Theoretical study of the Coriolis effect in LiNa, LiK, and LiRb molecules

The non-adiabatic electronic matrix elements, LΠΣ(R), that arise from the spin-conserving electron-rotational interactions between all mΣ+ and mΠ states, where multiplicity m = 1, 3, converging to the lowest three dissociation limits of Li-containing alkali diatomics, LiM (M = Na, K, Rb), were calculated ab initio up to large internuclear distances, R. The required electronic wavefunctions were obtained within the framework of the multi-reference configuration interaction treatment of the two-valence-electron problem constructed using small-core scalar-relativistic effective core potentials and l-independent core-polarization potentials. A least squares analysis of the ab initio functions at large internuclear distances in conjunction with long-range perturbation theory (LRPT) revealed three different asymptotic behaviors of the LΠΣ(R → +∞)-functions: const. + β[n]/Rn, characterized by n = -1, 3 and 6. The asymptotic coefficients β[n], extracted from the point-wise ab initio data, were found to be in agreement with their LRPT counterparts, which were evaluated analytically using the relevant atomic parameters. The mass dependence of the LΠΣ matrix elements was investigated analytically and numerically. To confirm the reliability of the LΠΣ(R)-functions and interatomic potentials at small and intermediate distances, the empirical q-factors available for the D1Π-states of all LiM molecules studied were compared with their theoretical counterparts derived from the present ab initio data.

Long-range behavior of the transition dipole moments of heteronuclear dimers XY (X, Y = Li, Na, K, Rb) based on ab initio calculations

The ab initio electronic transition dipole moments (ETDMs) of heteronuclear dimers XY (X, Y = Li, Na, K, Rb) were calculated between the ground and excited states converging to the lowest three dissociation limits. The spin-allowed ETDMs were evaluated in a wide range of interatomic distances, R, by means of the quasi-relativistic electronic wave functions obtained by the multi-reference configuration interaction method. The inner-shell electrons (2 electrons for Li and Na atoms, and 10 and 28 for K and Rb, respectively) were described using the non-empirical shape-consistent effective core potentials. The l-independent core polarization potentials of each atom were used to take core-polarization and core-valence correlation effects into account. The long-range behavior of both singlet-singlet X¹Σ⁺-(2,3)¹Σ⁺;(1,2)¹Π and triplet-triplet a³Σ⁺-(2,3)³Σ⁺;(1,2)³Π transition moments is perfectly fitted at large R-distance by the asymptotic formula of X. Chu and A. Dalgarno, Phys. Rev. A: At., Mol., Opt. Phys., 2002, 66, 024701: , where the coefficient β is equal to 2 and -1 for the Σ-Σ and Σ-Π transitions, respectively. The n²S-n²P transition moments, d^A, and dynamic polarizabilites, α^B, of the alkali atoms in the n²S state extracted from the present molecular calculations coincide with their empirical and ab initio counterparts to within a few percent.

Lentiviral Reprogramming of A-T Patient Fibroblasts to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Reprogramming of cells enables generation of pluripotent stem cells and resulting progeny through directed differentiation, making this technology an invaluable tool for the study of human development and disease. Reprogramming occurs with a wide range of efficiency, a culmination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors including the tissue of origin, the passage number and culture history of the target cells. Another major factor affecting reprogramming is the methodology used and the quality of the reprogramming process itself, including for conventional viral-based approaches viral titer and subsequent viral transduction efficiency, including downstream transgene insertion and stoichiometry. Genetic background is an important parameter affecting the efficiency of the reprogramming process with reports that cells from individuals harboring specific mutations are more difficult to reprogram than control counterparts.Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) fibroblasts underwent reprogramming at reduced efficiency in contrast to their controls. To optimize reprogramming of fibroblasts from patients with A-T, we examined the response of A-T cells to various cell culture conditions after lentiviral transduction with reprogramming factors Oc4/Sox2 (pSIN4-EF2-O2S) and Klf4/c-Myc (pSIN4-CMV-K2M). Parameters included media type (KSR or serum-containing DMEM), treatment with a p53 inhibitor (small-molecule cyclic pifithrin-α), and either a low or high concentration of bFGF. Post-transduction, equivalent numbers of cells from heterozygote and homozygote patients were plated and assessed at regular intervals for survival and proliferation. Our findings indicate that A-T cells responded favorably to the addition of FCS and gradual weaning away from their native media into KSR-containing stem cell media that produced suitable conditions for their reprogramming. We examined a range of properties to identify and isolate good quality iPSCs including the expression status of important stem cell transcription factors/surface proteins, methylation levels at stem cell associated regulatory loci, persistence of transgenes, karyotype status, and teratoma-forming ability.

Identification of ATM Protein Kinase Phosphorylation Sites by Mass Spectrometry

ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) protein kinase is a key regulator of cellular responses to DNA damage and oxidative stress. DNA damage triggers complex cascade of signaling events leading to numerous posttranslational modification on multitude of proteins. Understanding the regulation of ATM kinase is therefore critical not only for understanding the human genetic disorder ataxia-telangiectasia and potential treatment strategies, but essential for deciphering physiological responses of cells to stress. These responses play an important role in carcinogenesis, neurodegeneration, and aging. We focus here on the identification of DNA damage inducible ATM phosphorylation sites to understand the importance of autophosphorylation in the mechanism of ATM kinase activation. We demonstrate the utility of using immunoprecipitated ATM in quantitative LC-MS/MS workflow with stable isotope dimethyl labeling of ATM peptides for identification of phosphorylation sites.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Activated ATM-Dependent Phosphorylation of Cytoplasmic Substrates Identified by Large-Scale Phosphoproteomics Screen

Ataxia-telangiectasia, mutated (ATM) protein plays a central role in phosphorylating a network of proteins in response to DNA damage. These proteins function in signaling pathways designed to maintain the stability of the genome and minimize the risk of disease by controlling cell cycle checkpoints, initiating DNA repair, and regulating gene expression. ATM kinase can be activated by a variety of stimuli, including oxidative stress. Here, we confirmed activation of cytoplasmic ATM by autophosphorylation at multiple sites. Then we employed a global quantitative phosphoproteomics approach to identify cytoplasmic proteins altered in their phosphorylation state in control and ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) cells in response to oxidative damage. We demonstrated that ATM was activated by oxidative damage in the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus and identified a total of 9,833 phosphorylation sites, including 6,686 high-confidence sites mapping to 2,536 unique proteins. A total of 62 differentially phosphorylated peptides were identified; of these, 43 were phosphorylated in control but not in A-T cells, and 19 varied in their level of phosphorylation. Motif enrichment analysis of phosphopeptides revealed that consensus ATM serine glutamine sites were overrepresented. When considering phosphorylation events, only observed in control cells (not observed in A-T cells), with predicted ATM sites phosphoSerine/phosphoThreonine glutamine, we narrowed this list to 11 candidate ATM-dependent cytoplasmic proteins. Two of these 11 were previously described as ATM substrates (HMGA1 and UIMCI/RAP80), another five were identified in a whole cell extract phosphoproteomic screens, and the remaining four proteins had not been identified previously in DNA damage response screens. We validated the phosphorylation of three of these proteins (oxidative stress responsive 1 (OSR1), HDGF, and ccdc82) as ATM dependent after H2O2 exposure, and another protein (S100A11) demonstrated ATM-dependence for translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. These data provide new insights into the activation of ATM by oxidative stress through identification of novel substrates for ATM in the cytoplasm.

[The application of certain methods of the statistical analysis for the determination of prescription of an injury to the spleen]

The objective of the present study was to elucidate specific morphological features of the injuries inflicted to the spleen that may be of value for determining their prescription by means of the sequential identification procedure with the use of the relevant diagnostic coefficients. The hierarchic cluster analysis has demonstrated that all the cases of interest can be categorized into 6 groups differing in the prescription of delayed injuries to the spleen that are possible to diagnose based on the morphological picture. It is concluded that the proposed sequential identification procedure with the use of the diagnostic coefficients makes it possible to distinguish between specific morphological features characterizing each group of splenic injuries.

[The diagnostic possibilities of saliva]

Saliva is a clinically informative biological fluid which contains multitude of bio-markers. This characteristic makes it possible to carry out numerous analyzes for developing mode to test patient in situ, express-tests included. The diagnostic by saliva is a new area of more simple application both markers and analyzers that can be useful in diagnostic of diseases of oral cavity, oncological diseases included. The using of saliva expands perspectives for making clinical diagnosis and establishment of dynamics and monitoring of disease.

[The influence of risk factors for malignant tumors of maxillo-facial area on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases in patients of elderly and senile age period]

Morbidity and mortality from malignant neoplasms increases each year, and the average age of patients with first diagnosed decreases. The peak of incidence of malignant tumors of maxillofacial region falls on the elderly life. Not only age-related changes of the organism contribute in the development of this pathology, but also harmful habits. A comprehensive approach to solving the problem requires monitoring of this group of patients to identify risk factors for the development of pathologies in the oral and maxillofacial region.

[Correlation analysis of skin melanoma occurrence and major exogenic environmental factors in Samara region over 1995-2010]

The article covers study of major exogenic environmental factors influence on skin melanoma occurrence in Samara region, through application of various statistic analysis methods. The results prove increase in skin melanoma incidence in Samara region, that is characteristic for Russian population in general. Strong correlation is seen with increase of industrial waste volume in the region and with public nutrition structure changes.

[Forensic medical examination of a medical malpractice case as a form of situational expertise]

The authors propose to divide the process of forensic medical examination of a medical malpractice case into several stages and substantiate the possibility of their realization as a form of situational forensic medical expertise.

Autophosphorylation and ATM activation: additional sites add to the complexity

The recognition and signaling of DNA double strand breaks involves the participation of multiple proteins, including the protein kinase ATM (mutated in ataxia-telangiectasia). ATM kinase is activated in the vicinity of the break and is recruited to the break site by the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 complex, where it is fully activated. In human cells, the activation process involves autophosphorylation on three sites (Ser(367), Ser(1893), and Ser(1981)) and acetylation on Lys(3016). We now describe the identification of a new ATM phosphorylation site, Thr(P)(1885) and an additional autophosphorylation site, Ser(P)(2996), that is highly DNA damage-inducible. We also confirm that human and murine ATM share five identical phosphorylation sites. We targeted the ATM phosphorylation sites, Ser(367) and Ser(2996), for further study by generating phosphospecific antibodies against these sites and demonstrated that phosphorylation of both was rapidly induced by radiation. These phosphorylations were abolished by a specific inhibitor of ATM and were dependent on ATM and the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 complex. As found for Ser(P)(1981), ATM phosphorylated at Ser(367) and Ser(2996) localized to sites of DNA damage induced by radiation, but ATM recruitment was not dependent on phosphorylation at these sites. Phosphorylation at Ser(367) and Ser(2996) was functionally important because mutant forms of ATM were defective in correcting the S phase checkpoint defect and restoring radioresistance in ataxia-telangiectasia cells. These data provide further support for the importance of autophosphorylation in the activation and function of ATM in vivo.

[Iatrogenic conditions as an object of forensic medical studies]

The author proposes an original definition of iatrogenic states and their forensic medical model based on the analysis of the causes underlying the development of these conditions. A rationale for the application of this model in the forensic medical practice is formulated.

Dual functions of ASCIZ in the DNA base damage response and pulmonary organogenesis

Zn²⁺-finger proteins comprise one of the largest protein superfamilies with diverse biological functions. The ATM substrate Chk2-interacting Zn²⁺-finger protein (ASCIZ; also known as ATMIN and ZNF822) was originally linked to functions in the DNA base damage response and has also been proposed to be an essential cofactor of the ATM kinase. Here we show that absence of ASCIZ leads to p53-independent late-embryonic lethality in mice. Asciz-deficient primary fibroblasts exhibit increased sensitivity to DNA base damaging agents MMS and H₂O₂, but Asciz deletion or knock-down does not affect ATM levels and activation in mouse, chicken, or human cells. Unexpectedly, Asciz-deficient embryos also exhibit severe respiratory tract defects with complete pulmonary agenesis and severe tracheal atresia. Nkx2.1-expressing respiratory precursors are still specified in the absence of ASCIZ, but fail to segregate properly within the ventral foregut, and as a consequence lung buds never form and separation of the trachea from the oesophagus stalls early. Comparison of phenotypes suggests that ASCIZ functions between Wnt2-2b/ß-catenin and FGF10/FGF-receptor 2b signaling pathways in the mesodermal/endodermal crosstalk regulating early respiratory development. We also find that ASCIZ can activate expression of reporter genes via its SQ/TQ-cluster domain in vitro, suggesting that it may exert its developmental functions as a transcription factor. Altogether, the data indicate that, in addition to its role in the DNA base damage response, ASCIZ has separate developmental functions as an essential regulator of respiratory organogenesis.

ASCIZ is a DNA damage response protein that has been proposed to be a regulator and stabilizing co-factor of the ATM kinase, mutations of which lead to a syndrome involving neurological and immune dysfunctions, tumour predisposition, and X-ray hypersensitivity. To study Asciz function in vivo, we have generated a knockout mouse model lacking this gene. Here we show that ASCIZ has a specific role in mediating cell survival in response to DNA base damage, but it is not required for stabilization and regulation of ATM. Strikingly, Asciz knockout mice fail to survive to birth and have tissue-specific defects in embryonic development. In particular, Asciz null embryos fail to develop lungs and undergo an early arrest in tracheal development. The precursor cells that normally form the lung are present in our embryos, but they fail to segregate from the foregut. These observations indicate that ASCIZ plays an important and previously unrecognized developmental role that is most likely unrelated to its function in mediating responses to DNA damage. Our study delineates the function of ASCIZ in DNA damage survival and highlights an exciting new function of the protein in controlling the early stages of lung development.

[Medical care of wounded persons with maxillofacial pathology in Main military hospital during the Great Patriotic War]

There was marked work of dental unit of the Main military hospital during the Great Patriotic War, including during evacuation in Gor'ky. Insertion of modern methods of immobilization of fragments of jaws and well organized succession to 1944 permitted to decrease the quantity of operations of traumatic osteomyelitis and increase the quantity of plastic operations. Owing to using of new materials (stainless steel, plastics) and to insertion of antibiotics, the period after 1946 is characterized by increased capabilities of effectuating of plastic operations and treatment of jaw breakups.

[Prehospital thrombolytic therapy with tenecteplase in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction]

We carried out prehospital thrombolytic therapy (TLT) with tenecteplase in 24 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) at the background of standard concomitant therapy with unfractionated heparin, aspirin, and clopidogrel and analyzed clinical course of MI, ECG dynamics, systolic left ventricular function according to echocardiography. In 20 patients coronary angiography was performed after TLT. Mean symptom - needle time was 113 min. In 14 patients (58%) TLT was carried out within 2 hours after appearance of symptoms. In 19 patients the course of disease was uncomplicated. Electrocardiographic criteria of effective reperfusion were registered in 14 patients (58%), angiographic criteria - in 13 patients (65% of subjected to angiography). Percutaneous intervention was performed in 18 patients (75%). Systolic left ventricular dysfunction was revealed in 5 patients (21%), aborted MI - in 4 patients. Significant correlation was found between aborted MI (r=0,38, p=0,034) and uncomplicated MI (r=0,40, p=0,027) and performance of TLT during first 2 hours. There were no hemorrhagic complications. Results of the study evidence for high efficacy of prehospital thrombolysis with tenecteplase and real possibility of its use under conditions of existing system of organization of urgent cardiological aid.

[Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease combined with duodenal ulcer]

Operations for ulcer disease of the duodenum were performed on 696 patients. In 112 (16.1%) patients there were symptoms of insufficient obturating function of the cardia, which was considered to be an indication to antireflux simultaneous operation on the cardia. The indications were worked out for the decision on operative methods in patients with ulcer disease of the duodenum in combination with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods of resection were used in 88 (78.5%) patients, videolaparoscopic selective proximal vagotomy with an original means of fundoplication--in 24 (21.5%) patients. Good and excellent long-term results after operation were noted in 95.5% of the patients.

Involvement of novel autophosphorylation sites in ATM activation

ATM kinase plays a central role in signaling DNA double-strand breaks to cell cycle checkpoints and to the DNA repair machinery. Although the exact mechanism of ATM activation remains unknown, efficient activation requires the Mre11 complex, autophosphorylation on S1981 and the involvement of protein phosphatases and acetylases. We report here the identification of several additional phosphorylation sites on ATM in response to DNA damage, including autophosphorylation on pS367 and pS1893. ATM autophosphorylates all these sites in vitro in response to DNA damage. Antibodies against phosphoserine 1893 revealed rapid and persistent phosphorylation at this site after in vivo activation of ATM kinase by ionizing radiation, paralleling that observed for S1981 phosphorylation. Phosphorylation was dependent on functional ATM and on the Mre11 complex. All three autophosphorylation sites are physiologically important parts of the DNA damage response, as phosphorylation site mutants (S367A, S1893A and S1981A) were each defective in ATM signaling in vivo and each failed to correct radiosensitivity, genome instability and cell cycle checkpoint defects in ataxia-telangiectasia cells. We conclude that there are at least three functionally important radiation-induced autophosphorylation events in ATM.

[Functional results of the surgery of esophageal opening hernia]

The article presents an original method of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, immediate and long-term results of the treatment of 132 patients with esophageal opening hernia. It also describes the analysis of the life quality of patients with the gastroesophageal reflux disease before and after the surgery.

[Experimental grounds for the formation of an increased pressure zone in the area of "impaired" lower esophageal sphincter]

A method of the formation of an artificial lower esophageal sphincter (LES) with the help of superelastic threads made of a nickelide-titan alloy was developed in the experiment. An experimental model of an artificial LES was tested on cadaver organic combinations of the esophagus and stomach in ten watchdogs and ten rabbits. Tests of the esophageal passage and antireflux features of the artificial lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and assessment of morphological changes in esophageal wall layers with the emphasis on changes of the esophageal wall structure and gastroesophageal passage near the thread were made. This experiment proved that the passage in the artificial lower esophageal sphincter (LES) area is not disturbed and a zone of increased pressure is created.

[Method of treatment of reflux-esophagitis after gastrectomy]

A new method of treatment of reflux-esophagitis developed for patients after gastrectomy has a distinctive moment: the formation of a restraining mechanism in the field of esophago-gastric anastomosis, without opening the intestinal tube lumen. The carried on trials of clinical application of the method have shown its high effectiveness for prophylactics ofjejuno-esophageal reflux both in the early and distant terms after operation. The method of operating was given a patent of the Russian Federation.

[Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux]

One hundred and seventy-five patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were treated, 144 (82.2%) of them underwent surgery. In 106 (73.6%) patients laparotomy was used, in 38 (26.4%) -- laparoscopic surgeries. Transabdominal USE of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, endoscopic ultrasonoraphy (EUS) of the esophagus were used for diagnosis of GERD in addition to standard tests. Based on EUS data, classification of severity of reflux-esophagitis was proposed. New method of laparoscopic creation of artificial lower esophageal sphincter (LES) with super thin (95, 45 mm) and super elastic filaments made of nikelid-titan alloy was developed in experiment and introduced into clinical practice. Thirty-four laparoscopic surgeries were performed, 26 (76.4%) of them -- with creation of artificial LES. In this group 94.4% of patients demonstrated excellent and good results in long-term period. Pressure in the area of LES in these patients increased by 70%, on the average, after surgery.

[Effects of nitriles and amides on the growth and the nitrile hydratase activity of the Rhodococcus sp. strain gt1]

Effects of some nitriles and amides, as well as glucose and ammonium, on the growth and the nitrile hydratase (EC 4.2.1.84) activity of the Rhodococcus sp. strain gt1 isolated from soil were studied. The activity of nitrile hydratase mainly depended on carbon and nitrogen supply to cells. The activity of nitrile hydratase was high in the presence of glucose and ammonium at medium concentrations and decreased at concentrations of glucose more than 0.3%. Saturated unsubstituted aliphatic nitriles and amides were found to be a good source of nitrogen and carbon. However, the presence of nitriles and amides in the medium was not absolutely necessary for the expression of the activity of nitrile hydratase isolated from the Rhodococcus sp. strain gt1.

Crystal structure of neuroserpin: a neuronal serpin involved in a conformational disease

The protease inhibitor neuroserpin regulates the development of the nervous system and its plasticity in the adult. Neuroserpins carrying the Ser53Pro or Ser56Arg mutation form polymers in neuronal cells. We describe here the structure of wild-type neuroserpin in a cleaved form. The structure provides a basis to understand the role of the mutations in the polymerization process. We propose that these mutations could delay the insertion of the reactive center loop into the central beta-sheet A, an essential step in the inhibition and possibly in the polymerization of neuroserpin.

Neuronal depolarization enhances the transcription of the neuronal serine protease inhibitor neuroserpin

Neuroserpin is an axonally secreted neuronal serine protease inhibitor. Based on its inhibitory activity towards tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its predominant expression in the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala, a role for neuroserpin in the regulation of neural plasticity has been suggested. We recently found that neuroserpin mRNA is increased in cultured hippocampal neurons upon depolarization with elevated extracellular KCl. Using luciferase reporter constructs containing segments of the promoter region of the neuroserpin gene, we identified a 200-bp segment near the transcription initiation site that is responsible for both the neuron-specific expression of the neuroserpin gene and the enhanced transcription resulting from depolarization. Nerve growth factor, which alone had no effect on the expression of neuroserpin mRNA in hippocampal neurons, had a marked potentiating effect when supplied in combination with elevated extracellular KCl. In contrast, the transcription factor zif/268 blocked neuroserpin transcription. These results implicate neuroserpin as an activity-regulated modulator of tPA activity at the synapse and provide further support for the occurrence of activity-regulated proteolytic processes at the synapse.

Structure of the mouse gene for the serine protease inhibitor neuroserpin (PI12)

Neuroserpin (PI12), initially identified as an axonally secreted protein in cultured chicken dorsal root ganglion neurons, belongs to the serpin family of the serine protease inhibitors and is mainly expressed by neurons of both the developing and the adult nervous system. Here we report on the cloning and structural characterization of the neuroserpin gene of the mouse. The murine neuroserpin gene spans over more than 55kb and consists of nine exons. The positions and phases of the exonīntron borders are completely conserved between neuroserpin and its nearest homologues, protease nexin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. A single transcription initiation site, which is colocalized with a potential initiation (Inr) sequence, has been determined by primer extension and RNase protection. Sequence analysis revealed a TATA-less promoter with a CAAT box and several sites for the general transcription factor Sp1 and the neuron-specific transcription factor AP-2.

[A method for an areflux gastroduodenal anastomosis in the surgery of peptic ulcer of the duodenal bulb]

The authors describe a new method of areflux gastroduodenal anastomosis used for prevention of reflux gastritis after a distal resection of the stomach for ulcer disease of the duodenum bulb. It can be achieved by forming a functionally active sphincter and a "value-cusp" from the mucous-submucous layers of the frontal semicircumference of the stump of the stomach and duodenum. The method described was used in 48 resections of the stomach. Complex follow-up of the patients within the terms from 2 months till 3 years after the operations has shown a reliable areflux function of the gastroduodenal anastomosis.

Human neuroserpin (PI12): cDNA cloning and chromosomal localization to 3q26

Neuroserpin is a novel serine protease inhibitor of the serpin family. It has been reported as a 55-kDa glycoprotein that is secreted from the axons of cultured central and peripheral nervous system neurons. In situ hybridization and Northern blot analyses at different developmental stages of the chicken revealed that neuroserpin is predominantly expressed in the nervous system and that most cells expressing neuroserpin can be qualified as bona fide neurons. We have isolated the full-length cDNA for human neuroserpin from a fetal retina cDNA library. The open reading frame of the cDNA of human neuroserpin, like that of its chicken counterpart, encodes a protein of 410 amino acids. The human and the chicken neuroserpin exhibit an amino acid sequence identity of 80%. Northern blot analysis of human organs demonstrated predominant expression of neuroserpin in the brain. By fluorescence in situ hybridization the human neuroserpin gene (HGMW-approved symbol PI12) was mapped to region q26 of chromosome 3.

Neurotrypsin, a novel multidomain serine protease expressed in the nervous system

We have cloned a novel murine cDNA encoding a multidomain serine protease, termed neurotrypsin, which exhibits an unprecedented domain composition. The deduced amino acid sequence defines a mosaic protein of 761 amino acids consisting of a kringle domain, followed by three scavenger receptor cysteine-rich repeats, and a serine protease domain. Based on comparisons of the primary structure, the protease domain belongs to the subfamily of trypsin-like serine proteases. In situ hybridization revealed that the expression of neurotrypsin in the adult murine nervous system is confined to distinct subsets of neurons. The most prominent expression was found in the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. Le., structures engaged in the processing and storage of learned behaviors and memories. Together with the recently obtained evidence that extracellular serine proteases play a role in neural plasticity, this expression pattern suggests that the extracellular proteolytic action of neurotrypsin subserves structural reorganizations associated with learning and memory operations.

[The regulation of blood neutrophil functions by C-reactive protein and serum amyloid P]

The effect of C-reactive protein on oxygen metabolism and lysosomal activity of the human blood neutrophils was found to depend on its ability to conform and to render both the pro- and anti-inflammatory results. The serum amyloid P exerted mostly a consistent anti-inflammatory effect.

The human TAX1 gene encoding the axon-associated cell adhesion molecule TAG-1/axonin-1: genomic structure and basic promoter

The human TAX-1 gene (HGMW-approved symbol TAX1) is located on chromosome 1 (1q32.1) and encodes the neuronal cell adhesion molecule TAG-1/axonin-1. The gene product, termed TAG-1 in the rat and axonin-1 in the chicken, is composed of six immunoglobulin (Ig)-like and four fibronectin type III (FNIII)-like domains. It is found predominantly on the axons of particular nerve fiber tracts during neural development, and it has been demonstrated to function as a potent substratum for neurite outgrowth in vitro. Here we report the cloning and structural characterization of the TAX-1 gene. The transcribed region of the TAX-1 gene extends over about 40 kb. Like its chicken homologue, the human TAX-1 gene consists of 23 exons. Two GT/CA microsatellites were localized in the first intron; a polymorphism was found for one of them. Reporter gene analysis with serially truncated fragments of the 5'-flanking region indicated that a 164-bp fragment located immediately upstream of the putative transcription initiation site was sufficient to function as a basal promoter.

Cloning and expression analysis of the murine lymphotoxin beta gene

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and soluble lymphotoxin (LT) (also called LT-alpha or TNF-beta) are cytokines with similar biological activities that are encoded by related and closely linked genes. TNF-alpha, a mediator of the inflammatory response, exists in soluble and transmembrane forms. LT-alpha can be secreted or retained at the cell surface by binding to a 33-kDa transmembrane subunit, LT-beta. The recently cloned human LT-beta gene encodes another TNF family member and is linked to the TNF/LT locus within the major histocompatibility complex locus. The cell surface LT is a heterotrimer consisting of LT-alpha and LT-beta, whose physiological function is not yet clearly defined. We now report the sequence analysis of the genomic region and cDNA of murine LT-beta gene, which is closely associated with the TNF-alpha and LT-alpha genes within the murine major histocompatibility complex locus. Unlike the TNF-alpha, LT-alpha, and human LT-beta genes, which contain four exons, the murine LT-beta contains three exons and encodes a 244-amino acid polypeptide with a 66-amino acid insert that is absent from the human homologue. In situ hybridization demonstrates constitutive expression of LT-beta in lymphoid and hematopoietic tissues. LT-beta transcription is maximal in the thymic medulla and in splenic white pulp. LT-beta mRNA is also detected in the skin and in specific regions of the brain. The LT-beta promoter region contains putative Ets-binding sites, suggesting that the expression of LT-beta may be regulated in part by Ets transcription factors whose pattern of lymphoid expression overlaps that of LT-beta.

[Effect of HMG proteins and their phosphorylated forms on the process of transcription in neuronal nuclei of the rat brain (data from an immunochemical analysis)]

It was found that chromatin transcription in the neuronal nucleus of rat brain is inhibited by antisera to proteins HMG 14, HMG 17 and HMG 2. It is known that chromatin transcription of the neuronal nucleus and phosphorylation of chromosomal proteins are activated by etimizol. The phosphorylation of chromosomal proteins activated by etimizol is inhibited by the antiserum to HMG 14 (but not to HMG 17). The data obtained are suggestive of a possible role of HMG proteins and their phosphorylated forms in the regulation of transcription.

[Alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase in early osteogenesis in man]

By means of histochemical techniques at light and electron microscopic levels, as well as immunomorphological, biochemical and immunochemical methods localization and dynamics of alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase contents have been determined in anlages of long tubular bones in 85 human embryos and prefetuses from the 6th up to 12th week of the intrauterine development, obtained as a result of artificial abortions in healthy women. The greatest activity of the enzymes studied is revealed in areas of an intensive osteogenesis and mineralization. Also, by means of the immunofluorescent method alkaline phosphatase of a placental type is revealed, that is not revealed, however, immunochemically. With increasing time of the intrauterine development, thermostability of alkaline phosphatase increases.

[Serotonin metabolism in patients with brain tumors]

In patients with brain tumours there was revealed an increase in the content of serotonin, 5-oxyindol acetic acid (5-OAA) and melatonin in the liquor, and of serotonin in the plasma rich with platelets. The content of serotonin or products of its metabolism in the liquor, as well as of serotonin in platelets depends on the involvement of truncus cerebri and hypothalamus in the pathologic process and on the gravity of the patient's condition. The serotonin content, in contrast to 5-OAA, s significantly higher in patients with tumours attended by epileptic attacks. The data obtained testify to a possible role of serotonin in the pathogenetic mechanisms of tumours development in the central nervous system.