[All signs of metabolic syndrome in the hypertensive ISIAH rats are associated with increased activity of transcription factors PPAR, LXR, PXR, and CAR in the liver]

It is known that the metabolic syndrome (MS), which includes hypertension, dislipidemia, glucose intolerance, and obesity leads to cardiovascular diseases. The MS risk is growing catastrophically. Molecular mechanisms allowing to understand the reason of integrated dysfunctions, taking place at MS cases, have remained almost unstudied. The chronical stress plays a crucial role in MS development; therefore in the present work a hypertensive rat strain with Inherited Stress-Induced Arterial Hypertension (ISIAH) was used as a model. It was shown that ISIAH rat strain as compared with the control WAG rat strain is characterized by increased content of triglyceride, VLDL and LDL cholesterols, a decreased content of HDL cholesterol, a high level of apolipoprotein B-100, and decreased level of apolipoprotein A-I. The ISIAH rats body weight was higher as compared with WAG rats; ISIAH rats blood glucose content was higher too. Thus, strain hypertension for ISIAH rat is accompanied by dislipidemia, increased glucose content, and increased body weight, representing a whole set of MS signs. Since at MS cases the systemic abnormalities in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism take place, the functional activity of transcription factors (TFs) participating in integral regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism genes in liver was measured. PPAR, LXR, PXR, CAR DNA-binding activity was increased in ISIAH rats, suggesting involvement of these TFs in MS development. Integrated investigation of PPAR, LXR, PXR, CAR regulatory mechanisms, signal transduction and transcriptional targets will provide insights into the pathogenesis of MS and offer valuable information for designing of drugs for MS treatment.

[Polymorphism of intron 2 of the SDF1 gene in Galloway, Hereford, and Russian Black Pied cattle]

The region of intron 2 of the SDF1 gene encoding a chemokine of the CXC subfamily has been resequenced in Galloway, Hereford, and Black Pied cattle. Five of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were earlier detected by other authors in various breeds of cattle in North America (99C/G, 128T/C, 206C/T, 267C/G and 313C/T) have been found. The 270insC polymorphic marker has proved to be monomorphic in Russian cattle breeds. Hereford cattle significantly differ from Galloway and Black Pied cattle in the frequencies of some SNP variants and their combinations. The number of SNP combinations in Hereford and Galloway cattle exceeds that in Black Pied cattle.

[HFE gene polymorphism in the population of Northern Asia]

Human HFE gene haplotype analysis with reference to IVS2(+4)t/c, IVS4(-44)t/c, IVS5(-47)a/g polymorphic sites was performed in different North Asian ethnic groups. Of the eight possible intronic haplotypes, TTG, TTA, CTA and CCA were identified. High frequency of the CCA haplotype appears to be a characteristic feature of all Asian native populations. Potential functional importance of IVS4(-44)t/c polymorphism is demonstrated. Patients presenting with iron overload syndrome are shown to have low frequency of IVS4(-44)c.

Polymorphism of 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) genes, associated with predisposition to severe forms of tick-borne encephalitis, in human populations of North Eurasia

2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetases are a family of interferon-induced enzymes playing an important role in antiviral defense in mammals. In the human genome, three genes encoding functional synthetases (OAS1, OAS2 and OAS3) form a cluster. Previously, we found that particular genotypes and/or alleles of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of OAS2 and OAS3 are associated with predisposition to severe forms of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Russians. In the current study, we investigated the distribution of three of the above SNPs, OAS3 rs2285932 (C/T, Ile438Ile), OAS3 rs2072136 (G/A, Ser567Ser), and OAS2 rs15895 (G/A, Trp720Ter relative to p71 isoform), in seven populations of North Eurasia: Caucasians (Russians, Germans from Altai region), Central Asian Mongoloids (Altaians, Khakass, Tuvinians, and Shorians), and Arctic Mongoloids (Chukchi). Interpopulational differences in genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies and in linkage disequilibrium structure for these SNPs were detected. These frequencies correlated with the ethnicity of the populations and with their supposed differential exposure to the TBE virus. In particular, the lowest frequencies of G/G genotype for OAS3 SNP rs2072136 (which, according to our earlier results, is associated with predisposition to severe forms of TBE) were found in Altaians, Khakass, Tuvinians, and Shorians, who commonly contact with the TBE virus in their habitation regions. Thus, the data obtained suggest that the TBE virus might act as a selection factor for particular OAS variants in Central Asian Mongoloids.

[Polymorphism in the human 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase genes (OAS), associated with predisposition to severe forms of tick-borne encephalitis, in populations from North Eurasia]

2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetases are a family of interferon-induced enzymes which play an important role in the antiviral defense in mammals. In human genome three genes encoding functional synthetases (OAS1, OAS2 and OAS3) form a cluster. Previously we found that particular genotypes and/or alleles of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within OAS2 and OAS3 genes are associated with predisposition to severe forms of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Russian population. In current study we investigated the distribution of three of that SNPs (OAS3rs2285932 (C/T Ile438Ile), OAS3rs2072136 (G/A, Ser567Ser) and OAS2 rs15895 (G/A, Trp720Ter relative to p71 isoform)) in seven populations from North Eurasia: Caucasians (Russians and Germans (from Altai region)), Central Asian Mongoloids (Altaians, Khakasses, Tuvinians and Shorians) and Arctic Mongoloids (Chukchi). Differences between populations in genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies and in linkage disequilibrium structure for these SNPs were detected. We found that these frequencies correlate with the ethnicity of the populations and with their supposed differential exposure to TBE virus. Particularly, the lowest frequencies of G/G genotype for OAS3 gene rs2072136 SNP (that according to our previously obtained data is associated with predisposition to severe forms of TBE) were found in Altaians, Khakasses, Tuvinians and Shorians who may highly contact with TBE virus in places of their habitation. Thus, data obtained allow to suppose that TBE virus might act as a selection factor for particular OAS genes variants in Central Asian Mongoloids.

[Effect of hepatocarcinogenicity of estragole on the glucocorticoid-mediated induction of liver-specific enzymes and the activity of the transcription factors FOXA and HNF4 in the liver of mouse and rat]

The carcinogenic effects of estragole in mice of the earlier unexplored strain ICR has been studied. It has been shown that there is a distinct correlation between the extent of inhibition of glucocorticoid-mediated induction of tyrosine aminotransferase and trypthophan oxygenase after acute administration of estragole and the frequency of liver tumors after estragole exposure. Estragole inhibits the induction of these enzymes only in female mice, but not in male mice and rats. DNA-binding activities of liver-enriched transcription factors were investigated on carcinogen-susceptible and -resistant animals. Estragole decreases the HNF4 (hepatic nuclear factor 4) and FOXA DNA-binding activities only in susceptible female mice, but not in nonsusceptible male mice and rats and does not influence the C/EBP and HNF1 activities. Pentachlorophenol, which prevents the hepatocarcinogenic effect of estragole, abolishes its inhibitory effect on tyrosine aminotransferase and trypthophan oxygenase glucocorticoid induction and restores the FOXA and HNF4 DNA-binding activities. The parallelism between the hepatocarcinogenic effects of estragole and the inhibition of FOXA and HNF4 DNA-binding activities serves as an additional argument for the involvement of these factors in the mechanisms of tumor suppression in the liver.

[The spectrum of mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene in the Russian population]

The spectrum of mutations in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene was studied in a sample of hypercholesterolemia patients of Caucasoid origin from the population of Russia. The examined patients were 45 to 49-years-old and had the highest level of total serum cholesterol in this age group. Seven previously non-described mutations have been revealed in exon 9 (R410G; M412V) and in exon 12 (Y/Y576; N/N591; L605V; L605R; A612G). Twelve previously described mutations have been identified in exons 2 (C/C27), 5 (C261F; E240X), 6 (E288K), 8 (A391T), 9 (E418G; L432R; D433E), 11 (G/G549; E558K; L/L568), and 12 (G592E). Only one of these mutations was previously described in Russia in a clinical sample of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. The spectrum of LDL receptor gene mutations in the population sample of patients with hypercholesterolemia significantly differs from the mutation spectrum in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (clinical samples). Sequencing of the LDL receptor gene is a highly efficient method for identifying the markers of hypercholesterolemia predisposition in a population.

Activation of constitutive androstane receptor under the effect of hepatocarcinogenic aminoazo dyes in mouse and rat liver

Selective increase of DNA-binding activity of constitutive androstane receptor was detected in rat and mouse liver in response to aminoazo dyes exhibiting hepatocarcinogenic activity for these species (ortho-aminoazotoluene for mice and 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminobenzene for rats). Competition of azo dyes with 3H-5alpha-androst-16-ene-3alpha-ol (a well-known ligand of constitutive androstane receptor) for binding to liver cell cytosol proteins was studied. Ortho-aminoazotoluene and 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminobenzene were better competitors for cytosol proteins from mouse and rat liver, respectively.

[Frequency of chromosomes carrying endogenous retroviruses in the populations of domestic pig and wild boar]

Statistical analysis of the frequency of chromosomes carrying three types (A, B, and C) of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV) was based on molecular-genetic testing of populations of domestic pigs and wild boars. Domestic pigs were shown to have higher frequency of PERV and haplotypes containing two and three types of PERV than wild boars.

[Comparative analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA topoisomerase I from maize]

We conducted a comparative study of the properties of topoisomerase I isolated from maize nuclei and mitochondria. We found that nuclear and mitochondrial enzymes possess different ability to bind single stranded DNA. Study of the enzyme activity dependence on Mg2+ demonstrated an absolute dependence of the mitochondrial topoisomerase activity. Contrary, nuclear enzyme activity was not absolutely dependent but stimulated by the magnesium cation. Mitochondrial topoisomerase formed covalent bond with the 5'-end of the cleaved DNA what is unique property of prokaryotic topoisomerase I. Nuclear enzyme bound covalently to the 3'-end like all eukaryotic topoisomerases I. The search through databases revealed genes which could encode mitochondrial topoisomerase I in the genomes of higher plants. Using both cDNA sequencing and in silico methods we demonstrated an existence of the ortholog gene in the maize genome. This gene shares significant homology with prokaryotic topoisomerase I genes that may explain differences in the properties of the mitochondrial and nuclear enzyme. Data obtained is of a significant interest both from the point of view of plant organelle evolution and mitochondrial genome expression mechanisms study.

[Study of the binding of nuclear proteins from Plasmodium berghei strains with different chloroquine sensitivity to oligonucleotides corresponding to regulatory elements of multidrug resistance (mdr1) gene]

Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay we first revealed in the nuclear extracts of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) proteins, which bind specifically to the double-stranded oligonucleotides reproducing the binding sites of the transcription factors of AP1 family, NF-IL6 and SP1 involved in the up-regulation of human multidrug resistance (mdr1) gene and to the oligonucleotide corresponding to the element responsive for the stimulation by serum (SRE). The nuclear proteins isolated from the P. berghei strains with various chloroquine sensitivity bound differently to the most of the oligonucleotide probes used. Mutations in the consensus sequences of AP1, NF-IL6 and SRE led to the loss of some DNA-protein complexes, suggesting the existence of malaria parasite nuclear proteins, whose DNA-binding domains are similar to DNA-binding domains of NF-IL6, SRF1, and AP1 family members. These proteins exhibit greater activities in chloroquine resistant strains. The results obtained denote profound alterations in the plasmodium regulatory apparatus occurred as the result of selection on chloroquine resistance.

Lung cancer-associated SNP at the beginning of mouse k-ras gene intron 2 is essential for transcription factor binding

The C to T substitution in position 311 n. p. of K-ras gene intron 2 in mice resistant to lung cancer (M. spretus) attenuates NF-Y transcription factor binding site in comparison with sensitive ICR mice (M. musculus). Appreciable differences between ICR and M. spretus in general pattern of binding of nuclear proteins to K-ras gene DNA within 248-332 n. p. fragment are demonstrated.

Differences in binding of nuclear proteins from P. berghei strains differing by chloroquine resistance to oligonucleotides corresponding to mdr1 gene regulatory elements

Proteins specifically reacting with AP1, MEF1, NF-IL6, and SP1 transcription factor binding sites were detected for the first time in nuclear extract of P. berghei (rodent malaria parasite) using gel retardation assay. P. berghei strains with different chloroquine resistance exhibited appreciable differences in the pattern of nuclear protein binding to the majority of the studied sites, which attests to changes in the plasmodial regulatory system during chloroquine resistance selection.

[Recognition of the potential SF-1 binding sites by SiteGA method, their experimental verification and search for new SF-1 target genes]

The SF-1 (Steroidogenic Factor-1) is a transcription factor known as a key regulator of the steroidogenic gene expression. SF-1 is required for the development and functioning at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and adrenal axis. Also it plays an essential role in sex determination. SF-1 is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and it activates gene expression by binding to DNA in a monomeric form. Here, we report the results of potential SF-1 binding sites identification by using the SiteGA recognition method. The SiteGA method was implemented using a genetic algorithm (GA) involving a iterative discriminant analyses of local dinucleotide context characteristics. These characteristics were compiled not only over the core binding sites region but over its flanks as well. Developed SiteGA method is characterized by considerably better recognition accuracy when compared to that for the weight matrix method. The experimental tests demonstrated that 83% of the sites recognized by the SiteGA method in the regulatory regions of steroidogenic genes, indeed, interact with the SF-1 factor. We also estimated the density of predicted sites in regulatory region of genes, the members of different functional groups and developed the criterion to search for new SF-1 target genes in genome sequences.

Codon 12 region of mouse K-ras gene is the site for in vitro binding of transcription factors GATA-6 and NF-Y

Codon 12 of the K-ras gene is a generally recognized example of a mutational hot spot. By the approach of gel retardation and specific antibodies, a double-stranded oligonucleotide corresponding to the codon 12 region of the mouse K-ras gene (from 20 to 50 bp with respect to the exon 1 start) was found to be a site for cooperative binding of the transcription factors GATA-6 and NF-Y. GATA-6 and NF-Y were selectively activated with lung carcinogens 3-methylcholanthrene and nitrosoethylurea in mice of strains susceptible to lung tumorigenesis but not in animals of resistant strains. The interaction of GATA-6 and NF-Y with the codon 12 region of the K-ras gene is suggested to be involved in the mechanism of lung carcinogenesis.

[Isolation of mitochondrial DNA binding proteins which are specific for maize cox1 promoter]

We purified DNA binding proteins which interact with the promoter region of cox1 gene from maize mitochondria. Presence of poly[dIdC-dIdC] and KCl in concentrations up to 500 mM had no influence on binding efficiency demonstrating high specificity of complexes formed. Surprisingly, we did not detect DNA binding when probes containing promoter regions of other mitochondrial genes (cox3, rrn26) were used. Mobility shift competition studies also suggest that the protein posseses binding specificity towards cox1 promoter. The core motif AAGTA proved to be necessary for DNA binding. Using combination of EMSA and elution of proteins from PAG we showed that DNA-protein complex formed contains three polypeptides with molecular mass 60, 44 and 22 kD. We suggest that the isolated proteins may play an important role in the regulation of plant cox1 gene transcription.

[Interaction of proteins from general transcription complex RNA polymerase II with oligoribonucleotides]

We have analyzed an interaction of the general transcription complex RNA polymerase II proteins (RNA polymerase II, factors TBP, TFIIB, TFIIF, TFIIE and TFIIH) S. cerevisiae with the oligoribonucleotides. With the help of method EMSA was shown that labeled 32P labeled oligoribonucleotide 5'-ACUCUCUUCCGCAUCGC-3' (r-17) binds with the proteins and generates three species of the complexes with the three major shifts. All the three species of the complexes are RNA specific because a total RNA S. cerevisiae was a competitor for all three species but the TATA-containing oligodeoxyribonucleotide (500-fold molar excess) was not a competitor for its. Complexes 32P-r-17 with the proteins belonging to the middle shift are the sequence specific because unlabeled r-17 was a competitor for its binding (100-fold molar excess) but unlabeled UA-rich oligoribonucleotide (5'-AUAUUAUGUUCAAAA-3) was not a competitor for this shift (500-fold molar excess). Complexes belonging to the upper shift are RNA specific probably. We think 32P-r-17 interaction with the proteins belonging to the under shift is nonspecific corresponding to a sorbtion of 32P-r-17 on a protein. The data presented demonstrate that oligoribonucleotide and oligodeoxyribonucleotide don't compete for the binding sites on a basal transcription complex proteins.

[Editing of the mitochondrial cox3 transcript may yield a new site of protein-protein interactions in wild cereal Elymus sibiricus L]

With PCR, RT-PCR, and direct sequencing, complete nucleotide sequences were established for the Elymus sibiricus mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 gene (cox3) and its cDNA. The cox3 transcript was shown to have 12 editing sites with changes affecting the amino acid sequence of the protein product. The editing of the primary cox3 transcript was found to change the position of a site of protein-protein interactions. The results demonstrate again the important role of mRNA editing in posttranscriptional regulation of the expression of plant mitochondrial genes.

[Deletional polymorphism of the 11th intron of the human c-fms gene: allele frequency in certain Russian populations and possible functional significance]

Analysis of deletion polymorphism of human c-fms gene intron 11 (approximately 425-bp deletion) is of particular interest because of the increased proportion of the deletion heterozygotes among the infants born from the parents, one of which lacks the deletion allele, and the other is heterozygous for the deletion. In this study, allele and haplotype frequencies of the polymorphism examined were assessed in a number of Caucasoid and Mongoloid populations of Russia. In all populations tested, relatively high prevalence of the deletion-bearing allele, ranging from 9.45% in ethnic Germans to 20.75% in Altaians, was detected. Russians and Kazakhs were characterized by intermediate frequencies of the rare allele, constituting in these populations 12.89 and 14.93%, respectively. Hardy-Weinberg expectations were met in all populations examined, pointing to a stable level of polymorphism at the c-fms intron 11. It was established by the context analysis of DNA of the deleted fragment along with the flanking sequences that this region contained a number of transcription factor motifs (Ets, SRF, and Myc), potentially capable of the regulation of the M-CFF-dependant c-fms transcription. The deletion breakpoint was localized within the CArG motif, which, together with the neighboring ets motif, form the potential CArG/ets composite element. It was suggested that allele lacking the fragment of intron 11 could be restricted in its ability to modulate the level of the c-fms transcription in response to the action of M-CSF. The data of molecular epidemiological survey serve as the indirect evidence favoring the suggestion on the possible functional value of this gene fragment. It was demonstrated that in the samples of acute bronchitis and trichomoniasis patients allelic and genotype frequencies were statistically significantly different from those in the population sample. In case of trichmoniasis, the frequency of rare allele was 2.4 times lower, and in case of acute bronchitis it was 2.1 times higher than in the control sample.

[Reconstruction of the phylogenetic position of larch (Larix sukaczewii Dylis) by sequencing data for the trnK intron of chloroplast DNA]

To reconstruct the systematic relationships of larch Larix sukaczewii, we used the chloroplast trnK intron sequences of L. decidua, L. sukaczewii, L. sibirica, L. czekanovskii, and L. gmelinii. Analysis of phylogenetic trees constructed using the maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods showed a clear divergence of the trnK intron sequences between L. sukaczewii and L. sibirica. This divergence reaches intraspecific level, which supports a previously published hypothesis on the taxonomic isolation of L. sukaczewii.

[Interaction of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase with eukaryotic TATA-binding protein]

Interaction with eukaryotic TATA-binding protein (TBP) was analyzed for natural Escherichia coli RNA polymerase or the recombinant holoenzyme, minimal enzyme, or its sigma subunit. Upon preincubation of full-sized RNA polymerase with TBP and further incubation with a constant amount of 32P-labeled phosphamide derivative of a TATA-containing oligodeoxyribonucleotide, the yield of the holoenzyme-oligonucleotide covalent complex decreased with increasing TBP concentration. This was considered as indirect evidence for complexing of RNA polymerase with TBP. In gel retardation assays, the holoenzyme, but neither minimal enzyme nor the sigma subunit, interacted with TPB, since the labeled probe formed complexes with both proteins in the reaction mixture combining TBP with the minimal enzyme or the sigma subunit. It was assumed that E. coli RNA polymerase is functionally similar to eukaryotic RNA polymerase II, and that the complete ensemble of all subunits is essential for the specific function of the holoenzyme.

[Polymorphism of the HFE gene associated with hereditary hemochromatosis in populations of Russia]

Expression of hereditary hemochromatosis as well as predisposition to iron overload syndrome and sporadic porphyria cutanea tarda are currently believed to be associated with the inheritance of certain allelic variants of the HFE gene. Allele frequencies of the C282Y (845A) and H63D (187G) mutations in the HFE gene in human populations of different races are remarkably different, and the prevalence of the S65C (193T) mutation is still poorly studied. In the present study we estimated allele frequencies of HFE mutations in Russians and in a number of Siberian ethnic indigenous populations. In Russians, allele frequencies of the C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations were 3.7, 13.3 and 1.7%, respectively. These values were similar to those observed in populations of Europe. The C282Y mutation was not detected in the population samples of Siberian ethnic groups, including Mansis, Khantys (Finno-Ugric group), Altaians, and Nivkhs (Mongoloids), suggesting that the frequency of this allele in the populations examined was lower than 1%. The frequency of the C282Y allele in the Tuvinian and Chukchi samples (Mongoloids) constituted 0.45 and 0.8%, respectively. Furthermore, pedigree analysis of both Chukchi carriers discovered showed that some of their ancestors were from other ethnic groups. Low frequencies of this allelic variant is typical of many Eastern Asian populations, which are also characterized by rather low frequencies of the H63D variant. In contrast, in some ethnic groups of Western Siberia allelic frequency of the H63D mutation is rather high, constituting 8.7% in Altaians, 15.5% in Mansis, and 11.3% in Khantys. The frequency of this allele in Tuvinians, Nivkhs, and Chukchis constituted 5, 4.7, and 0.8%, respectively. These findings make it possible to estimate the proportion of individuals predisposed to iron overload syndrome in different Russian ethnic groups. The HFE allele frequency distribution patterns observed in the populations examined pointed to pre-Celtic appearance of the CY82 allele. It also provides elucidation of the evolutionary genetic relationships between Siberian ethnic groups and the contemporary populations of Eastern and Western Europe.

Species specific hepatocarcinogen inhibition of the glucocorticoid induction of tyrosine aminotransferase gene in mouse and rat liver

3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3'-MeDAB) is a potent hepatocarcinogen in rats and a weak carcinogen in mice, whereas o-aminoazotoluene (OAT) is a potent hepatocarcinogen in mice but weak hepatocarcinogen in rats. They significantly suppress glucocorticoid induction of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) in the liver of sensitive animals and have minor effect on the induction of this enzyme in the liver of resistant animals (3'-MeDAB-treated mice and OAT-treated rats). The inhibitory effect of these carcinogens is realized at the level of gene transcription (decreased accumulation of TAT mRNA). This effect is mediated via reduction of DNA-binding activity of transcription factor HNF3 (without decrease of its content) without any involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor. It was shown that carcinogens influence DNA-binding activity of HNF3 via an unknown nuclear factor.

[Polymorphism of the gene of angiotensin-converting enzyme and apolipoprotein E gene in long-livers of Novosibirsk city]

The levels of polymorphism of genes of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and apolipoprotein E (Apo E) were studied in elderly and long-living people in Novosibirsk. The results of the study in the investigated group (97 subjects) were compared with polymorphism of these genes in Novosibirsk population group aged 25-64 who were investigated in MONICA Project survey and had DNA data base formed. Frequency of D/D genotype among senile and long-living men was 5.9%. It is 5 times lower than in men 55-64 years of age (p = 0.04). Similar decrease of this gene frequency was also found in women of the same age. In men older than 83 years of age 4 times lowering of 3/4 genotype of Apo E gene and 2 times increasing of frequency of 2/3 genotype were revealed when comprising frequency of these genotypes in people of middle age. In subjects of senile age and long-livers of both sexes genotype 4/4 was not revealed. Lipid levels were more favorable in women with genotype 2/3 of Apo E gene (comparatively lower mean level of total cholesterol and higher level of HDL cholesterol) if compared with genotypes 3/3 and 3/4.

[Pulmonary carcinogenesis susceptibility-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms in K-ras intron 2 affect the binding of factor Gata-6 but not gene expression]

The sequence of K-ras intron 2, which has been associated with lung tumor susceptibility in inbred mouse strains, was analyzed in susceptible strain GR and in resistant strains PT and UT. In the latter case, the intron had a tandem repeat of a 37-bp sequence with variant GC of its two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as earlier reported for resistant strains AKR, C57BL/c, and C3H/A. Strain GR did not differ in intron structure from susceptible strains A/He and ICR, having one copy of the 37-bp sequence with SNP variant CA. By gel retardation assay, a DNA probe corresponding to "susceptible" allele CA of K-ras region 278-307 formed an additional complex with nuclear proteins extracted from the lungs, as compared with probes corresponding to the "resistant" GC and "intermediate" CC alleles. With specific antibodies, the protein binding to the susceptible allele was identified as transcription factor GATA-6. Reverse transcription with subsequent multiplex PCR did not reveal a significant difference in K-ras expression for susceptible and resistant strains. The results suggest that SNPs of K-ras intron 2 do not affect the level of K-ras expression but do control the binding of GATA-6, which plays an important role in lung differentiation.

Effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to the alpha2A-adrenoceptors on the plasma corticosterone level and on elevated plus-maze behavior in rats

Antisense strategy was used to investigate the role of alpha2A-adrenoceptor (alpha2A-AR) subtype in anxiety-related behavior. A 18-mer phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) complementary to the alpha2A-AR mRNA was administered to the adult male rats for 3 days (1 nmol/5 microl/day) into the region of locus coeruleus (LC). Control groups received infusions of either oligodeoxynucleotide of a random sequence (RS-ODN) or saline. Treatment with AS-ODN significantly reduced the levels of alpha2A-AR mRNA in the brain stem. At the same time, AS-ODN treatment caused only a small reduction in [(3)H]clonidine binding (by 26-32%) in the brain stem which was not significant. Compared to both RS-ODN and saline controls, treatment with AS-ODN significantly increased the percentage of open arm entries in the elevated plus-maze while the total number of arm entries was unaltered. Also, AS-ODN treatment elevated basal levels of plasma corticosterone by 217% and 96% compared to both RS-ODN and saline controls. These changes in the hormone concentrations were at a level of marginal significance (p<0.1 versus random group). Taken together, the data indicate that administration of AS-ODN against alpha2A-ARs in the LC significantly reduced expression of alpha2A-AR mRNA in brain stem, moderately increased plasma corticosterone and had anxiolytic-like effect in the elevated plus-maze.

[Detection of two polymorphic sites in the human c-fms gene: allele frequency and genotype in some populations of Russia]

Two polymorphic sites were found in the human c-fms gene: one (G-->A) was in position 34,047 in the last intron, and the other (dinucleotide TC-->CA) was in positions 34,293 and 34,294 in the 3'-untranslated gene region, 34 bp downstream of the translation stop codon. The polymorphic dinucleotide appeared to be immediately upstream of an octamer showing 100% homology to cis element -CAAACTTC-, which is responsible for controlled instability of mRNAs of several genes. Based on these data, functional significance was assumed for this polymorphism of the c-fms gene. Allele frequencies were established for several populations. The mutant allele of the polymorphism located in the intron were detected only in one family of ethnic Germans from the Altaiskii krai. Polymorphism of the second site, which is in the 3'-untranslated region of the c-fms gene, was observed in all Caucasoid and Mongoloid populations examined. Frequency of the rare allele varied from 19.7-25% in Arctic Mongoloids to 31-42.6% in Central Asian Mongoloids and was similar in two Caucasoid populations (22.6% in ethnic Russians and 26.5% in ethnic Germans). The wide distribution of the mutant allele in human populations of the two races was considered indicative of an adaptive role of the polymorphism in providing a certain level of the gene product, a receptor, in certain cell processes.