Characterization of DNA-directed RNA polymerases in isolated macronuclei of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. Effects of purified ornithine decarboxylase and amine compounds

Distribution patterns of ornithine decarboxylase in cells and tissues: facts, problems, and postulates

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a key enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis. Increased polyamine levels are required for growth, differentiation, and transformation of cells. In situ detection of ODC in cells and tissues has been performed with biochemical, enzyme cytochemical, immunocytochemical, and in situ hybridization techniques. Different localization patterns at the cellular level have been described, depending on the type of cells or tissues studied. These patterns varied from exclusively cytoplasmic to both cytoplasmic and nuclear. These discrepancies can be partially explained by the (lack of) sensitivity and/or specificity of the methods used, but it is more likely that (sub)cellular localization of ODC is cell type-specific and/or depends on the physiological status (growth, differentiation, malignant transformation, apoptosis) of cells. Intracellular translocation of ODC may be a prerequisite for its regulation and function.

Secondary fungal metabolites and their biological activities, III. Further metabolites from dual cultures of the antagonistic basidiomycetes Heterobasidion annosum and Gloeophyllum abietinum

In addition to a preceding publication (Sonnenbichler, J., Bliestle, I.M., Peipp, H. & Holdenrieder, O. (1989) Biol. Chem. Hoppe-Seyler 370, 1295-1303), six further metabolites formed in dual cultures of the antagonistic fungi Heterobasidion annosum and Gloeophyllum abietinum are described; three of them represent unknown structures. The producing organisms have been identified. The metabolites fommanoxin from H. annosum and oosponol from G. abietinum show that the toxins can be detoxified by metabolization by the antagonistic fungus. The newly-described compounds have been tested for their fungicidal properties.