Decontamination of outdoor school swimming pools in Fukushima after the nuclear accident in March 2011

Because of radioactive fallout resulting from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) accident, water discharge from many outdoor swimming pools in Fukushima was suspended out of concern that radiocesium in the pool water would flow into farmlands. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency has reviewed the existing flocculation method for decontaminating pool water and established a practical decontamination method by demonstrating the process at eight pools in Fukushima. In this method, zeolite powder and a flocculant are used for capturing radiocesium present in pool water. The supernatant is discharged if the radiocesium concentration is less than the targeted level. The radioactive residue is collected and stored in a temporary storage space. Radioactivity concentration in water is measured with a NaI(Tl) or Ge detector installed near the pool. The demonstration results showed that the pool water in which the radiocesium concentration was more than a few hundred Bq L was readily purified by the method, and the radiocesium concentration was reduced to less than 100 Bq L. The ambient dose rates around the temporary storage space were slightly elevated; however, the total increase was up to 30% of the background dose rates when the residue was shielded with sandbags.

Involvement of programmed cell death 4 in transforming growth factor-beta1-induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma

The programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) gene was originally identified as a tumor-related gene in humans and acts as a tumor-suppressor in mouse epidermal carcinoma cells. However, its function and regulatory mechanisms of expression in human cancer remain to be elucidated. We therefore investigated the expression of PDCD4 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the role of PDCD4 in human HCC cells. Downregulation of PDCD4 protein was observed in all HCC tissues tested compared with corresponding noncancerous liver, as revealed by Western blotting or immunohistochemical staining. Human HCC cell line, Huh7, transfected with PDCD4 cDNA showed nuclear fragmentation and DNA laddering characteristic of apoptotic cells associated with mitochondrial changes and caspase activation. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) treatment of Huh7 cells resulted in increased PDCD4 expression and occurrence of apoptosis, also concomitant with mitochondrial events and caspase activation. Transfection of Smad7, a known antagonist to TGF-beta1 signaling, protected cells from TGF-beta1-mediated apoptosis and suppressed TGF-beta1-induced PDCD4 expression. Moreover, antisense PDCD4 transfectants were resistant to apoptosis induced by TGF-beta1. In conclusion, these data suggest that PDCD4 is a proapoptotic molecule involved in TGF-beta1-induced apoptosis in human HCC cells, and a possible tumor suppressor in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Transfer function analysis of positron-emitting tracer imaging system (PETIS) data

Quantitative analysis of the two-dimensional image data obtained with the positron-emitting tracer imaging system (PETIS) for plant physiology has been carried out using a transfer function analysis method. While a cut leaf base of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) or a cut stem of soybean (Glycine max L.) was immersed in an aqueous solution containing the [18F] F- ion or [13N]NO3- ion, tracer images of the leaf of Chinese chive and the trifoliate of soybean were recorded with PETIS. From the time sequence of images, the tracer transfer function was estimated from which the speed of tracer transport and the fraction moved between specified image positions were deduced.

Brain specific human genes, NELL1 and NELL2, are predominantly expressed in neuroblastoma and other embryonal neuroepithelial tumors

NELL1 and NELL2 encode cysteine-rich amino acid sequences including six epidermal growth factor-like motifs, which contain signal peptides at the N-terminals. The deduced amino acid sequences of both genes are 55% identical and their cysteine stretch structures are conserved. NELL1 is expressed in the brain and kidney, whereas NELL2 is expressed specifically in the brain. The cell lineage expressing NELLs in the nervous system was investigated in established cell lines and central nervous system tumor tissues obtained from patients by Northern blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses. NELL1 and NELL2 were predominantly expressed in neuroblastoma cell lines and little expressed in glioblastoma cell lines. NELL1 and NELL2 were also expressed in central neurocytoma, medulloblastoma, and some astrocytic tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that NELL2 protein was localized in the cytoplasm of neurons. These results suggest that NELL2 is predominantly expressed in the neuronal cell lineage in the human nervous system. NELL1 is expressed mainly in tumors in the neuronal cell lineage.

Light activates H2 15O flow in rice: Detailed monitoring using a positron-emitting tracer imaging system (PETIS)

Water (H2 15O) translocation from the roots to the top of rice plants (Oryza saliva L. cv. Nipponbare) was visualized over time by a positron-emitting tracer imaging system (PETIS). H2 15O flow was activated 8 min after plants were exposed to bright light (1 500 &mgr;mol m-2 s-1). When the light was subsequently removed, the flow gradually slowed and completely stopped after 12 min. In plants exposed to low light (500 &mgr;mol m-2 s-1), H2 15O flow was activated more slowly, and a higher translocation rate of H2 15O was observed in the same low light at the end of the next dark period. NaCl (80 mM) and methylmercury (1 mM) directly suppressed absorption of H2 15O by the roots, while methionine sulfoximine (1 mM), abscisic acid (10 &mgr;M) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (10 mM) were transported to the leaves and enhanced stomatal closure, reducing H2 15O translocation.

Real-time [11C]methionine translocation in barley in relation to mugineic acid phytosiderophore biosynthesis

[11C]Methionine was supplied through barley roots and the 11C signal was followed for 90 min using a real-time imaging system (PETIS), with subsequent development of autoradiographic images of the whole plant. In all cases, [11C]methionine was first translocated to the 'discrimination center', the basal part of the shoot, and this part was most strongly labeled. Methionine absorbed by the roots of the plants was subsequently translocated to other parts of the plant. In Fe-deficient barley plants, a drastic reduction in [11C]methionine translocation from the roots to the shoot was observed, while a greater amount of 11C was found in the leaves of Fe-sufficient or methionine-pretreated Fe-deficient plants. Treatment of Fe-deficient plants with aminooxyacetic acid, an inhibitor of nicotianamine aminotransferase, increased the translocation of [11C]methionine to the shoot. The retention of exogenously supplied [11C]methionine in the roots of Fe-deficient barley indicates that the methionine is used in the biosynthesis of mugineic acid phytosiderophores in barley roots. This and the absence of methionine movement from shoots to the roots suggest that the mugineic acid precursor methionine originates in the roots of plants.

Real time visualization of 13N-translocation in rice under different environmental conditions using positron emitting Ttacer imaging system

The ammonium ion is an indispensable nitrogen source for crops, especially paddy rice (Oryza sativa L. cv Nipponbare). Until now, it has been impossible to measure ammonium uptake and nitrogen movement in plants in real time. Using the new technologies of PETIS (positron emitting tracer imaging system) and PMPS (positron multi-probe system), we were able to visualize the real time translocation of nitrogen and water in rice plants. We used positron-emitting 13N-labeled ammonium (13NH4+) and 15O-water to monitor the movement. In plants cultured under normal conditions, 13NH4+ supplied to roots was taken up, and a 13N signal was detected at the discrimination center, the basal part of the shoots, within 2 minutes. This rapid translocation of (13)N was almost completely inhibited by a glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine. In general, nitrogen deficiency enhanced 13N translocation to the discrimination center. In the dark, 13N translocation to the discrimination center was suppressed to 40% of control levels, whereas 15O-water flow from the root to the discrimination center stopped completely in the dark. In abscisic acid-treated rice, 13N translocation to the discrimination center was doubled, whereas translocation to leaves decreased to 40% of control levels. Pretreatment with NO3- for 36 hours increased 13N translocation from the roots to the discrimination center to 5 times of control levels. These results suggest that ammonium assimilation (from the roots to the discrimination center) depends passively on water flow, but actively on NH4+-transporter(s) or glutamine synthetase(s).

Rapid N transport to pods and seeds in N-deficient soybean plants

Non-nodulated soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants were cultivated hydroponically under N-sufficient (5 mM NaNO(3)) or N-deficient (0.5 mM NaNO(3)) conditions. (13)N- or (15)N- labelled nitrate was fed to the cut end of the stems, and the accumulation of nitrate-derived N in the pods, nodes and stems was compared. Real-time images of (13)N distribution in stems, petioles and pods were obtained using a Positron Emitting Tracer Imaging System for a period of 40 min. The results indicated that the radioactivity in the pods of N-deficient plants was about 10 times higher than that of N-sufficient plants, although radioactivity in the stems and nodes of N-deficient versus N-sufficient plants was not different. A similar result was obtained by supplying (15)NO(3) to cut soybean shoots for 1 h. The fact that the N translocation into the pods from NO(3) fed to the stem base was much faster in N-deficient plants may be due to the strong sink activity of the pods in N-deficient plants. Alternatively, the redistribution of N from the leaves to the pods via the phloem may be accelerated in N-deficient plants. The temporal accumulation of (13)NO(3) in nodes was suggested in both N-sufficient and N-deficient plants. In one (13)NO(3) pulse-chase experiment, radioactivity in the stem declined rapidly after transferring the shoot from the (13)NO(3) solution to non-labelled NO(3); in contrast, the radioactivity in the node declined minimally during the same time period.

Ion chromatographic analysis of selected free amino acids and cations to investigate the change of nitrogen metabolism by herbicide stress in soybean (glycine max)

A simple and reliable method for the determination of NH4+, K+, Na+, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamine, and alanine by ion chromatography has been developed. It is suitable for monitoring changes of nitrogen metabolism in soybean because it can accurately measure concentrations o asparagine and NH4+, two key substances for nitrogen storage and transport in this plant species Analysis of asparagine distribution in soybean indicated that higher levels (up to 18.4 micromol g(-1) of fresh mass) occur in stems and lower levels in roots (2.0 micromol g(-1) of fresh mass) and leaves (1.6 micromol g(-1) of fresh mass). When the herbicide metsulfuron-methyl (0.5, 5, and 50 ppb) was applied via the nutrient solution to the root system, asparagine concentrations increased 3-6 times in stems roots, and leaves. Metsulfuron-methyl is known to impair the synthesis of branched amino acids and, in consequence, protein synthesis. Thus, nitrogen consumption was limited, leading to ar accumulation of asparagine. The possible use of this physiological response in agricultural practice to identify herbicide stress in soybean and to detect low-level residues of sulfonylurea herbicides ir the soil is discussed.

Novel human PDCD4 (H731) gene expressed in proliferative cells is expressed in the small duct epithelial cells of the breast as revealed by an anti-H731 antibody

The novel gene H731 (approved name: PDCD4 (programmed cell death 4)) has been isolated as an antigen gene of the monoclonal antibody Pr-28 which recognized a nuclear antigen in proliferating cells. The gene is homologous to the mouse gene (MA-3/Pdcd4/A7-1) which was associated with apoptosis and was shown to suppress tumor promoter-induced neoplastic transformation. A polyclonal antibody against H731-protein derived from an extract of Escherichia coli transformed with an H731 expression plasmid was prepared, and the H731-protein expression in human normal and tumor cells using the antibody was studied. The staining patterns of asynchronous cultures of human normal fibroblasts (MRC-5) were heterogeneous but the antigen was accumulated in the nuclei at the G0 phase. On the contrary, the antigen was overproduced and localized in the cytoplasm during the cell cycle in tumor cell lines. Immunohistological studies revealed that the H731-protein was highly expressed in bladder carcinoma and breast carcinoma tissues compared with the normal tissues so far tested. These results indicated that expression of the H731-protein was up-regulated or induced in the proliferative cells. Immunohistological studies also revealed that the protein was abundantly expressed in the small duct epithelial cells of the normal mammary gland.

Differentially expressed protein Pdcd4 inhibits tumor promoter-induced neoplastic transformation

An mRNA differential display comparison of mouse JB6 promotion-sensitive (P+) and -resistant (P-) cells identified a novel gene product that inhibits neoplastic transformation. The JB6 P+ and P- cells are genetic variants that differ in their transformation response to tumor promoters; P+ cells form anchorage-independent colonies that are tumorigenic, and P- cells do not. A differentially displayed fragment, A7-1, was preferentially expressed in P- cells at levels >/=10-fold those in P+ cells, making its mRNA a candidate inhibitor of neoplastic transformation. An A7-1 cDNA was isolated that was identical to murine Pdcd4 gene cDNAs, also known as MA-3 or TIS, and analogous to human H731 and 197/15a. Until now, the function of the Pdcd4 protein has been unknown. Paralleling the mRNA levels, Pdcd4 protein levels were greater in P- than in P+ cells. Pdcd4 mRNA was also expressed at greater levels in the less progressed keratinocytes of another mouse skin neoplastic progression series. To test the hypothesis that Pdcd4 inhibits tumor promoter-induced transformation, stable cell lines expressing antisense Pdcd4 were generated from parental P- cells. The reduction of Pdcd4 proteins in antisense lines was accompanied by acquisition of a transformation-sensitive (P+) phenotype. The antisense-transfected cells were reverted to their initial P- phenotype by overexpression of a Pdcd4 sense fragment. These observations demonstrate that the Pdcd4 protein inhibits neoplastic transformation.

Biochemical characterization and expression analysis of neural thrombospondin-1-like proteins NELL1 and NELL2

Two closely related genes coding for NELL proteins (NELL1 and NELL2) have been cloned by the yeast two-hybrid screening of a rat brain cDNA library with the regulatory domain of protein kinase C betaI (PKCbetaI) as bait. The rat NELL proteins show about 55% identity with each other and contain several protein motifs assigned to a secretion signal peptide, an NH(2)-terminal thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1)-like module, five von Willebrand factor C domains, and six epidermal growth factor-like domains; the NELL proteins share many protein motifs with TSP-1. The NELL proteins expressed in COS-7 cells are homotrimeric glycoproteins and possess heparin-binding activity. Furthermore, while NELL1 and NELL2 show distinct subcellular localization in cytoplasm, they both are partially secreted into the culture medium of COS-7 cells. Although the NELL1 mRNA is faintly expressed in adult neural cells, the NELL2 mRNA is expressed abundantly, particularly in the pyramidal cells of rat hippocampus, showing neuronal high plasticity. During mouse embryogenesis, expression of the NELL2 mRNA is initiated 7-11 days postcoitum, simultaneously with neural plate formation. These results strongly suggest that the NELL2 protein, similar to but not identical with TSP-1, is involved in the growth and differentiation of neural cells. Additionally, the NELL1 and NELL2 mRNAs were found to be expressed abundantly in Burkitt's lymphoma Raji cells and colorectal adenocarcinoma SW480 cells, respectively. Thus, it is likely that the NELL proteins also participate in the growth, differentiation, and oncogenesis of cancer cell lines.

Histodifferentiation of hair follicles in grafting of cell aggregates obtained by rotation culture of embryonic rat skin

We have previously reported reconstruction of hair follicles from a single cell suspension of rat fetal upper lip by a two-step culture method consisting of rotation and flotation cultures. Rotation sorted out the cells and flotation facilitated histodifferentiation. In the present study, we added grafting procedures to the previous method to see whether cell aggregates obtained this way were graftable, and whether the grafting promoted histodifferentiation. The aggregates before and after flotation were grafted, and differentiation of hair follicles comparable to those in vivo was confirmed 10 days after grafting. There was no difference in the degree of differentiation between the two kinds of grafts. The grafting procedure therefore resulted in an appreciable increase in histodifferentiation even when aggregates obtained after flotation were grafted.

Monoclonal anti-human aldolase C antibodies that react to the isozyme group-specific sequences and generally conserved sequences of human aldolase C1

Nine monoclonal mouse anti-human aldolase C antibodies, mAbs A4, A8, B4, B7, B8, C1, D9, E10, and H1, were isolated and characterized. These mAbs fall substantially into four groups according to their reactivity with antigens. (i) Human aldolase C-specific mAbs (B8, D9, and H1). (ii) Type C aldolase-specific mAbs (B4 and E10). (iii) Ubiquitous mAbs, which react with vertebrate aldolases irrespective of type of isozyme and species (A4 and B7). (iv) Sub-ubiquitous mAbs, which are closely similar to the ubiquitous mAbs but differ slightly in terms of antigenic specificity (A8 and C1). Aldolase C-specific mAbs B8, H1, B4, and E10, but not D9, have their epitopes on a region within amino acid positions 79-193 of antigens, where the type-C isozyme group-specific sequence-3 (IGS-3) is situated. In contrast, ubiquitous mAbs A4 and B7 and sub-ubiquitous mAb A8 may have their epitopes on the commonly conserved regions of the three isozyme groups. The epitope of sub-ubiquitous mAb C1 appears to be on the IGS-2/3 but this is yet to be resolved. These nine mAbs can be classified into two groups based on the mode of epitope recognition, which was determined by ELISA, immunoblotting, and immunoprecipitation assays: (i) primary sequence-epitope mAbs such as B4, E10, and B7; and (ii) conformation-epitope mAbs (B8, D9, H1, A4, A8, and C1). Among these mAbs, aldolase C-specific mAbs H1 and E10 appear to be useful as probes for detection of conformational change around the type-C IGS-3 motif of human aldolase C because, when assessed by immunoprecipitation assay, mAb H1 reacts only with human aldolase C but not with CA250 and CA306, while mAb E10 reacts with CA250 and CA306 but not with aldolase C, even though these antigens have a common type-C IGS-3 motif. Similarly, the ubiquitous mAb B7 should serve as a probe for general use to detect vertebrate aldolases irrespective of isozyme groups and species.

Exon redefinition by a point mutation within exon 5 of the glucose-6-phosphatase gene is the major cause of glycogen storage disease type 1a in Japan

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1a (von Gierke disease) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency in microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). We have identified a novel mutation in the G6Pase gene of a individual with GSD type 1a. The cDNA from the patient's liver revealed a 91-nt deletion in exon 5. The genomic DNA from the patient's white blood cells revealed no deletion or mutation at the splicing junction of intron 4 and exon 5. The 3' splicing occurred 91 bp from the 5' site of exon 5 (at position 732 in the coding region), causing a substitution of a single nucleotide (G to T) at position 727 in the coding region. Further confirmation of the missplicing was obtained by transient expression of allelic minigene constructs into animal cells. Another eight unrelated families of nine Japanese patients were all found to have this mutation. This mutation is a new type of splicing mutation in the G6Pase gene, and 91% of patients and carriers suffering from GSD1a in Japan are detectable with this splicing mutation.

New gene, nel, encoding a M(r) 93 K protein with EGF-like repeats is strongly expressed in neural tissues of early stage chick embryos

A new gene, nel, was isolated from a 9-day-old chick embryonic cDNA library. The gene encodes a protein of 835 amino acids (93,407 M(r)) consisting of two hydrophobic domains presumed to be the signal and transmembrane sequences, a histidine rich domain, two repeats of a cysteine rich structure similar to the C-terminal domain of von Willebrand factor, five EGF-like repeats, and again two repeats of the cysteine rich sequence similar to the C-terminal domain of von Willebrand factor in the presumed cytoplasmic domain. The expression of the nel gene was studied by Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses of chick embryos. The mRNA of the gene was found in all tissues of 10- and 17-day-old embryos by Northern blot hybridization. Among the tissues examined, the level in the brain was highest and increased with age. After hatching, gene expression was retained in the brain at about the same level found in old embryos, increased in the retina, and disappeared from the other tissues. In situ hybridization with a nel gene probe revealed that the gene was strongly expressed in neural tissues such as brain, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia of early embryos. Gene expression was observed in the mantle layer of the neurepithelium of the brain and of the spinal cord. Gene expression in early embryos was not restricted to the neural tissues, but was also detected in the cells around cartilage, myocardium, lung mesenchymal cells, and in the liver, etc. One band of about 4.5 Kb mRNA was detected in all tissues and stages by Northern blot hybridization analysis. The possible function of the gene is discussed.

A novel human homologue of a dead-box RNA helicase family

Putative cDNA clones for a nuclear antigen that cross-reacts with anti-human aldolase A monoclonal antibody MAb1A2 were isolated from the HeLa lambda gt11 cDNA library and a candidate clone (clone 3) was analyzed. The cDNA has an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,317 bp encoding a novel RNA helicase belonging to the DEAD RNA helicase family. The ORF also contains a nuclear targeting signal and the epitope for MAb1A2. The putative RNA helicase has sequence similarity to Escherichia coli RNA helicase DEAD, mouse translation factor eIF-4A, and human p68 and p54.

Primary and secondary culture of rat ameloblasts in serum-free medium

Enamel is the hardest tissue in vertebrates. Ameloblasts are derived from epithelial cells and are responsible for enamel formation. They secrete enamel matrix components in which amelogenins are the major proteins, the biochemical properties of which are well known. However, little is known about the characteristics of ameloblasts themselves or about the functions of amelogenins. In this study, we developed a novel primary and secondary culture system for ameloblasts using a monoclonal antibody which recognized amelogenin (En3). The cell layer on dentine removed from rat mandibular incisors was isolated and cultured in low calcium, serum-free medium. Primary culture was performed on collagen-coated culture plates and typically, two types of cells appeared. One major type changed morphology after the addition of a high concentration of calcium to the medium. Expression of amelogenin was shown as cytoplasmic particles in these cells using En3. In the secondary culture, expression of amelogenins was also observed. In this system, the cells grew and maintained the expression of amelogenin for about 3 weeks.

Monoclonal antibodies recognizing amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal regions of human aldolase A: probes to detect conformational changes of the enzyme

Three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs1A2, 3C5, and 4C2) for human aldolase A [EC 4.1.2.13] were established. MAbs1A2, 3C5, and 4C2 were shown to belong to subclasses IgM, IgG1, and IgG2a, respectively. None of the MAbs inhibits aldolase A activity. Their epitopes were mapped in detail on the molecule by examining the reactivities of the MAbs to chimeric proteins between aldolases A and B [Kitajima et al. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 17493-17498] in ELISA and to the CNBr-cleaved fragments of aldolase A in immuno-blotting. MAbs1A2 and 3C5 reacted with sites located within amino acid residues 306-363 at the C-terminal region of the enzyme. MAb4C2 recognized an epitope of the enzyme present within amino acid residues 34-108 at the N-terminal region. In a competitive binding assay, MAbs1A2 and 3C5 competed with each other for binding to the antigen and also interfered with the binding of MAb4C2, whereas MAb4C2 failed to inhibit the binding of MAbs1A2 and 3C5 to the antigen. MAb3C5 showed a species-specificity in the reaction with the antigen; it reacted with human and rabbit aldolase A with similar reactivity but not at all with the rat and mouse enzymes, which differ from the human and rabbit enzymes in two amino acid residues at positions 328 and 348. Reactivities of MAbs to aldolase A were further examined with engineered enzymes containing an amino acid substitution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Suppression of murine leukemia virus-mediated 3Y1 cell fusion by expression of mouse MHC class I

Rat 3Y1 fibroblasts transformed by adenovirus type 12 or its E1A gene formed syncytia by cocultivation with Friend murine leukemia virus (MuLV)-producing cells. On the other hand, parental 3Y1 cells and those derivatives induced by other tumor viruses or chemical carcinogen showed no MuLV-mediated syncytium formation [N. Momozaki et al. (1990) Arch. Virol. 115: 123-126]. The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I mRNA and antigens was significantly reduced in these Ad12- and E1A-transformed 3Y1 cells. In contrast, other tumor virus-and chemical carcinogen-transformed 3Y1 cells expressed MHC class I almost in normal levels as did parental 3Y1 cells. Furthermore, Ad12-transformed 3Y1 cells which started to express the transfected exogenous MHC class I gene, H-2Ld, showed no more MuLV-mediated 3Y1 cell fusion. These results indicate that the expression of MHC class I on the cell membrane is closely related to the inhibition of 3Y1 cell fusion by MuLV.

Selective syncytium formation by murine leukemia virus in rat 3Y1 fibroblasts transformed by adenovirus type 12 or its E1A gene

3Y1 rat fibroblasts transformed by adenovirus type 12 or by its E1A gene formed syncytia when cocultivated with the Friend as well as other ecotropic murine leukemia-virus-producing cells. In contrast, the parental 3Y1 cells and those transformed by other tumor viruses or by a chemical carcinogen exhibited no syncytium formation.

Preparation of monoclonal antibodies against nuclear antigens in a DNA affinity purified protein fraction from chick embryo extract

Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were raised to components of a DNA binding protein fraction obtained by using native and denatured DNA-cellulose column chromatographies of chick embryo extract. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopic analysis revealed that 3 Mabs, Pr-28, Pr-123 (or Pr-122) and Pr-192 react to nuclear antigens of proliferating cells. Part of the cell nuclei in chick embryo fibroblast culture were stained in speckled patterns by all three of the Mabs. It seems however that they are different clones judging from the following criteria; 1. Pr-28 crossreacts to a P3U1 cell surface antigen but Pr-123 (or Pr-122) and Pr-192 do not. 2. The rate of nuclei stained by Pr-122 is different from that of Pr-192 in both growing and quiescent cultures.

Human aldolase B gene: characterization of the genomic aldolase B gene and analysis of sequences required for multiple polyadenylations

The chromosomal gene encoding human aldolase B was isolated. The gene is composed of nine exons interrupted by eight introns and spans 15 kb, and a single copy of it occurs per haploid human genome. The initiation of transcription occurs at three different sites. Two minor sites, m1 and m2, start at 49 and 21 nucleotides, respectively, upstream from the major site, M. The gene also carries poly(A) addition signals at two different sites, thereby another two distinct mRNA species are produced. We examined the sequences required for mRNA 3'-end formation in this gene carrying multiple poly(A) addition sites. By constructing deletion mutants as to the region distal to the poly(A) addition site and then assaying through transfection into COS-1 cells, we demonstrated that 8 nucleotides distal to the site of poly(A) addition is sufficient for proximal polyadenylation, but is not sufficient for distal polyadenylation.

An antigen expressed in proliferating cells at late G1-S phase

A monoclonal antibody Pr-28 was prepared, which recognized an antigen present only in proliferating cells. Immunofluorescence analysis of Pr-28 antigen showed that the antigen was localized mainly in perinuclear cytoplasm. Although Pr-28 antibody was produced against a chicken cell antigen, it reacts not only with chicken cells but also other cells of murine origin, such as L-cells and NIH 3T3 cells. The molecular weight (Mr) of the antigen recognized by Pr-28 antibody was 45,000 D as determined by SDS-PAGE run under reducing conditions. The antigen disappeared in NIH 3T3 quiescent cells, reappearing in quiescent cells stimulated by fetal calf serum (FCS). The synthesis of Mr 45,000 protein occurred at late G1 phase, just before DNA synthesis in serum-stimulated quiescent NIH 3T3 cells and ceased in S phase.

Platelet proteins, including platelet-derived growth factor, specifically depress a subset of the multiple components of the response elicited by glutathione in Hydra

Human serum more strongly depressed the feeding response of Hydra (ball formation) elicited by S-methylglutathione than plasma. On the basis of the effect of several proteins released by platelets, at least five apparent components of the response (R1-R5) were suggested. Each of the platelet proteins examined specifically depressed a subset of these components. Among the platelet proteins examined, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) specifically depressed the R2 response (the concentration at which the depressing effect was 50% of the maximum [ED50] was 0.17 pM), and basic fibroblast growth factor depressed the R3 and R5 responses (ED50 0.50 aM) and the R2 response (ED50 0.55 pM). With respect to the depression of the R2 response by PDGF, addition of an anti-PDGF IgG or chemical reduction of PDGF, both of which prevent PDGF from binding to its cell surface receptor on responsive cells, eliminated the depressing effect of PDGF on the hydra response. The implications of these observations are discussed.

Stimulation of epidermal growth by the egg white and yolk

It was found that white and yolk of the egg stimulated DNA synthesis of chick embryo epidermal culture. The epidermis cultured with yolk grew well in a manner similar to that with chick embryo extract, but the culture with egg white was poorer in growth than that with yolk. The mitogenic activity of egg white was inactivated by a heat treatment at 70 degrees C, while yolk was more heat-resistant. A heat-stable yolk fraction (hY fraction) which stimulated DNA synthesis of chick embryo epidermis was isolated by heat treatment at 98 degrees C. The mitogenic activity was enhanced by the addition of both egg white and hY fraction in the culture medium. The enhancement of epidermal growth by such an addition was confirmed by histological observations of the cultured epidermis. In embryonic skin, the growth and differentiation of epidermis is influenced by the nature of mesenchyme is proximity to the epidermal cells. The epidermis isolated from dermis does not grow or differentiate when cultivated in a chemically defined medium, although the tissue in whole skin does grow in the same medium. However, the isolated epidermis proliferates on non-living substrate such as membrane filter or collagen gel when cultured in a medium which contains chick embryo extract. This epidermal growth promoting property of chick embryo extract is inactivated by heat treatment or trypsin digestion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Determination of protein spots separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

A simple method for quantitating proteins in the spots on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electropherograms is described. The system consists in three steps: (1) O'Farrell's two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the proteins to be analysed; (2) staining of the gels with Coomassie brilliant blue; and (3) determination of the area and integrated density of the stained spots by the Joyce Loebl Magiscan-1 image analysis system. The method can be used for the determination of proteins in the range 0.5-100 micrograms/cm2; the amount of protein involved in most spots detected by the staining method actually falls within this range. As the minimum spot diameter that can easily be handled by the method is about 2 mm, as much as 30 ng of protein in such a spot can be determined. The method can also be applied to autoradiograms.

Development of chicken epidermis cultured with embryo extract

The epidermis from 11-day-old chick embryo shank skin was cultured with 11-day-old chick embryo extract. The growth and the differentiation of the epidermis in culture were studied histologically, electron microscopically and with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of keratin proteins. The epidermis cultured with the chick embryo extract proliferated and stratum structures developed simultaneously with the increase in epidermal cell layers. Finally, a keratinized layer was observed after 10 days in culture. Electron microscopic observations revealed that tonofilaments were produced after 2 days in culture and increased thereafter with culture time, becoming condensed with desmosomes. Keratohyaline granules were observed in 7-day cultures. These keratinization characteristics occurring during culture showed the general characteristics of the alpha stratum observed in the skin of in ovo embryos during the early stages of development. However, the development of peridermal and subperidermal granules was poor and the stratum granulosum, which develops at the late stages between the stratum intermedium and the stratum corneum, was not observed. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of S-carboxymethylated keratin proteins showed that the keratin protein band patterns of the culture differed from those of in ovo skin epidermis.

Mechanism of action and development of resistance to a new amidino penicillin

The mechanism of killing of Escherichia coli by a novel beta-lactam antibiotic, an amidino penicillin, has been investigated. This compound converts E. coli to relatively stable spherical forms at low concentration. However, the amidino penicillin caused no alteration in any of those parameters of peptidoglycan synthesis which can be studied. Above 10 mug of the antibiotic per ml the cells began to lyse, and a second mode of killing appeared. Mutants resistant to the amidino penicillin were isolated and several were studied in detail. Three mutant phenotypes were distinguished: (i) spherical shape and hypersensitive to lysis by either amidino penicillin or ampicillin; (ii) spherical shape and normally sensitive to lysis; (iii) rod shape, converted to viable spheres by amidino penicillin and normally sensitive to lysis.