for EM dogs and 5.18 +/- 1.29 h and 7.15 +/- 1.41 ml/min/kg for PM dogs. Hepatic microsomes from EM dogs metabolized celecoxib at a higher rate than microsomes from PM dogs. The cDNA for canine cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzymes, CYP2B11, CYP2C21, CYP2D15, and CYP3A12 were cloned and expressed in sf 9 insect cells. Three new variants of CYP2D15 as well as a novel variant of CYP3A12 were identified. Canine rCYP2D15 and its variants, but not CYP2B11, CYP2C21, and CYP3A12, readily metabolized celecoxib. Quinidine (a specific CYP2D inhibitor) prevented celecoxib metabolism in dog hepatic microsomes, providing evidence of a predominant role for the CYP2D subfamily in canine celecoxib metabolism. However, the lack of a correlation between celecoxib and bufuralol metabolism in hepatic EM or PM microsomes indicates that other CYP subfamilies besides CYP2D may contribute to the polymorphism in canine celecoxib metabolism.

Human carboxylesterases in term placentae: enzymatic characterization, molecular cloning and evidence for the existence of multiple forms

The placenta is a temporary organ that is known to metabolize numerous endogenous and xenobiotic compounds. Carboxylesterases represent a family of enzymes which hydrolyse a variety of esters, amides and thioesters. Many studies have demonstrated that carboxylesterases are widely distributed among mammalian tissues, but little is known about these enzymes in the placenta. The present study was conducted to establish the kinetic parameters of placental carboxylesterases toward several p -nitrophenol and 1-naphthol esters, and to establish the molecular basis for these enzymes in the placenta. The enzymatic rate of the hydrolysis of 1-naphthylacetate and carboxylic esters of p -nitrophenol as a function of substrate concentration (0.01-1.00 m m) was examined with human placental microsomes pooled from six placentae. Data from these studies yielded a linear Lineweaver-Burk plot with each substrate examined. K(m)values for these substrates ranged from 92 to 370 microm, and V(max)values ranged from 85 to 170 nmol/mg/min. These results suggest that each substrate is hydrolysed by a single enzyme, or enzymes that are kinetically indistinguishable, or that one of them is dominant. Microsomes from all individual placentae contained esterase activity toward all four substrates, and exhibited a one- to three-fold variation. The activity toward p -nitrophenylacetate correlated well with the activity toward 1-naphthylacetate (r(2)=0.957). In contrast, the activity toward p -nitrophenylbutyrate correlated poorly with the activity toward 1-naphthylacetate (r(2)=0.121). These results suggest that placental microsomes have more than one carboxylesterase activity. Screening of a placental cDNA library with gene-trapping hybridization resulted in the isolation of three distinct cDNAs, designated PCE-1, PCE-2 and PCE-3. PCE-1 and PCE-2 have a significant sequence identity (approx 99 per cent) with liver carboxylesterases hCE and hCE-2, respectively. PCE-3 has a 96 per cent sequence identity with hCE but only at the first 874 nucleotide of the 5' end. The rest of the 1396 nucleotides of the 3' end exhibit no significant sequence identity with any known mammalian carboxylesterases. A probe derived from the 3' end of PCE-3 detected an approx 2.2 kb messenger transcript, the size of a regular carboxylesterase. However, the entire PCE-3 cDNA has multiple internal stop codons and encodes only 269 amino acids; half the size of a regular carboxylesterase. Northern blotting experiments detected the transcripts coding for PCE-1, PCE-2 or PCE-3 in all placentae, and the levels of these messengers showed an approx six-fold individual variation. Placenta 6 had the highest activity toward all four substrates, and highest levels of the messengers for PCE-1, PCE-2 and PCE-3. In contrast, placenta 1 had relatively high levels of messengers for PCE-1 and PCE-2, but the activity toward these four substrates was only moderate. These results suggest that a discrepancy between the messenger level and the enzyme protein exists or that there are other as yet unidentified carboxylesterase(s) in the placenta which contribute to the hydrolytic activity. Carboxylesterases are known to involve the detoxication and metabolic activation of various drugs, environmental toxicants and carcinogens. Therefore, placental carboxylesterases have both pharmacological and toxicological significance in the development of the fetus.

Rat pregnane X receptor: molecular cloning, tissue distribution, and xenobiotic regulation

An orphan nuclear receptor, termed the pregnane X receptor (PXR), has recently been cloned from mouse and human and defines a novel steroid signaling pathway (Cell 92, 73-82, 1998; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95, 12208-122313, 1998). Transient cotransfection experiments demonstrate that the PXR responds to structurally dissimilar compounds and confers the induction of cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A), a subfamily of enzymes that involve the metabolism of two-thirds of drugs and other xenobiotics. In this report, we describe the molecular cloning, tissue distribution, and xenobiotic regulation of a rat PXR designated rPXR-1. rPXR-1 exhibits a 95% sequence identity with the mouse PXR, but only 79% identity with the human PXR, providing the molecular basis that rats and mice have a similar CYP3A induction profile but differ from humans. rPXR-1 gene was expressed abundantly in liver, intestine, and, to a lesser extent, kidney, lung, and stomach. The tissue distribution and the relative abundance of rPXR-1 mRNA among these tissues resemble those of CYP3A, suggesting that PXR is important not only for induction but also for constitutive expression of these enzymes. Xenobiotics known to induce liver microsomal enzymes showed differential effects on the rPXR-1 expression as determined by Northern blot analysis. Dexamethasone, for example, increased the accumulation of rPXR-1 mRNA, whereas troleandomycin slightly suppressed it. Compounds that increase PXR expression (inducers) and compounds that interact with PXR (ligands) likely have synergistic effects on CYP3A induction, which provides a novel molecular explanation for drug-drug interactions.

[The synthesis and absorption spectrum of [Fe(C60)] x ClO]

The complexes of [Fe(C60)] x C10 and [Fe(C70)] x ClO containing C60 (C70) were obtained by mixing and grinding solid C60 (C70 contained) and FeCl3 x 6H2O. The complexes are dark brown, and dissolve in water.

Sequence pattern for the occurrence of N-glycosylation in proteins

To further understand the occurrence of N-glycosylation, 21 nonhomologous proteins with Asn-x-Ser/Thr sequence were investigated. The results showed that some oligopeptides with Gly residues (G-x-y or y-x-G) are adjacent to the N-glycosylated sequences. These oligopeptides are not only essential for the structure and function of the proteins, but they are also found to be often proteolytic processing sites. These properties suggest that these oligopeptides may be a "sequence pattern" for the occurrence of N-glycosylation. The implications of the findings for protein structure and function are discussed.

Role of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the rehearsal phase of combinatorial chemistry: a thin-layer chromatography equivalent for on-support monitoring of solid-phase organic synthesis

The adaptation of diverse organic reactions to solid supports requires significant reaction optimization efforts. A convenient on-support analytical method functionally similar to TLC in solution chemistry is very advantageous. As a TLC-equivalent method, the single bead FTIR is a simple, sensitive, fast, and convenient analytical method to monitor SPOS without stopping the reaction or cleaving the product. As with TLC, single bead FTIR provides a wide range of information such as qualitative assessment, quantitative determination, and reaction kinetics. Studies with the single bead FTIR have not only provided a tool for daily monitoring of the solid-phase reactions, but a way to understand the properties of polymer-bound substrate and the nature of polymer-supported organic reactions. It has assisted in the selection of a wide range of reaction conditions rapidly for SPOS in the rehearsal phase of combinatorial chemistry. Due to its convenience and efficiency, FTIR internal reflection spectroscopy has evolved as a useful analytical methodology for monitoring of combinatorial chemistry reactions directly on polymer surface.

[The formation and oxidization of C60/C70 in graphite are discharge process]

It was found by means of infrared absorption spectrum that in the course of producing C60/C70 by graphite is discharge, a large quantity of C60/C70's oxide was produced, and such oxide features semiconduction and has advantage of good thermostability in vacuum.

[Isolation and identification of a saponine from Patrinia scabiosaefolia]

A saponine compound was isolated from the acetone extract of the roots and rhizomes of Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fish. ex Link. Its structure was identified by combination of chemical reaction and spectrum analysis as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid (giganteaside D), and part of its 13C-NMR data was revised by the 2D-NMR. The compound was found in the Patrinia for the first time.

Glycerol is a suberin monomer. New experimental evidence for an old hypothesis

The monomer composition of the esterified part of suberin can be determined using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy technology and is accordingly believed to be well known. However, evidence was presented recently indicating that the suberin of green cotton (Gossypium hirsutum cv Green Lint) fibers contains substantial amounts of esterified glycerol. This observation is confirmed in the present report by a sodium dodecyl sulfate extraction of membrane lipids and by a developmental study, demonstrating the correlated accumulation of glycerol and established suberin monomers. Corresponding amounts of glycerol also occur in the suberin of the periderm of cotton stems and potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers. A periderm preparation of wound-healing potato tuber storage parenchyma was further purified by different treatments. As the purification proceeded, the concentration of glycerol increased at about the same rate as that of alpha,omega-alkanedioic acids, the most diagnostic suberin monomers. Therefore, it is proposed that glycerol is a monomer of suberins in general and can cross-link aliphatic and aromatic suberin domains, corresponding to the electron-translucent and electron-opaque suberin lamellae, respectively. This proposal is consistent with the reported dimensions of the electron-translucent suberin lamellae.

[The protective effects of prompt escharectomy on myocardial injury following burn in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effects of prompt escharectomy on myocardial injury following severe burns.

METHODS

Rats were inflicted with 30% TBSA III degree scald. They were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (C, n = 10), non-escharectomy group (NE, n = 50), escharectomy group (E, n = 50). In the E group, burn wounds were excised promptly after the injury. The levels of troponin T (TnT) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in plasma and TNF in myocardium were measured at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours postburn.

RESULTS

TnT levels increased markedly at 3 hours post burn, plasma TNF levels increased markedly at 6 hours postburn, and TNF levels in myocardium also increased markedly at 12 hours postburn compared with the C group. Although the levels of TnT and TNF were a little lower in NE group than those in E group at 3 hours post burn, the levels of TnT 6 hours postburn and levels of TNF 12 hours postburn were significantly higher in NE group than those in E group. There were good positive correlations between TNF with TnT levels.

CONCLUSIONS

TNF played important roles in the pathogenesis of myocardial injury following burns, its level was correlated with the severity of myocardial injury. TNF levels in E group was much lower that in NE group, suggesting that prompt escharectomy could reduce the production and release of inflammatory cytokines, and lessen the myocardial injury induced by uncontrolled inflammatory response.

The properties of resin supports and their effects on solid-phase organic synthesis

Solvated resin supports are important carriers for solid-phase organic synthesis in combinatorial chemistry and high-throughput parallel synthesis. The physical properties of resin, resin swelling and dynamic solvation, effects of solvated supports on synthesis, kinetics, site interaction, and product purity are reviewed. Selective solvation of resin alters the local reactivity and accessibility of the bound substrate and the mobility of the entrapped reagent. Resin solvation changes during the course of the reaction when the attached substrate changes its polarity or other physicochemical properties. Selective adsorption determines the reaction kinetics and the action of a phase-transfer catalyst further improves the reaction on resin. Sites interact with each other in 1% DVB polystyrene resins to varying degrees depending on solvent, resin, and reactivity of the pendant groups. Total site isolation seems only achievable by controlling several factors simultaneously such as lower loading and steric hindrance. Through the proper selection of resin and solvent, alternating solvents to accommodate dynamic solvation of the resin, optimization of kinetics when changing solid supports and a careful control of resin impurities, solid-phase organic synthesis can lead to high quality combinatorial libraries.

[Controlled clinical study on efficacy of fixed-dose compounds rifater/rifinah in antituberculous chemotherapy]

OBJECTIVE

To assess antituberculous efficacy, patients' compliance and application perspective of fixed-dose compounds rifater/rifinah in China.

METHOD

Three hundred eight new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients were randomly allocated with a ratio of 2 to 1 into treatment group (227 cases, receiving 2RIFATER/4RIFINAH regimen) and controls (81 cases, 2HRZ/4HR) for observation.

RESULT

The sputum negative conversion rates at the 2nd month in the treatment group and the controls were 91.2% and 86.4% respectively, and at the end of the chemotherapy 98.7% and 97.5%. Chest radiography showed remarkable improvement. The resolution of pulmonary lesions in the treatment group and the controls accounted for 95.2% and 93.8% respectively, with cavity closure rates of 68.6% in the treatment group and 67.9% in the controls. The drug adverse reaction rates were 8.9% in both groups, and the default rates were 4.3% and 7.8% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Fixed-dose compounds rifater/rifinah show excellent therapeutic efficacy, safety and compliance in antituberculous chemotherapy, which could be recommended for wider use in tuberculosis control in China.

The two functional keratin 6 genes of mouse are differentially regulated and evolved independently from their human orthologs

The type II keratin 6 (K6) features a complex expression pattern, with a constitutive component in a subset of stratified epithelia and an inducible component following injury and other types of acute challenges. Multiple genes encoding highly related K6 isoforms have been described for human and bovine, a unique feature among mammalian keratin genes. Here we report on the cloning and characterization of two functional genes and their cDNAs encoding the K6 isoforms in mouse and two related pseudogenes. A systematic comparison of the mouse and human K6 genes suggests that they evolved independently after these species diverged. The mK6alpha and mK6beta genes are organized in tandem with the same transcriptional orientation in the mouse genome. Similar to the human isoforms, the coding sequences for mK6alpha and mK6beta isoforms show approximately 95% identity. The two mouse K6 genes are differentially regulated at the mRNA level in several stratified epithelia. The mK6alpha isoform mRNA clearly predominates in intact trunk skin of adult mice, where it is restricted to the outer root sheath of hair follicles. Both mRNAs are induced in epidermis and proximal hair follicles as early as 1 h following acute injury or topical application of phorbol esters and subsequently increase to a comparable extent but with different kinetics. These novel findings have important implications for the evolution, regulation, and function of K6 genes in mammalian species.

Heterologously expressed inner lipoyl domain of dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase inhibits ATP-dependent inactivation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Identification of important amino acid residues

The activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex (PDC), which catalyses the oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA within the mitochondrion, is diminished in animal models of diabetes. Studies with purified PDC components have suggested that the kinases responsible for inactivating the decarboxylase catalytic subunits of the complex are most efficient in their regulatory role when they are bound to dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase (E2) subunits, which form the structural core of the complex. We report that the addition of an exogenous E2 subdomain (inner lipoyl domain) to an intact PDC inhibits ATP-dependent inactivation of the complex. By combining molecular modelling, site-directed mutagenesis and biophysical characterizations, we have also identified two amino acid residues in this subdomain (Ile229 and Phe231) that largely determine the magnitude of this effect.

[Controlled clinical trial on efficacy of 5-month regimens and whole course intermittent 6-month regimens in treating bacillary pulmonary tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the therapeutic efficacy of rifapentine (L), to reduce the duration of treatment and the frequency of drug administration, and to observe the influence on efficacy and adverse reactions of using pyrazinamide (Z) through whole-course.

METHOD

Two 5-month regimens respectively including rifampin (R) and L and two whole course intermittent regimens were designed as following: I: 2SHRZ/3R2H2Z2; II: 2SHRZ/3L1H2Z2; III: 2S3H3R3Z3/4L1H2Z2; IV: 2S3H3R3Z3/4L1H2E2. A total of 366 newly-diagnosed bacillary pulmonary tuberculosis patients were admitted and randomly allocated.

RESULTS

339 cases completed the prescribed short course chemotherapy. The sputum conversion rates at the end of the treatment of groups I, II, III and IV were 97.0%, 94.1%, 100.0% and 97.2% respectively. X-ray resolution rates were 96.0%, 97.6%, 100.0% and 94.4% respectively. Cavity-close rates of the 5-month regimens and the 6-month regimens were 77% and 76%. Comparing the results among groups, there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), and no obvious side-effect was found. 305 patients have been followed up for 3 years since completion of the chemotherapy. The bacteriological relapse and bacteriological relapse with deterioration on chest X-ray in groups I, II, III and IV were seen in 2,3,6 and 3 cases respectively.

CONCLUSION

Domestic-made rifapentine is a long-acting, highly effective antituberculosis drug. It is unnecessary to use Z in continuation phase, and it is possible to shorten the duration to 5 months with the appropriate combination of essential drugs, which is worthwhile for further study.

Single and multiple dose pharmacokinetic studies of oral sustained release and non-sustained release formulations of isosorbide-5-mononitrate in healthy volunteers

The pharmacokinetics of a new sustained release tablet (40 mg, "test") of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (CAS 16051-77-7, IS-5-MN) was investigated together with a reference preparation (20 mg, "reference") after single and multiple oral administration in ten healthy human subjects using an open, randomised two-way crossover experimental design. Based on the statistical evaluation of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), the two tablet formulations are judged to be the same with regard to the amount absorbed. Pharmacokinetic data showed that with the test tablet significantly lower and delayed mean peak plasma levels (Cmax) were reached compared with the reference preparation in both single and multiple dose studies. The test formulation also produced lower minimum plasma concentration (Cmin). However, there was no statistically significant difference for other pharmacokinetic parameters, including the elimination rate constant (Kel), the elimination half-life (t1/2) and the peak-trough fluctuation constant (PTF) between the two treatments. It was demonstrated that the new sustained release formulation of isosorbide-5-mononitrate could be useful in clinical practice for the treatment of angina pectoris and congestive heart failure.

[Multiple dose pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies of oral sustained release and conventional formulations of isosorbide-5-mononitrate in healthy volunteers]

The pharmacokinetics of a new sustained release tablets (40 mg, qd) of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (IS-5-MN) was investigated together with a conventional preparation (20 mg, bid) after multiple oral administration in ten healthy human subjects using an open, randomized two-way crossover experimental design. Based on three statistical analyses of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), the two tablet formulations are judged to be bioequivalent (P > 0.1), with a relative bioavailability of 108.95% for the IS-5-MN sustained release formulation. Pharmacokinetic data showed that the sustained release formulation reached mean peak plasma levels significantly later and lower minimum plasma concentration (Cmin), compared with the conventional preparation. But no statistically significant difference was found for other pharmacokinetic parameters including peak plasma levels (Cmax), AUC, elimination constant (Ke), elimination half-life (T1/2) and fluctuation index (FI) between the two preparations (P > 0.05).

Single bead IR monitoring of a novel benzimidazole synthesis

A novel and efficient solid-phase synthesis of benzimidazoles and the monitoring of all conversions in this synthesis are reported.

[Cloning and mapping of the rpoB gene in M. tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To clone the rpoB gene of M. tuberculosis.

METHODS

Screening the rpoB gene of M. tuberculosis from M. tuberculosis genomic DNA library by using the rpoB gene conservative region PCR product as a probe.

RESULTS

411 bp products were seen after amplification of H37Ra DNA. The cloning and sequencing results indicated that the 411 bp products were homogeneous to M. tuberculosis rpoB gene. 12,000 clones of M. tuberculosis genomic DNA library were screened by hybridization using the 411 bp product as a probe and 7 clones seemed positive, 3 clones were real positive after the second hybridization. 1 of them carried a 3.8 kb insert fragment. The preliminary restriction map of the 3.8 kb segment was made. The regions which were found homogeneous to the probe to the end of this cloned fragment were 1 and 2.8 kb.

CONCLUSION

In comparison with the open reading frame of H37Rv rpoB gene, the 3.8 kb segment cloned here covers larger portion of entire rpoB gene of M. tuberculosis. This study will provide a useful tool to study the resistant mechanism of rifampin and other rifamycin compounds to M. tuberculosis.

[Exploration for an early discriminant model of non-skeletal phase in endemic fluorosis exposed to coal-burning]

OBJECTIVE

To detect, diagnose and treat for endemic fluorosis earlier.

METHODS

Six kinds of indices, such as environmental fluoride level, were collected from the population in epidemic and non-epidemic areas of endemic fluorosis with a 1:1 paired-match design. A discriminant analysis model was established by multivariate analysis. Levels of fluoride in environment and biological materials were determined by fluoride electrode method. Living condition of the subjects were measured and interviewed. Function of skeletons and joints was measured. Biochemical and enzyme indices were measured with reagent kits and gel electrophoresis. Other indices were measured by interview. All data collected were analyzed by SAS and MDAS computer software.

RESULTS

There was significant overall difference between four kinds of discriminant functions, with an overall agreement of 85.78% (83.33% to 98.86%), based on resubstitution with sampled data. Posterior probabilities for new classification of sampled data automatically and randomly produced from a computer were 86.39% to 99.99%.

CONCLUSION

The discriminant functions mentioned above, except for the third one with a too small sample size, can be used in early discrimination of endemic fluorosis caused by exposure to coal burning, or in evaluation for the effectiveness of pharmaceutical therapy, with a power of 95%.

Transcriptional initiation sites in sorghum mitochondrial DNA indicate conserved and variable features

Transcriptional initiation and processing was examined for three sorghum mitochondrial DNA genes (atp6-1, atp6-2, urf209) and two open reading frames (orf265/130, orf107) to characterize sequences associated with initiation and other transcriptional strategies for this species. The 5' termini of ten transcripts were determined by primer extension, and mtRNA was capped with guanylyl transferase and annealed to anti-sense riboprobes to identify transcriptional initiation regions. Eight transcript termini were suitable substrates for guanylyl transferase, indicating the presence of one (atp6-1, atp6-2, urf209), two (orf265/130), or three (orf107) promoters for the five examples. The majority of the putative promoters were associated with single primer-extension termini, while two examples exhibited two transcript-initiation sites within the promoter. Four examples were characterized by initiated transcripts without subsequent processing, indicating that processing is not obligatory. Each of the putative promoter regions included significant A/T-rich 5' regions, consistent with previous examples, but four exceptions to a consensus core YRTA sequence were identified. The anomalies (AATA, CTTA) suggest plasticity in the primary structure of the core region of higher-plant mitochondrial DNA promoters.

Transcription initiation sites for sorghum mitochondrial atp9 are positioned immediately 3' to trnfM

Sorghum mitochondrial atp9 is polymorphic among male-sterile cytoplasms, but each cytoplasm is characterized by a major 650 nt transcript, regardless of fertility status. The gene is positioned 323 bp 3' to trnfM. Primer extension revealed multiple atp9 5' transcript termini, distributed from +1 to +28 3' to trnfM; the termini could be labeled with polynucleotide kinase, suggesting that they result from the maturation of trnfM. Guanylyltransferase experiments, however, showed that four of the termini were capable. The juxtaposition of a putative promoter 3' to trnfM results in a unique atp9 transcript population consisting of primary and processed transcripts.

Cloning and sequencing of the pancreatic islet neogenesis associated protein (INGAP) gene and its expression in islet neogenesis in hamsters

Induction of islet neogenesis by cellophane wrapping (CW) reverses streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetes. Administration of Ilotropin, a protein extract isolated from CW pancreata, causes recapitulation of normal islet ontogeny and reverses STZ diabetes, reducing mortality by 50%. We investigated the hypothesis that a novel gene encoding a constituent of Ilotropin was expressed in the hamster pancreas undergoing islet neogenesis. Islet neogenesis associated protein (INGAP) is a product of a novel gene expressed in regenerating hamster pancreas. Northern blot analysis showed a strong single transcript of 850 bp at 1 and 2 d after CW that disappeared by the 6th day and was absent from untreated control pancreata. INGAP gene is expressed in acinar cells, but not in islets. Western blot analysis demonstrated the presence of INGAP in Ilotropin but not in extracts from control pancreata. A synthetic pentadecapeptide, corresponding to a region unique to INGAP, stimulated a 2.4-fold increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation into hamster duct epithelium in primary culture and a rat pancreatic duct cell line but had no effect on a hamster insulinoma tumor cell line. A portion of human INGAP gene was cloned and appears to be highly homologous to the hamster gene. This data suggests that the INGAP gene is a novel pancreatic gene expressed during islet neogenesis whose protein product is a constituent of Ilotropin and is capable of initiating duct cell proliferation, a prerequisite for islet neogenesis.

Different distribution of fluorinated anesthetics and nonanesthetics in model membrane: a 19F NMR study

Despite their structural resemblance, a pair of cyclic halogenated compounds, 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane (F3) and 1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane (F6), exhibit completely different anesthetic properties. Whereas the former is a potent general anesthetic, the latter produces no anesthesia. Two linear compounds, isoflurane and 2,3-dichlorooctofluorobutane (F8), although not a structural pair, also show the same anesthetic discrepancy. Using 19F nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, we investigated the time-averaged submolecular distribution of these compounds in a vesicle suspension of phosphatidylcholine lipids. A two-site exchange model was used to interpret the observed changes in resonance frequencies as a function of the solubilization of these compounds in membrane and in water. At clinically relevant concentrations, the anesthetics F3 and isoflurane distributed preferentially to regions of the membrane that permit easy contact with water. The frequency changes of these two anesthetics can be well characterized by the two-site exchange model. In contrast, the nonanesthetics F6 and F8 solubilized deeply into the lipid core, and their frequency change significantly deviated from the prediction of the model. It is concluded that although anesthetics and nonanesthetics may show similar hydrophobicity in bulk solvents such as olive oil, their distributions in various regions in biomembranes, and hence their effective concentrations at different submolecular sites, may differ significantly.

Three-dimensional model of sensory rhodopsin I reveals important restraints between the protein and the chromophore

A structural model is constructed for the integral membrane protein, sensory rhodopsin I (SRI), the phototaxis receptor of the archaeon Halobacterium salinarium. The model is built on the template of the homologous bacteriorhodopsin (BR). The modeling procedure includes sequence alignment, a side chain rotamer search and simulated annealing by restricted molecular dynamics. The structure is in general agreement with previous results from mutagenesis experiments, chromophore substitution and room and cryogenic temperature spectroscopy. In particular, a residue near the beta-ionone ring of the retinylidene chromophore is found to be critical in maintaining the proper isomeric conformation of the chromophore; a layer of residues lying on the cytoplasmic side of the chromophore pocket is found to modulate the restraints around the C13 region of the chromophore, affecting the isomerizations around its 13 = 14 bond that are important to the protein's activity. The restraints in these regions are more stringent in SRI than in BR. The tightened restraints are chiefly due to van der Waals interactions, where the attractive and repulsive components play separable roles. Aromatic residues account for a majority of the restrictive interactions. It is hypothesized that the enhanced barriers due to these restrictions regulate the progress of SRI's photocycle, so that it can couple with the phototaxis reaction chain in the bacterium. A possibility is also suggested that conformational changes of the protein provide the signal recognized by the transducer.

Beta-adrenoceptor activation-induced placental prorenin secretion is mediated by increased renin messenger RNA and protein synthesis

Activation of beta-adrenoceptors has been shown to promote renin secretion in both human kidney and placenta. In kidney, the enhanced secretion is immediately observed, and mobilization of renin in the storage granules accounts for such a rapid response. In contrast, the enhanced secretion in placenta is delayed for 6-12 hr after receptor activation and consists almost entirely of the renin precursor prorenin. It is hypothesized that newly synthesized rather than stored enzyme is responsible for the enhanced secretion in human placenta. To test this hypothesis, placental explants were cultured in the presence or absence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, and prorenin concentrations in the tissue and medium were measured. Dobutamine and terbutaline, beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, evoked 17- and 5-fold increases in secretion, respectively. Tissue content of prorenin in response to the treatment was increased by a similar magnitude, yet values were consistently <10% of medium concentrations. The increases in prorenin concentrations in both medium and tissue, however, were markedly attenuated by cycloheximide, suggesting that prorenin synthesis in response to beta-adrenoceptor activation is required. Reverse transcription coupled with polymerase chain reaction revealed that renin mRNA levels were increased by 3-8-fold and occurred before increases in tissue and medium prorenin, indicating that increased renin mRNA levels are responsible for the increased synthesis of prorenin. Explants cultured in the presence of actinomycin D, an inhibitor of transcription, did not show the agonist-induced prorenin mRNA levels or enhancement of its secretion. The peak levels of renin mRNA were reached after 6 hr of incubation, were sustained at similar levels after 24 hr, and were not affected by cycloheximide. These findings are consistent with the notion that enhancement of renin mRNA and de novo protein synthesis are required for prorenin secretion induced by activation of placental beta-adrenoceptors.

[Construction of mycobacterium tuberculosis genomic library]

OBJECTIVE

To provide effective tools for identification and characterization of M. tuberculosis genes/antigenes and to evaluate their roles in diagnosis, vaccination, drug resistance, and pathogenesis.

METHODS

M. tuberculosis genomic DNA obtained from H 37 Ra strain was partially digested with DNase I. The DNA fragments ranging from 4-8 kb were isolated from agarose gel and ligated to EcoR I adaptor, and the products were linked to lamda gt11 arms and packaged using an in vitro packaging extract. The different diluted bacteriophages were used to transfect bacteria Y1090.

RESULTS

The efficiency and titer of the library were 85% and 3 x 10(5) pfu/ml, respectively. The library contained 1.3 x 10(5) individual recombinant phage whose foreign DNA inserted fragment size was 3.5 kb on average.

CONCLUSION

The genomic DNA library constructed here can provide sufficient clone to cover H37Ra gene.

Circular dichroism studies in conformation of cellobiohydrolase and endoglucanase from Trichoderma pseudokiningii S-38: effects of pH and ligand binding

Effects of pH and ligand binding upon the conformation of cellobiohydrolase I (CBHI) and endoglucanase I (EGI) from Trichoderma pseudokiningii S-38 have been studied by circular dichroism measurements. In the high-pH range (6-9), increasing pH resulted in a similar conformational change occurring in free CBHI and EGI, while such treatment gave different changes of the two enzyme conformations in the presence of cellobiose. On the other hand, in the low-pH region, with both CBHI an EGI in the active form, decreasing pH resulted in a large conformational change of free EGI compared to that of free CBHI, whereas ligand binding resulted in a similar change of both CBHI and EGI, independent of pH change.

Cytokines (IL-1beta and TNFalpha) in relation to biochemical and immunological effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in rats

Previous studies in different strains of rats and mice have shown that the inhibition of gluconeogenesis as a result of reduced liver phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activity together with appetite suppression play critical roles in the acute toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Recent immunological studies in rats demonstrated that exposure to low doses of TCDD resulted in an early and enhanced IgG response to immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and an enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction as well as a positive popliteal lymph node (PLN) response. However, high doses of TCDD suppressed the DTH reaction. This study aimed at examining the involvement of cytokines (IL-1 and TNF) in mediating the above effects. Liver samples from a previous dose-response study on DTH reaction were investigated, in which rats were treated with TCDD (1, 3, 10, 30 and 90 microg/kg) and immunized with an antigen. mRNA levels of IL-1beta were elevated begining at the 1 microg/kg (non-lethal) dosage group with a maximum increase of about 5-fold above controls in the 90 microg/kg (lethal) dosage group. mRNA levels of TNFalpha were also significantly elevated begining at the 30 microg/kg dosage group. These results suggest that at low doses of TCDD, increased IL-1beta could be responsible for immune function stimulation, whereas at high doses of TCDD, greatly elevated TNFalpha and IL-1beta levles may exacerbate or mediate acute toxicity including immune suppression and related biochemical effects. A time course study (60 microg TCDD/kg without immunization) revealed that liver mRNA levels of TNFalpha were significantly elevated starting 24 h, and reaching a maximum 48 h after dosing with TCDD. This change was accompanied by a transient increase of mRNA levels of IL-1beta at day 4 after TCDD dosage. Thus, these data demonstrated that TCDD alone (without immunization) can cause transient increases of mRNA levels of TNFalpha and IL-1beta in liver. Results from these experiments suggest that TCDD-induced cytokine changes may play important roles in various effects of TCDD.

Solid 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy studies of biosynthesis in whole cells of Methanosphaera stadtmanae

Whole cells of Methanosphaera stadtmanae were grown in media containing [13C]CO2, [2-13C]acetate, [1-13C]acetate, [3-13C]serine and [1-13C]formate. The label incorporation was determined using solid state 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy. The incorporation of serine hydroxymethyl carbon into the purine rings of nucleic acids and most probably the methyl group of thymine is demonstrated. The one carbon atom pathway shown in our previous work is operative in the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines. In addition, these studies clearly identified signals not observed in solution NMR spectroscopy and revealed an important pathway not previously known. The reversibility of formyl-containing one carbon atom carriers is demonstrated. The pattern of labeled carbon atoms in sugars confirms the biosynthetic route from pyruvate, which is formed from acetic acid and carbon dioxide. Finally, a preliminary lipid assignment is indicated. The solid state 13C CPMAS NMR of these intact cells proved to be a facile method to follow specific pathways.

[Detection of rpoB gene mutation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by PCR "cold" SSCP]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the applicability of detection of rpoB gene mutation in M. tuberculosis susceptibility testing.

METHODS

87 M. tuberculosis isolates and 22 sputum specimens from patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis were detected by PCR-SSCP.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of PCR for rpoB gene amplification was 100 pg DNA and 5000 organisms. The rpoB gene could be detected in the all isolates tested. In comparison with conventional susceptibility testing methods, the sensitivity and specificity of PCR-"cold" SSCP analysis for detecting rifampin resistance in 87 M. tuberculosis isolates was 89.6% and 100%, respectively. Among 22 smear- and culture-positive sputum specimens, only 1 (4.5%) was positive by PCR, however, 6 (27.3%) of them were positive by nested-PCR. The "cold" SSCP results of these 6 specimens were corresponding to that of the susceptibility testing.

CONCLUSIONS

The PCR-"cold" SSCP described here can easily and rapidly detect rifampin resistance of M. tuberculosis. After increasing the primer specificity and amplification sensitivity, the technique might be used for detection of M. tuberculosis rifampin resistance in clinical specimen directly.

Solid-state 13C-NMR spectroscopy of adduction products of 2,5-hexanedione with ribonuclease, albumin, and rat neurofilament protein

The Paal-Knorr condensation reaction between the gamma-diketone 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) and epsilon-amine moieties of proteins of various molecular weight, including ribonuclease (RNase), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and rat neurofilament (NF), has been investigated by solid-state 13C-NMR spectroscopy. These proteins all reacted with 2,5-HD with the formation of 2,5-dimethylpyrrole (2,5-DMP) derivatives. The size and complexity of the protein affected the rate of formation of 2,5-DMP derivatives. Using the selective reducing reagent NaCNBH3, the Paal-Knorr reaction intermediates were trapped by conversion into amines, which were identified by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The secondary autoxidation reaction following the formation of 2,5-DMP derivatives was also studied by solid-state NMR spectroscopy.