Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers-Based Constant Modulus Waveform Design for Dual-Function Radar-Communication Systems

In this paper, we design constant modulus waveforms for dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) systems based on a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) configuration of sensors for a far-field scenario. At first, we formulate a non-convex optimization problem subject to waveform synthesis for minimizing the interference power while maintaining a constant modulus constraint. Next, we solve this non-convex problem, iteratively, using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm. Importantly, the designed waveforms approximate a desired beampattern in terms of a high-gain radar beam and a slightly high gain communication beam while maintaining a desired low sidelobe level. The designed waveforms ensure an improved detection probability and an improved bit error rate (BER) for radar and communications parts, respectively. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method through simulation results.

Sensor Fault-Tolerant Control of Microgrid Using Robust Sliding-Mode Observer

This work investigates sensor fault diagnostics and fault-tolerant control for a voltage source converter based microgrid (model) using a sliding-mode observer. It aims to provide a diagnosis of multiple faults (i.e., magnitude, phase, and harmonics) occurring simultaneously or individually in current/potential transformers. A modified algorithm based on convex optimization is used to determine the gains of the sliding-mode observer, which utilizes the feasibility optimization or trace minimization of a Ricatti equation-based modification of H-Infinity (H∞) constrained linear matrix inequalities. The fault and disturbance estimation method is modified and improved with some corrections in previous works. The stability and finite-time reachability of the observers are also presented for the considered faulty and perturbed microgrid system. A proportional-integral (PI) based control is utilized for the conventional regulations required for frequency and voltage sags occurring in a microgrid. However, the same control block features fault-tolerant control (FTC) functionality. It is attained by incorporating a sliding-mode observer to reconstruct the faults of sensors (transformers), which are fed to the control block after correction. Simulation-based analysis is performed by presenting the results of state/output estimation, state/output estimation errors, fault reconstruction, estimated disturbances, and fault-tolerant control performance. Simulations are performed for sinusoidal, constant, linearly increasing, intermittent, sawtooth, and random sort of often occurring sensor faults. However, this paper includes results for the sinusoidal nature voltage/current sensor (transformer) fault and a linearly increasing type of fault, whereas the remaining results are part of the supplementary data file. The comparison analysis is performed in terms of observer gains being estimated by previously used techniques as compared to the proposed modified approach. It also includes the comparison of the voltage-frequency control implemented with and without the incorporation of the used observer based fault estimation and corrections, in the control block. The faults here are considered for voltage/current sensor transformers, but the approach works for a wide range of sensors.

Production of high quality biodiesel from novel non-edible Raphnus raphanistrum L. seed oil using copper modified montmorillonite clay catalyst

This study focused on producing high quality and yield of biodiesel from novel non-edible seed oil of abundantly available wild Raphnus raphanistrum L. using an efficient, recyclable and eco-friendly copper modified montmorillonite (MMT) clay catalyst. The maximum biodiesel yield of 83% was obtained by base catalyzed transesterification process under optimum operating conditions of methanol to oil ratio of 15:1, reaction temperature of 150 °C, reaction time of 5 h and catalyst loading of 3.5%. The synthesized catalyst and biodiesel were characterized for their structural features and chemical compositions using various state-of-the-art techniques, including x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H, ¹³C) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The fuel properties of the biodiesel were estimated including kinematic viscosity (4.36 cSt), density (0.8312 kg/L), flash point (72 °C), acid value (0.172 mgKOH/g) and sulphur content (0.0002 wt.%). These properties were compared and found in good agreement with the International Biodiesel Standards of American (ASTM-951, 6751), European Committee (EN-14214) and China GB/T 20828 (2007). The catalyst was re-used in five consecutive transesterification reactions without losing much catalytic efficiency. Overall, non-edible Raphnus raphanistrum L.. seed oil and Cu doped MMT clay catalyst appeared to be highly active, stable, and cheap contenders for future biofuel industry. However, detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of Raphnus raphanistrum L. seed oil biodiesel are highly recommended to assess the technical, ecological, social and economic challenges.

Compressive Sensing Based Channel Estimation for Massive MIMO Communication Systems

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is believed to be a key technology to get 1000x data rates in wireless communication systems. Massive MIMO occupies a large number of antennas at the base station (BS) to serve multiple users at the same time. It has appeared as a promising technique to realize high-throughput green wireless communications. Massive MIMO exploits the higher degree of spatial freedom, to extensively improve the capacity and energy efficiency of the system. Thus, massive MIMO systems have been broadly accepted as an important enabling technology for 5th Generation (5G) systems. In massive MIMO systems, a precise acquisition of the channel state information (CSI) is needed for beamforming, signal detection, resource allocation, etc. Yet, having large antennas at the BS, users have to estimate channels linked with hundreds of transmit antennas. Consequently, pilot overhead gets prohibitively high. Hence, realizing the correct channel estimation with the reasonable pilot overhead has become a challenging issue, particularly for frequency division duplex (FDD) in massive MIMO systems. In this paper, by taking advantage of spatial and temporal common sparsity of massive MIMO channels in delay domain, nonorthogonal pilot design and channel estimation schemes are proposed under the frame work of structured compressive sensing (SCS) theory that considerably reduces the pilot overheads for massive MIMO FDD systems. The proposed pilot design is fundamentally different from conventional orthogonal pilot designs based on Nyquist sampling theorem. Finally, simulations have been performed to verify the performance of the proposed schemes. Compared to its conventional counterparts with fewer pilots overhead, the proposed schemes improve the performance of the system.

Desmoglein 3 promotes cancer cell migration and invasion by regulating activator protein 1 and protein kinase C-dependent-Ezrin activation

Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3), the pemphigus vulgaris antigen, has recently been shown to be upregulated in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and has been identified as a good tumor-specific marker for clinical staging of cervical sentinel lymph nodes in head and neck SCC. However, little is known about its biological function in cancer. The actin-binding protein Ezrin and the activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor are implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. Here, we report that Dsg3 regulates the activity of c-Jun/AP-1 as well as protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation of Ezrin-Thr567, which contributes to the accelerated motility of cancer cells. Ectopic expression of Dsg3 in cancer cell lines caused enhanced phosphorylation at Ezrin-Thr567 with concomitant augmented membrane protrusions, cell spreading and invasive phenotype. We showed that Dsg3 formed a complex with Ezrin at the plasma membrane that was required for its proper function of interacting with F-actin and CD44 as Dsg3 knockdown impaired these associations. The increased Ezrin phosphorylation in Dsg3-overexpressing cells could be abrogated substantially by various pharmacological inhibitors for Ser/Thr kinases, including PKC and Rho kinase that are known to activate Ezrin. Furthermore, a marked increase in c-Jun S63 phosphorylation, among others, was found in Dsg3-overexpressing cells and the activation of c-Jun/AP-1 was further supported by a luciferase reporter assay. Taken together, our study identifies a novel Dsg3-mediated c-Jun/AP-1 regulatory mechanism and PKC-dependent Ezrin phosphorylation that could be responsible for Dsg3-associated cancer metastasis.

A biochemical and histopathologic study showing protection and treatment of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits using vitamin C

Gentamicin and vitamin C have been proposed as nephrotoxic and antioxidant, respectively. This study involved biochemical and histopathologic investigation showing protection and treatment of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits using vitamin C for 26 days hypothesizing that whether vitamin C would inhibit or decrease the raised serum urea and creatinine levels. This study was conducted on 25 healthy male albino rabbits (average weight 1.5±0.2 kg), classified into 5 groups: group A, B, C, D and E for nephrocurative (study-I) and nephroprotective (study-II) studies. Control group of rabbits (group A) received only the vehicle of gentamicin ampoule. In study-I, gentamicin sulphate (GS 80 mg/kg, i.m.) was administered to group B and C rabbits for ten days, then group C rabbits received vitamin C 250 mg/Kg for remaining 16 days. Group D and E received GS 80 mg/kg and GS 80 mg/kg i.m.-vitamin C 250 mg/kg orally, respectively during whole period (26 days) of study-II. After 26 days, various biochemical parameters, i.e. serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum antioxidant activity, and histopathologic investigations were made. Nephrotoxicity was observed in rabbit groups B, C and D as evident from significant (p<0.05) high levels of serum creatinine and BUN and low serum antioxidant levels as compared to the levels of control group. Decrease in the levels of serum creatinine and BUN along with the increase in serum antioxidant activity was observed after vitamin C treatment in group C. While, renal-protective role of vitamin C was seen in group E as compared to the control. In conclusion, Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity can be attenuated or treated using vitamin C.

Fingerprinting genomic instability in oral submucous fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a high-risk pre-cancerous condition where 7-13% of these patients develop head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To date there is no cancer predictive markers for OSF patients. Genomic instability hallmarks early genetic events during malignant transformation causing loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and chromosomal copy number abnormality. However, to date there is no study on genomic instability in OSF. Although this condition is known as a high-risk pre-cancerous condition, there is no data regarding the genomic status of this disease in terms of genetic susceptibility to malignant transformation.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the existence of genetic signatures for carcinogenesis in OSF. We employed the high-resolution genome-wide Affymetrix Mapping single nucleotide polymorphism microarray technique to 'fingerprint' global genomic instability in the form of LOH in 15 patient-matched OSF-blood genomic DNA samples.

RESULTS

This rapid high-resolution mapping technique has revealed for the first time that a small number of discrete hot-spot LOH loci appeared in 47-53% of the OSF tissues studied. Many of these LOH loci were previously identified regions of genomic instability associated with carcinogenesis of the HNSCC.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that genomic instability in the form of LOH is present in OSF. We hypothesize that the genomic instability detected in OSF may play an important role in malignant transformation. Further functional association studies on these putative genes may reveal potential predictive oral cancer markers for OSF patients.

Upregulation of HIF-1alpha in malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition showing extensive fibrosis of the submucosa and affects most parts of the oral cavity, including pharynx and upper third of the oesophagus. The molecules involved in the biological pathways of the fibrotic process appeared to be either down- or upregulated at different stages of the disease. Despite the precancerous nature, malignant transformation of the epithelium in the background of fibrosis has not been studied in detail. HIF-1alpha is a known transcription factor that is induced by hypoxia.

AIMS

To test the hypothesis that hypoxia plays a role in malignant transformation and progression of OSF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used both formalin-fixed and frozen samples of OSF and normal mucosa to investigate the relationship between HIF-1alpha and epithelial dysplasia using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that HIF-1alpha is upregulated at both protein and mRNA levels in OSF and the correlation with epithelial dysplasia is statistically significant (P < 0.001). We propose that HIF-1alpha may play a role in malignant transformation of OSF. Further, over-expression of HIF-1alpha may contribute to the progression of fibrosis. It may be possible to use HIF-1alpha as a marker for malignant transformation of OSF.

Expression of cytokeratins, adhesion and activation molecules in oral ulcers of Behçet's disease

BACKGROUND

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder of which oral aphthous ulceration is a major feature. AIMS/HYPOTHESIS. This study sought to determine the role of cytokeratins, differentiation and proliferation markers, gammadelta T-cell adhesion and activation molecules, and apoptotic markers in oral ulcers of this disease.

METHODS

Expression patterns for cytokeratins (K1, K6, K14, K15, K16), integrins (beta1 and alpha6), CD3 T-cell and gammadelta T-cell adhesion and activation markers [CD40, CD44, CD54, ICAM-1, CD58, leucocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-3, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), CD86], and cellular proliferation and differentiation markers (Ki67 and involucrin), and apoptotic markers (CD95 and Bcl-2) in oral ulcers of nine patients with BD and four healthy controls were analysed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

K14, K15 and involucrin expression were unchanged, whereas Ki67, the proliferation marker, was reduced by around 50%. K1, K6, K16, beta1 integrin and the apoptotic marker CD95 were upregulated, whereas alpha6 integrin and Bcl-2 were downregulated in BD samples. CD3 and gammadelta T-cell expression and other adhesion molecules including CD44, CD86, CD58 (LFA-3), VCAM-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) were upregulated, whereas CD40 showed little change.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrates changes in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions that affect cell homeostasis and may participate in the formation of oral ulcers in BD.

Determination of sulphite using an immobilized enzyme withflow injection chemiluminescence detection

A flow injection method is reported for the determination of sulphite-based on chemiluminescent detection. Hydrogen peroxide is produced from sulphite using on-line covalently bound immobilized sulphite oxidase packed in a mini-column, which was mixed downstream and detected via cobalt(II)-catalysed chemiluminescent oxidation of luminol. The limit of detection (2 x standard deviation of the blank) was 1 x 10(-3) mmol/L with sample throughput 60 h(-1). The calibration data was linear over the range of 0.2-1.0 mmol/L with relative standard deviation (n = 4) in the range 0.9-2.0%.

Determination of iron in blood serum using ?ow injection with luminol chemiluminescence detection

A simple and rapid fl ow injection method is reported for the determination of iron in blood serum after acid digestion with HNO3 and HClO4, based on luminol CL detection in the absence of added oxidant. The detection limit (3 s) was 1.0 nmol/L with a sample throughput of 120/h. The calibration graph was linear over the range 0.001-1.0 micromol/L (r2 = 0.9974), with relative standard deviations (RSD) (n = 4) in the range 3.2-5%. The effect of interfering cations (Ca(II), Mg(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Fe(III)) and anions (Cl-, SO4(2-), HCO3-, NO3-, NO2-) were studied using a luminol CL system for Fe(II) determination. The method was applied to normal blood serum and the results (1.32 +/- 0.08-1.74 +/- 0.05 mg/L) were compared with those from a spectrophotometric reference method (1.34 +/- 0.06-1.80 +/- 0.10 mg/L), which agree fairly well with the overall reference range in blood.

Human-Saccharomyces cerevisiae proliferating cell nuclear antigen hybrids: oligomeric structure and functional characterization using in vitro DNA replication

The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a highly conserved protein required for the assembly of the DNA polymerase delta (pol delta) holoenzyme. Because PCNAs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human do not complement each other using in vitro or in vivo assays, hybrids of the two proteins would help identify region(s) involved in the assembly of the pol delta holoenzyme. Two mutants of human PCNA, HU1 (D21E) and HU3 (D120E), and six hybrids of human and S. cerevisiae PCNA, HC1, HC5, CH2, CH3, CH4, and CH5, were prepared by swapping corresponding regions between the two proteins. In solution, all PCNA assembled into trimers, albeit to different extents. These PCNA variants were tested for stimulation of pol delta and in vitro replication of M13 and SV40 DNA as well as to stimulate the ATPase activity of replication factor C (RF-C). Our data suggest that in addition to the interdomain connecting loop and C terminus, an additional site in the N terminus is required for pol delta interaction. PCNA mutants and hybrids that stimulated pol delta and RF-C were deficient in M13 and SV40 DNA replication assays, indicating that PCNA-induced pol delta stimulation and RF-C-mediated loading are not sufficient for coordinated DNA synthesis at a replication fork.

Keratin 15 expression in stratified epithelia: downregulation in activated keratinocytes

Keratin 15 (K15) is a type I keratin without a defined type II partner whose expression in epidermal diseases has not been investigated. In this study we have used LHK15, a monoclonal antibody raised against the last 17 amino acids of the K15 polypeptide, to show that K15 is expressed primarily in the basal keratinocytes of stratified tissues, including the fetal epidermis and fetal nail. Although K15 in normal hair follicles was virtually absent from hair bulbs, it was expressed by a subset of keratinocytes in the outer root sheath. By comparison, K14 expression was found throughout the outer root sheath of hair follicles; however, when both K14 alleles were naturally ablated, the expression of K15 was also observed throughout the outer root sheath of the follicles. Expression of K15 mRNA was assessed by in situ hybridization and corroborated the data from immunostaining. An increase in K15 mRNA and protein expression in hair follicles from the K14 ablated epidermis suggested an upregulation of the K15 gene in the absence of the K14 protein. In organotypical cultures where differentiating keratinocytes expressed markers of activated phenotype, i.e., K6 and K16, expression of K15 was undetectable. The expression of K15 mRNA and protein was also downregulated in two hyperproliferating situations, psoriasis and hypertrophic scars. Because keratinocytes in psoriasis and hypertrophic scars are activated, we conclude that K15 expression is not compatible with keratinocyte activation and the K15 gene is downregulated to maintain the activated phenotype.

Isolation, sequence and expression of the gene encoding human keratin 13

Keratins are a family of highly homologous proteins expressed as pairs of acidic and basic forms which make intermediate filaments in epithelial cells. Keratin 13 (K13) is the major acidic keratin, which together with K4, its basic partner, is expressed in the suprabasal layers of non-cornified stratified epithelia. The mechanism which allows mucosal-specific expression of this keratin remains unknown. To provide insight into the tissue-specific expression, we have isolated the human K13 gene by screening a chromosome 17 library with a specific K13 cRNA probe. Sequence analysis of unidirectional deletions produced by transposon Tn3 has revealed that the gene is 4601 nucleotides long and contains seven introns and eight exons. When driven by the CMV promoter, the gene produced K13 protein in MCF-7 cells, which normally do not express this protein. Two transcription-start sites were identified, the major being at 61 and the minor at 63 nucleotides upstream of ATG. The upstream sequence contained a TATA box and several other putative transcription factor binding sites. A single copy of the K13 gene was detected in the human genome by Southern hybridisation and polymerase chain reaction. K13 mRNA shows differential expression in cultured keratinocytes, and in A431 cells the RNA levels remained independent of calcium concentrations in the culture medium. Characterisation of the human K13 gene will facilitate elucidation of the molecular mechanism regulating K13 expression in mucosal tissues.

Activated keratinocytes in the epidermis of hypertrophic scars

The etiology of hypertrophic scarring, a pathological end point of wound healing, is unknown. The scars most commonly occur when epithelialization has been delayed during, for example, the healing of deep dermal burn wounds. Hypertrophic scars are conventionally described as a dermal pathology in which the epidermis has only a passive role. In this study, the expression of keratin intermediate filament proteins and filaggrin has been investigated in the epidermis of hypertrophic scars and site-matched controls from the same patients. Hypertrophic scar epidermis was found to express the hyperproliferative keratins K6 and K16 in interfollicular epidermis in association with K17 and precocious expression of filaggrin. K16 mRNA was localized by in situ hybridization using a highly specific cRNA probe. In contrast to the immunohistochemical location of K16 protein, the K16 mRNA was found to be expressed in the basal cell layer of normal skin. In hypertrophic scars the mRNA distribution corroborated the abnormal K16 protein distribution. These results suggest the keratinocytes in hypertrophic scar epidermis have entered an alternative differentiation pathway and are expressing an activated phenotype. Activated keratinocytes are a feature of the early stages of wound healing producing growth factors that influence fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and the inflammatory response. We propose that cellular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scarring are more complex than isolated dermal phenomena. The persistence of activated keratinocytes in hypertrophic scar epidermis implicates abnormal epidermal-mesenchymal interactions.

Identification of a novel keratin epitope: evidence for association between non-helical sub-domains L12 during filament assembly

Keratin filaments in simple epithelial cells are heteropolymers of keratin 8 (K8) and keratin 18 (K18) polypeptides. The assembly of these polypeptides into intermediate filaments is a complex multi-stage phenomenon that involves several levels of associations. These molecular associations are not very well characterized. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with defined specificities can be used to probe these associations and to isolate various intermediates in the assembly pathway. Here we describe the specificity of a MAb LE65 that has been widely used in keratin expression studies. We report that the MAb LE65 does not recognize individual keratin polypeptides but it instead reacts with a complex of K8 with K18. The MAb also did not react with complexes of K8 or K18 with other keratins. By allowing the antibody to react with complexes reconstituted from keratin fragments plus the complementary keratin, we have mapped the MAb LE65 epitope on the L12 sub-domains of K18, residues 214-231, and K8, residues 234-265, which must associate together to achieve antibody binding. These results suggest that the non-helical linkers, L12, of complementary keratins associate directly during filament assembly. This would explain why microinjection of MAb LE65 has been shown to disrupt keratin filaments. Furthermore, it may also help to explain the mechanism of filament disruption in some skin blistering syndromes induced by spontaneous mutations in the L12 region.

Variable requirement for splicing signals for nucleocytoplasmic export of mRNAs

Using in situ hybridisation to detect the intracellular localisation of mRNAs we have found that mRNAs expressed from intronless cDNAs of normally intronic genes are expressed well but largely retained in nuclei. The degree of nuclear retention is quite variable but in all cases addition of splicing signals to the expression cassette are required for efficient export of the mRNAs from nucleus to cytoplasm. In contrast mRNAs expressed from the intronless genes of hamster beta-adrenergic receptor and human serotonin receptor type 1A showed very little nuclear accumulation and strong expression in the cytoplasm independently of splicing signals. The data demonstrate a link between splicing and export and dissemble from the idea that splicing enhances mRNA expression by protecting nascent nuclear mRNAs from degradation.

A keratin antibody recognizing a heterotypic complex: epitope mapping to complementary locations on both components of the complex

Keratin filaments in simple epithelial cells are heteropolymers of keratin 8 (K8) and keratin 18 (K18), which can be stained by the monoclonal antibody (MAb) LE61. This antibody has been widely used to study keratin expression in normal and neoplastic tissues. In this study we have found that MAb LE61 does not react with individual keratin polypeptides either derived from natural sources or expressed as recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. However, when K8 or K18 bound to nitrocellulose were incubated with complementary keratin they became reactive with this antibody. A mixture of K8 and K18 in solution also reacted strongly with the MAb LE61 in ELISA. These observations suggest that the antibody recognizes a discontinuous epitope on the keratin complex. The antibody also reacted with complexes of K8 and K18 with other keratins. To locate the epitope of this antibody we have expressed K8 and K18 fragments, deleted from the amino- and carboxyl-termini, as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase. These fragments were able to form a heterotypic complex with the complementary keratin. Binding of the MAb LE61 to these complexes mapped the two halves of the epitope on K8, between residues 353 and 367, and on K18, between residues 357 and 385. The two halves of the epitope appear to be in close association in the heterotypic complex since deletions from the amino-terminus did not influence the antibody binding. The highly conserved nature of this epitope in both type I and type II keratins could explain the MAb LE61 reactivity with complexes of K8 or K18 with other keratins.

Expression of keratin mRNAs and proteins in normal salivary epithelia and pleomorphic adenomas

Control of keratin (K) gene expression may be important for cell differentiation in complex epithelia such as salivary gland. To investigate differences in distribution between keratin mRNAs and their respective proteins, a combined in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemical study was undertaken on nine normal salivary glands and seven pleomorphic adenomas. ISH employed riboprobes to K7, K8, K14, K18, and K19. Immunohistochemistry was performed on adjacent sections using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the same keratins. Normal luminal cells showed abundant hybridization with probes for K7, K8, K18, and K19. Keratin 14 mRNA was present in basal and myoepithelial cells at a low level of expression. Proteins of their keratins were strongly stained. Neoplastic cells showed variable expression of mRNA and protein for K7, K8, K18, and K19. There was a high level of K14 mRNA but variable protein. The findings provide evidence that expression of these keratins in normal salivary epithelia is regulated transcriptionally and that in neoplasia this system is in considerable disarray.

Localization of the gene for human simple epithelial keratin 18 to chromosome 12 using polymerase chain reaction

Many human genes encoding keratin intermediate filament proteins are clustered on chromosomes 17 (the type I genes) and 12 (the type II genes). Some have not yet been localized, notably the genes for the primary embryonic keratins 8 and 18, normally expressed in simple epithelia: this is because the numerous pseudogenes for these keratins have made it difficult to identify the true functional gene in each case. Through the use of human-specific primers from within introns of the published gene sequence for human type I keratin 18, human genomic DNA has been specifically amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. A single reaction product was obtained. DNA from a characterized series of mouse-human somatic cell hybrid lines was tested for the presence of sequences able to initiate the chain reaction from these primers, and the presence or absence of this genomic DNA PCR product allowed us to assign a gene for human keratin 18 to chromosome 12 unambiguously. This differs from the location of other human type I keratins on chromosome 17 and may indicate the early divergence of the genes for stratifying cell keratins from that of simple, or embryonic, keratin 18.

Embryonic simple epithelial keratins 8 and 18: chromosomal location emphasizes difference from other keratin pairs

The keratins 8 and 18 of simple epithelia differ from stratified epithelial keratins in tissue expression and regulation. To examine the specific properties of human keratin 8, we cloned and sequenced the cDNA from a placental mRNA expression library and defined the optimum state of such clones for expression in bacterial plasmid vectors. Using the polymerase chain reaction we identified and sequenced three introns and located the single active gene for keratin 8, out of a background of 9 to 24 pseudogenes, on chromosome 12. This chromosome contains several genes for type II keratins and also the gene for keratin 18, the type I keratin that is coexpressed with keratin 8. This location of both members of a keratin pair on a single chromosome is thus far unique among the keratin genes; it is consistent with the hypothesis that keratins 8 and 18 may be closer to an ancestral keratin gene than the keratins of more highly differentiated epithelia.

Identification and protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of alpha-adducin in human fibroblasts

A protein of Mr approximately 120,000, related to the human erythrocyte membrane skeletal protein alpha-adducin, has been identified by immunological criteria in human fibroblasts. Using similar methods, beta-adducin (an Mr approximately 110,000 protein that forms a dimeric complex with alpha-adducin in the erythrocyte) is not present in fibroblasts. Subcellular distribution studies reveal that fibroblast alpha-adducin is largely associated with the particulate fraction and is most effectively solubilized from that fraction by a combination of nonionic detergent and high salt. Immunocytochemistry of quiescent fibroblasts shows that alpha-adducin is clustered in large perinuclear arrays that may correspond to vesicular structures; weak staining was also found in the sub-plasma membrane region. As in erythrocytes, the phosphorylation of fibroblast alpha-adducin is elevated on exposure of cells to phorbol esters that activate protein kinase C (PK-C). In addition, various mitogens such as serum, bradykinin and vasopressin also stimulate alpha-adducin phosphorylation by a PK-C-dependent pathway. The elevation in alpha-adducin phosphorylation is maintained for up to 30 min after mitogen addition. Peptide maps of phospho-alpha-adducin from both fibroblasts and erythrocytes after PK-C-mediated phosphorylation showed multiple phosphorylated peptides but with dissimilar migration patterns, suggesting divergence of structure around the phosphorylation sites. Adducin appears to play an important role in the regulation of spectrin-actin interactions in the red cell and may play a role in cytoskeletal function in the fibroblasts.

Association of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase with the plasma membrane of the intact human red blood cell

Glycolytic enzymes have been observed to associate in vitro with membranes and cytoplasmic filaments in a variety of systems, but their distribution in vivo is contested. We have therefore examined the distribution of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD) in the intact human erythrocyte using indirect immunofluorescence and affinity-purified rabbit antibodies to G3PD. Antibody specificity was demonstrated by immunoblotting as well as immunofluorescence experiments with ghosts specifically depleted of and reconstituted with G3PD. Anti-G3PD immunolabeling experiments utilized both fixed whole cells and fixed cell suspensions infused with 2.3 M sucrose, frozen and thick-sectioned. In all experiments a two-step fixation protocol was employed which ensured that cytoplasmic hemoglobin was retained when cells were subjected to Triton X-100 permeabilization, the anti-genicity of G3PD was preserved, and antibody penetration was complete. We used mixtures of biotinylated affinity-purified antibodies to G3PD and dichlorotriazinylaminofluorescein-labeled, affinity-purified antibodies to hemoglobin, followed by rhodamine-streptavidin, in double-label experiments. In both whole and sectioned human erythrocytes, G3PD staining was predominantly membrane associated while hemoglobin staining was diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm. In isolated ghosts, some G3PD was tightly bound to the membrane and was resistant to elution with phosphate-buffered saline and NAD+/arsenate. However, in immunolabeled rat reticulocytes and erythrocytes G3PD was cytoplasmic. Nucleated human blood cells and platelets also exhibited cytoplasmic G3PD. In approximately 10% of the human erythrocyte population G3PD was also cytoplasmic. These cells were flatter in shape and exhibited strong cytoplasmic immunolabeling for hemoglobin which was sometimes concentrated along the cell membrane; possibly, these cells were late reticulocytes or early erythrocytes. We conclude that G3PD is preferentially associated with the plasma membrane of human erythrocytes in a specific fashion.

Erythrocyte adducin. Comparison of the alpha- and beta-subunits and multiple-site phosphorylation by protein kinase C and cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Two major substrates for human erythrocyte protein kinase C (PK-C) of Mr 120,000 and 110,000, previously named PKC-1 and PKC-2 [Palfrey, H. C. & Waseem, A. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 16021-16029] have been found to be identical to CaM-BP 103/97 or 'adducin', recently described by K. Gardner and V. Bennett [(1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 1339-1348; (1987) Nature (Lond.) 328, 359-362]. These proteins have been purified from the membrane skeleton by high-salt extraction, ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The two proteins co-fractionate in a ratio of approximately 1:1 under a number of conditions suggesting that they exist as a complex. Physicochemical data indicate that the native adducin complex is probably an asymmetric heterodimer of alpha and beta subunits. Adducin binds to a calmodulin (CaM) affinity matrix in a Ca2+-dependent manner and is specifically eluted with EGTA. Fingerprinting of the iodinated peptides derived from the alpha and beta subunits using three different proteases yields 16-37% overlapping peptides, indicating limited similarity between the two polypeptides. Affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies against each protein show little or no cross-reactivity with the other, indicating that the beta subunit is not derived from the alpha subunit or vice versa. Proteins reactive with both anti-(alpha-adducin) and anti-(beta-adducin) antibodies are found in erythrocytes from rat, rabbit, pig, ferret and duck. Immunoblots of adducin after non-ionic detergent extraction of ghosts reveal that a significant fraction of the protein may associate with non-skeleton membrane components. The phosphorylation of adducin is stimulated by both phorbol esters and cAMP analogues in intact erythrocytes. Fingerprinting suggests that protein kinase C preferentially phosphorylates four distinct sites on the two proteins. Phosphopeptide maps of alpha-adducin are virtually identical to those of beta-adducin after phorbol ester stimulation of intact cells, or after PK-C-catalyzed phosphorylation of the purified protein, indicating strong local similarities in the two proteins. Such maps also suggest that cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-PK) modifies adducin at some similar and some distinct sites as those modified by PK-C. In vitro phosphorylation of isolated adducin by purified PK-C results in rapid incorporation of phosphate to a final level of approximately 1.5 mol/mol in both alpha and beta subunits.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Protein kinase C in the human erythrocyte. Translocation to the plasma membrane and phosphorylation of bands 4.1 and 4.9 and other membrane proteins

Protein kinase C (PK-C) was demonstrated in human erythrocytes using the exogenous substrate histone H1. The enzyme was dependent on the simultaneous presence of micromolar Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine. The Ca2+ requirement was reduced in the presence of the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Activity was normally recovered in cytoplasmic extracts, but treatment of intact cells with TPA (EC50 = 40 nM) prior to lysis caused a rapid translocation of activity from the cytoplasm to the membrane. Following translocation, PK-C activity in the isolated membrane was independent of Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine and could not be removed by manipulating ionic strength. Ghosts from TPA-treated cells showed a marked increase in the phosphorylation of five proteins (termed PK-C-1-5) of Mr 120,000, 110,000, 80,000, 78,000, and 49,000. Addition of purified bovine brain PK-C to ghosts from untreated cells resulted in the phosphorylation of the same five proteins. PK-C-3/4 corresponded to Band 4.1 and PK-C-5 to Band 4.9. Both proteins were isolated from ghosts and shown to be substrates for PK-C in vitro. PK-C-1 and -2 appear to be minor peripheral membrane proteins as both were released from the membrane by alkaline solutions. Incubation of 32P-prelabeled erythrocytes with TPA (EC50 = 40 nM) also resulted in a dose-dependent phosphorylation of PK-C-1-5. These results suggest that PK-C may play an important role in erythrocyte membrane function.