A novel germ line-specific gene of the phosducin-like protein (PhLP) family. A meiotic function conserved from yeast to mice

We identified a new member of the phosducin-like (PhLP) protein family that is predominantly, if not exclusively, expressed in male and female germ cells. In situ analysis on testis sections and analysis of purified spermatogenic cell fractions evidenced a stage-specific expression with high levels of RNA and protein in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Three mRNA species were detected, which correspond to different polyadenylation sites and vary in abundance during germ cell maturation. Only low levels of RNA were detected in whole ovary extracts, but expression of the protein became detectable within hours after hormonal induction of superovulation. The gene (Mgcphlp) is located on mouse chromosome 5 in the immediate vicinity of the Clock locus. The predicted amino acid sequence shows extensive similarities not only with the known mammalian PhLP proteins but also with the yeast phosducin-like protein Plp2, required for the production and growth of haploid cells. Expression of the murine protein was found to complement the defect of a yeast plp2 Delta mutant. We propose that MgcPhLP/Plp2 proteins exert a function in germ cell maturation that is conserved from yeast to mammals.

Zarzissine, a new cytotoxic guanidine alkaloid from the Mediterranean sponge Anchinoe paupertas

From a CH2Cl2 extract of the Mediterranean sponge Anchinoe paupertas were isolated and characterized zarzissine [2], a new 4,5-guanidino-pyridazine compound and the known p-hydroxybenzaldehyde [1]. The structure of zarzissine [2] was elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including the application of a number of 2D nmr techniques. Biological activities of compounds 1 and 2 were also determined, with zarzissine exhibiting cytotoxicity against three human and murine tumor cell lines.

Cytotoxic diterpenoids from the brown alga Dilophus ligulatus

A new xenicane-type diterpene, dilopholide [5], and four known diterpenoids, acetoxycrenulide [1], acetylcoriacenone [2], and its epimer isoacetylcoriacenone [3], and hydroxyacetyldictyolal [4], have been isolated from the brown alga Dilophus ligulatus [syn. spiralis (Montagne) Hamel]. The structure of dilopholide [5] was elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including the concerted application of a number of 2D nmr techniques, including 1H-1H COSY, heteronuclear proton-carbon chemical shift correlation (HETCOSY), and long-range HETCOSY. The cytotoxic activity of compounds 1-5 has been examined against several types of mammalian cells: human nasopharynx carcinoma cells (KB), human lung carcinoma cells (NSCLC-N6), murine leukemia cells (P-388), and murine leukemia cells expressing the multi-drug-resistance gene, mdr (P-388/DOX).

Immune electron microscopy in the detection of viruses other than enteroviruses on cell culture in untreated sewage

Following the demonstration of enteroviruses in samples of untreated sewage by inoculation of cell cultures with an eluate fraction, immune electron microscopy (IEM) was employed in two stages to detect adenoviruses and the hepatitis A virus (HAV). 6/12 samples contained adenoviruses and 5/15 other samples contained viruses having characteristics of HAV. Cell culture can thus be usefully allied with IEM in the more precise determination of the potential health hazards of waste water.

Research of enterovirus, hepatitis A virus in a bathing area over a six month period and their salubrity impact

Cell-culturable enterovirus and HAV levels in the effluent of a treatment plant were compared with those near the effluent outfall and in a neighbouring bathing area over a period of six months. Enteroviruses were found in all effluent samples, whereas only three contained HAV. No viruses were detected near the outfall nor in the bathing area. Despite the low impact of this scenario on human health, the view is expressed that the potential risk posed by the discharge of viruses from treatment plants must not be underestimated, since there is ample evidence that HAV can be epidemiologically transmitted via the consumption of shellfish.