New synthetic inhibitors of C1r, C1 esterase, thrombin, plasmin, kallikrein and trypsin

p-Guanidinobenzoate derivates were prepared and their inhibitory effects on trypsin, plasmin, pancreatic kallikrein, plasma kallikrein, thrombin, C1r and C1 esterase were examined. Among the various inhibitors tested, 6'-amidino-2-naphthyl-4-guanidinobenzoate dihydrochloride, 4-(beta-amidinoethenyl)phenyl-4-guanidinobenzoate dimethanesulfonate and 4-amidino-2-benzoylphenyl-4-guanidinobenzoate dimethanesulfonate were the most effective inhibitors of trypsin, plasmin, pancreatic kallikrein. plasma kallikrein and thrombin and they strongly inhibited the esterolytic activities of C1r and C1 esterase, and then strongly inhibited complement-mediated hemolysis.

Identification of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 ancillary sequence and its function in vascular endothelial growth factor gene induction by hypoxia and nitric oxide

Transcription of hypoxia-inducible genes is regulated by hypoxia response elements (HREs) located in either the promoter or enhancer regions. Analysis of these elements reveals the presence of one or more binding sites for hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Hypoxia-inducible genes include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin, and glycolytic enzyme genes. Site-directed mutational analysis of the VEGF gene promoter revealed that an HIF-1 binding site (HBS) and its downstream HIF-1 ancillary sequence (HAS) within the HRE are required as cis-elements for the transcriptional activation of VEGF by either hypoxia or nitric oxide (NO). The core sequences of the HBS and the HAS were determined as TACGTG and CAGGT, respectively. These elements form an imperfect inverted repeat, and the spacing between these motifs is crucial for activity of the promoter. Gel shift assays demonstrate that as yet unknown protein complexes constitutively bind to the HAS regardless of the presence of these stimuli in several cell lines, in contrast with hypoxia- or NO-induced activation of HIF-1 binding to the HBS. A common structure of the HRE, which consists of the HBS and the HAS, is seen among several hypoxia-inducible genes, suggesting the presence of a novel mechanism mediated by the HAS for the regulation of these genes.

The role of Ets family transcription factor PU.1 in hematopoietic cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis

The PU.1 gene encodes an Ets family transcription factor which controls expression of many B cell- and macrophage-specific genes. Expression of the gene is critical for development of lymphoid and myeloid cell lineages, since PU.1-deficient mice exhibit defects in the development of these cell lineages. The PU.1 gene is identical to the Spi-1 gene isolated from common proviral integration sites in Friend virus-induced murine erythroleukemia (MEL), and deregulated expression of the gene is believed to be an essential step of the disease. We recently demonstrated that overexpression of PU.1 inhibits erythroid differentiation of MEL cells induced with the differentiating agent DMSO. We also noticed unexpectedly that overexpression of PU.1 together with DMSO induces marked growth arrest and apoptosis in MEL cells, supporting the notion that some oncogenes induce growth inhibition and apoptosis rather than cell proliferation and transformation under specific circumstances as shown with the c-myc gene. In this review, the role of PU.1 in hematopoietic cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis is described and the possible molecular mechanisms of PU.1-induced effects in MEL cells are discussed.

Association of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene polymorphism with multiple oesophageal dysplasia in head and neck cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Multiple occurrences of oesophageal dysplasia are frequently observed in head and neck cancer patients, and closely associated with alcohol consumption. Acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, is thought to play an important role in the carcinogenesis of the upper aerodigestive tract.

AIM

To investigate if genetic polymorphism in alcohol metabolising enzymes (ADH3, alcohol dehydrogenase 3; ALDH2, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) is associated with oesophageal multiple dysplasia in head and neck cancer patients.

METHODS

Thirty one consecutive patients with head and neck cancer were included in the study. Multiple oesophageal dysplasia was detected endoscopically as multiple Lugol voiding lesions (multiple LVL) using the Lugol dye staining method. The ADH3 and ALDH2 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

Among the 31 patients with head and neck cancer, 17 had multiple LVL. Multiple LVL were closely associated with a second primary oesophageal carcinoma in head and neck cancer patients (odds ratio 60.7, 95% CI 5.6-659). Furthermore, the mutant ALDH2 allele was significantly more prevalent in patients with multiple LVL (65% v 29%; p<0.05) whereas no difference was observed in ADH3 polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONS

The mutant ALDH2 allele appears to be a risk indicator for multiple LVL in head and neck cancer patients. Accumulation of acetaldehyde due to low ALDH2 activity may play a critical role in cancerous changes throughout the mucosa in the upper aerodigestive tract.

A role for membrane-type serine protease (MT-SP1) in intestinal epithelial turnover

Membrane type-serine protease 1 (MT-SP1) plays potential roles in the process of invasion and metastasis of carcinomas. In the present study, we cloned a rat MT-SP1 cDNA and investigated the intestinal distribution and proteolytic properties of the enzyme. By in situ hybridization we found the prominent expression of the mRNA in the epithelial layer of the small intestinal upper villi and of the colon, where cells are loosely attached to the basement membrane. When MT-SP1 was expressed in Caco-2, a colonic carcinoma cell line, the protein was localized exclusively on the basolateral side. A secreted form of the enzyme produced in COS-1 cells digested fibronectin and laminin. These findings suggest that MT-SP1 participates in the control of intestinal epithelial turnover by regulating the cell-substratum adhesion.

Laminin-rich extracellular matrix maintains high level of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 in rat hepatocyte culture

Laminin-rich extracellular matrix, EHS-gel, has been demonstrated to keep a high level of liver-specific gene expression in cultured rat hepatocytes. To obtain information about the effect of EHS-gel on liver-specific functions, gene expression of liver-enriched transcription factors in rat hepatocytes was investigated. The apolipoprotein A-I and albumin mRNA levels were higher in hepatocytes cultured on EHS-gel than in those cultured on type I collagen (TIC). The levels of mRNA for HNF-4, C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta were also higher on EHS-gel than on TIC. The level of HNF-4 mRNA in hepatocytes on EHS-gel was almost comparable to that in liver. The HNF-3 alpha mRNA level was lower on EHS-gel than on TIC. C/EBP beta mRNA was induced by dexamethasone in both EHS-gel and TIC. The induction of C/EBP alpha and HNF-4 by dexamethasone was observed only on TIC. These data suggest that EHS-gel leads hepatocytes to keep the phenotypic expression through high expression of liver-enriched transcription factors, such as HNF-4.

Role of intron I in expression of the human factor IX gene

The first intron (intron I) of the human factor IX gene, which has been previously suggested of having an expression-augmenting activity, was systematically studied for its potential enhancer activity. When tested with the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression vector with a minimal factor IX promoter, subregions of intron I showed only marginal enhancing activities (1.7-1.9-fold enhancement at the highest). Smaller subregions encompassing nucleotides 5660-6350 of the intron sequence even showed some weak negative regulatory activities (approximately 50% suppression at the highest), while a cytomegalovirus enhancer sequence, which was used as the positive control, had a 7-fold enhancement. A set of three factor IX minigene expression vectors with the same factor IX promoter were then constructed: p-416FIXc which contained the factor IX cDNA, p-416FIXm1 which contained the factor IX cDNA with a largely truncated intron I, and p-416FIXm2 which contained the factor IX cDNA with the intron I sequence further truncated. The p-416FIXm1 and p-416FIXm2 constructs showed 7-9-fold higher expression activities than p-416FIXc. The elevated factor IX antigen levels agreed well with the grossly elevated factor IX clotting activity and mRNA levels. These results indicate that the expression enhancing activity of intron I is not due to specific enhancer elements present in the intron subsequences, but is due to functional splicing sequences present in the precursor mRNAs produced from the minigene constructs containing intron I. By being efficiently assembled into spliceosome complexes, transcripts with splicing sequences may be better protected in the nucleus from random degradations than those without such sequences.

Muscle type-specific response of PGC-1 alpha and oxidative enzymes during voluntary wheel running in mouse skeletal muscle

AIM

It is generally accepted that endurance exercise increases the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha), which governs the expression of oxidative metabolic enzymes. A previous report demonstrated that the regulation of mitochondrial protein expression in skeletal muscles in response to cold exposure depends on muscle fibre type. Cold exposure and endurance exercise are both metabolic challenges that require adjustments in mitochondrial energy metabolism, we hypothesized that the exercise-induced increase in oxidative enzymes and PGC-1alpha expression is higher in fast-type than in slow-type muscle.

METHODS

Female ICR mice were individually housed in cages equipped with running wheel for 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. The soleus, plantaris (PLA) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were then prepared from each mouse. The expression levels of PGC-1alpha, mitochondrial proteins and GLUT4 were evaluated by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The expression level of PGC-1alpha was increased only in the PLA muscle. Furthermore, the expression levels of all mitochondrial proteins and GLUT4 in the PLA muscle were increased. In the TA muscle, although there was no increase in PGC-1alpha expression, the expression levels of mitochondrial proteins and GLUT4 were increased.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that muscle type-specific responses occur during endurance exercise, and that the increase in PGC-1alpha expression is not the only factor that promotes oxidative capacity as a result of endurance exercise.

Inhibition of various immunological reactions in vivo by a new synthetic complement inhibitor

FUT-175 (6 amidino-2-naphthyl-4-guanidino benzoate-dimethanesulfonate), a new synthetic protease inhibitor, inhibits the enzyme activities of various proteases, such as Clr, C1 esterase, thrombin, kallikrein, plasmin and trypsin. FUT-175 strongly inhibited complement-medicated hemolysis via the classical and alternative pathways. The effects of FUT-175 on various immunological reactions in vivo were studied. The minimal effective dose of FUT-175 in systemic Forssman shock in guinea pigs was 6.25 mg/kg i.p. and 25 mg/kg p.o. In passive Arthus reactions in rats, the effective dose was 25 mg/kg i.p. and 250 mg/kg p.o. FUT-175 also inhibited other immunological reactions, such as passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and delayed hypersensitivity. Furthermore, at a dose of 25 mg/kg i.p. it strongly protected mice from death in endotoxin shock.

Genetic variation in hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and its possible association with high altitude adaptation in Sherpas

Hypoxic stress at high altitude requires adaptations in several physiological functions to ensure the optimal oxygenation of all cells. Several lines of evidence suggested that high-altitude native populations such as Sherpas have been genetically adapted to their stressful environment. We investigated the genetic variation in the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha gene in Sherpas as compared with Japanese, native lowlanders, and found a novel dinucleotide repeat polymorphism in intron 13 of the HIF-1alpha gene. GT15 allele was more frequent in Japanese than in Sherpas with statistical significance, while GT14 allele was significantly more frequent in Sherpas as compared with Japanese. A possible genetic variation in the HIF-1alpha gene might function in adaptation to living at high altitude. Because the activity of HIF-1 is regulated by multiple steps including the transcriptional level, the effect of the polymorphism in intron 13 on the cellular hypoxic responses remains to be elucidated.

Association of CD22 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis

Activating and inhibitory signal transducers, CD19 and CD22, have been substantially implicated both in human systemic sclerosis (SSc) and tight-skin mouse, a model for SSc. We previously showed that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CD19 promoter region was significantly associated with increased CD19 expression level and with susceptibility to SSc. In the present study, we examined whether CD22 polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to SSc. CD22 variations were genotyped in 126 Japanese patients with SSc [47 diffuse cutaneous SSc and 79 limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc)] and 93 unrelated healthy controls. At the c.2304C > A SNP coding for a synonymous substitution in exon 13, A/A genotype was observed in six patients with SSc (4.8 %) but none in the controls (P=0.040). All six patients with A/A genotype belonged to the lcSSc subgroup (7.6%, P=0.008 vs controls). Surface expression level of CD22 tended to be lower in B cells from the patients with A/A genotype (n=5) as compared with C/A (n=7) or C/C (n=14) genotype (17% decrease, P=0.0032). Taken together with our previous observation on CD19 polymorphism, intrinsic difference in the expression level of CD19 and CD22 was suggested to play a causative role in a proportion of patients with lcSSc.

Increased growth of Bifidobacterium and Eubacterium by germinated barley foodstuff, accompanied by enhanced butyrate production in healthy volunteers

Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) derived from the aleurone and scutellum fractions of germinated barley mainly consists of low-lignified hemicellulose and glutamine-rich protein. GBF improves the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells and defecation, through the bacterial production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), especially butyrate. In this study we investigated the mechanism of production of butyrate by microflora in humans and in vitro. Daily administration of 9 g GBF for 14 successive days significantly increased fecal butyrate content. Fecal Bifidobacterium and Eubacterium were also significantly increased by GBF administration in healthy volunteers. Ten anaerobic micro-organisms selected from intestinal microflora were cultured in vitro in the medium containing GBF as a sole carbon source (GBF medium). After a 3-day incubation, 7 strains (Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei, Bacteroides ovatus, Clostridium butyricum, and Eubacterium limosum) lowered the medium pH producing SCFA. Eubacterium grown together with Bifidobacterium in GBF medium efficiently produced butyrate. On the other hand, GBF changed the intestinal microflora and increased probiotics such as Bifidobacterium in the intestinal tract. As a result, butyrate was produced by the mutual action of Eubacterium and Bifidobacterium. This butyrate is considered to enhance the proliferation of colonic epithelial cells.

A sensitive colorimetric assay for various proteases using naphthyl ester derivatives as substrates

A convenient and highly sensitive colorimetric assay for various proteases, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasmin, thrombin, and urokinase is described. The substrates used are alpha-naphthyl ester derivatives of N alpha-tosyl-L-lysine, N alpha-acetylglycyl-L-ination of alpha-naphthol released from them. Use of these alpha-naphthyl ester derivatives made the method more sensitive than the use of the corresponding methyl or ethyl ester derivatives. The minimum detectable concentrations of trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasmin, thrombin and urokinase in this method were about 0.002 micrograms, 0.01 microgram, 0.002 CU, 0.01 IU, and 2 IU, respectively. The Km values of trypsin and thrombin for TLNE were 0.11 mM and 0.15 mM while those for TLME were 2.5 mM and 6.7 mM, respectively; the Km values of chymotrypsin for ATNE and ATEE were 0.18 mM and 0.7 mM, respectively; and the Km values of urokinase for AGLNE and AGLME were 0.17 mM and 4 mM, respectively. Zymograms of various proteases were easy to prepare using these alpha-naphthyl ester substrates, and zymograms of trypsin and chymotrypsin were made with TLNE and ATNE, respectively, as substrates.

Alteration of serum lipoprotein metabolism by polychlorinated biphenyls and methionine in rats fed a soybean protein diet

The effects of dietary supplementation of methionine to a 20% soybean protein isolate diet on serum lipoprotein profiles and secretion rate of VLDL in rats receiving polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) were investigated. Serum cholesterol levels were higher in rats fed PCB or a methionine supplement than in controls. The effects of PCB and methionine were synergistic. The feeding of PCB resulted in more cholesterol in all fractions of serum lipoproteins tested, especially HDL (HDL1 and HDL2). Dietary supplementation of methionine primarily increased HDL cholesterol. The elevation of serum lipoprotein cholesterol due to PCB and/or methionine was significant in HDL1, which showed alpha-mobility. These results showed that methionine and PCB significantly influenced HDL metabolism. The secretion rate of VLDL was higher in rats fed PCB than in controls, but the addition of methionine to diets did not affect the secretion rate of VLDL cholesterol. This implies that PCB increased serum cholesterol partly through the stimulation of VLDL cholesterol secretion.

Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia increases the ability of neutrophils to generate superoxide anion in humans

1. We investigated the effect of intermittent exposure to hypobaric hypoxia on the ability of neutrophils to generate.O2-. 2. Seven male volunteers were exposed intermittently to hypobaric hypoxia, equivalent to an altitude of 4500 m, for 7 successive days. Peripheral blood samples were collected before and after the 2 h course of hypobaric hypoxia on days 1 and 7 and neutrophils were subjected to a chemiluminescence assay for.O2- production. 3. On day 1, 2 h exposure to hypobaric hypoxia induced granulocytosis (P < 0.01), but the ability of neutrophils to generate.O2- was unchanged. 4. On day 7, such granulocytosis was not observed, suggesting acclimatization to hypobaric hypoxia. 5. The ability of neutrophils to generate.O2- was significantly increased on day 7 (P < 0.01), although there was no definite change in the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase subunits in the cells. 6. The results suggest that the ability of neutrophils to generate.O2- may be gradually potentiated by intermittent exposure to hypobaric hypoxia, even after the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood stabilizes.

Formation and evolution of carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu: Direct evidence from returned samples

Samples of the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu were brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We analyzed 17 Ryugu samples measuring 1 to 8 millimeters. Carbon dioxide-bearing water inclusions are present within a pyrrhotite crystal, indicating that Ryugu's parent asteroid formed in the outer Solar System. The samples contain low abundances of materials that formed at high temperatures, such as chondrules and calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions. The samples are rich in phyllosilicates and carbonates, which formed through aqueous alteration reactions at low temperature, high pH, and water/rock ratios of <1 (by mass). Less altered fragments contain olivine, pyroxene, amorphous silicates, calcite, and phosphide. Numerical simulations, based on the mineralogical and physical properties of the samples, indicate that Ryugu's parent body formed ~2 million years after the beginning of Solar System formation.

Immunohistochemical detection of ENaCbeta in the terminal Schwann cells associated with the periodontal Ruffini endings of the rat incisor

Epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are a subfamily of ion channels within the degenerin/ENaC (DEG/ENaC) superfamily. Previous studies have shown the immunolocalization of ENaC in the neural elements of the cutaneous mechanoreceptors as well as dorsal root and trigeminal ganglion neurons, indicating the involvement of this molecule in mechanotransduction. The present study examined the expression of ENaCbeta, a major component of ENaC protein, in the mechanoreceptive Ruffini endings in the periodontal ligament of the rat incisors by immunohistochemistry. The expression of ENaCbeta in the trigeminal ganglion--which innervates the periodontal Ruffini endings--was also investigated at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, double staining and a nerve injury experiment were applied to clarify its detailed localization in the periodontal Ruffini endings. ENaCbeta immunoreaction in the trigeminal ganglion was recognizable in the comparatively large neurons which have been considered to mediate mechanotransduction. Immunohistochemistry for ENaCbeta demonstrated dendritic ramifications of the Ruffini endings as well as the rounded cells in the periodontal ligament. Double staining with ENaCbeta and either PGP9.5 or S-100 protein showed immunoreaction for ENaCbeta in both the axonal and glial elements in the periodontal ligament. Some ENaCbeta positive cells with rounded profiles were reactive to non-specific cholinesterase activity. Furthermore, a transection of the inferior alveolar nerve failed to eliminate the rounded cells with ENaCbeta reaction, indicating that they were the terminal Schwann cells associated with the periodontal Ruffini endings. These findings suggest that ENaCbeta is a key mechanotransducing channel in the periodontal Ruffini endings. Probably, the terminal Schwann cells together with the axon terminals regulate mechanotransduction in the periodontal endings.

A sensitive colorimetric assay for human urinary kallikrein

L-Prolyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-arginine-alpha-naphthylester (Pro-Phe-Arg-NE) was synthesized as a new substrate for use in the assay of kallikreins. An assay was developed based on the colorimetric determination of alpha-naphthol released by the enzyme reaction. With Pro-Phe-Arg--NE as substrate, the minimum detectable concentration of human urinary kallikrein, was about 0.001 KU. Thus use of Pro-Phe-Arg-NE provides a highly sensitive method for detection of human urinary kallikrein. Kallikrein could be determined with a 25-microliter sample of human urine. Zymograms of human urinary kallikrein were prepared using Pro-Phe-Arg-NE as substrate. Six bands were separated by polyacrylamide disc gel isoelectrophoresis.

Inhibitory effect of a new synthetic protease inhibitor (FUT-175) on the coagulation system

The inhibitory effects of 6-amidino-2-naphthyl-4-guanidinobenzoate X dimethanesulfonate (FUT-175) on the human Hageman factor fragment (HFf), factor Xa, thrombin, plasma kallikrein, and plasmin were studied. FUT-175 inhibited plasma kallikrein most (IC50 = 3.0 X 10(-9) M), followed by HFf (IC50 = 3.3 X 10(-7) M). FUT-175 was found to have an anticoagulant effect in the APTT and PT assay systems of human plasma. The concentration of FUT-175 for twofold increase in the clotting time in the APTT assay system was 5 X 10(-7) M.

Increased systemic inflammatory interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 during agitation as predictors of Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTS

Identification of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important for its early diagnosis and prevention and a key in advancing our understanding of its pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to determine whether systemic inflammatory interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), and body mass index (BMI) are predictors of AD.

METHODS

We performed a 10-year follow-up study on 133 elderly who were institutionalized in a nursing home. The associations of IL-1ß and IL-6 at both rest and agitation, as well as HT, DM, and BMI at baseline, were analyzed with the incidences of vascular dementia (VD) and AD during a 10-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test and Cox regression analyses for the total of 133 subjects showed significantly higher incidences of both VD and AD in subjects with DM or HT at baseline. Resting IL-1ß or IL-6 value, or agitation score, was not significantly associated with the subsequent development of VD or AD. The analyses of 40 subjects who had shown agitation at least once in the previous 3 months demonstrated that IL-1ß and IL-6 values at the agitation stage were significantly associated with AD, but not with VD.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that systemic inflammatory IL-1ß and IL-6 at the agitation stage are risk factors for the development of AD, but not VD. Inflammatory mechanisms for AD seem to be causal and specific to the development of AD.

Negative regulation of LPS-stimulated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase by AP-1 in macrophage cell line J774A.1

The level of NOS II mRNA was markedly increased during 24 h lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, but showed no further increase thereafter. On the other hand, the level of NOS II mRNA in J774A.1 cells transfected with an expression vector containing the rat csk cDNA (J.Csk) was significantly increased during 3 h LPS stimulation, but rather decreased thereafter. Although no significant difference was observed in the activation of NF-kappaB by LPS among parental J774A.1, J774A.1 transfected with promoterless vector (J.pBK), and J.Csk cells, activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) were markedly upregulated in the J.Csk cells. Then luciferase reporter vectors containing NOS II promoter with mutations in two AP-1-like sites (U site, -1126 approximately -1120; L site, -524 approximately -518) were transiently transfected in J774A.1 cells. The promoter activity following LPS stimulation for 24 h was significantly increased by mutation at the L site, but not by mutation at the U site, suggesting that NOS II expression is negatively regulated, at least in part, through the AP-1-like L site in response to LPS.

Cloning and functional expression of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cDNA from Sarcophaga peregrina

A cDNA spanning the entire coding region for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) of Sarcophaga peregrina was isolated and the nucleotide sequence was determined. The longest open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 996 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 113,033 Da. The similarities to the human PARP in amino acid sequence were relatively low in the DNA-binding and auto-modification domains, but very high in the C-terminal catalytic domain: identity of amino acids is 34% in the N-terminal DNA-binding domain (residues 1-369), 27% in the auto-modification domain (residues 370-507), and 56% in the C-terminal NAD-binding domain (residues 508-996). Two zinc-fingers (C-X2-C-X28-H-X2-C and C-X2-C-X31-H-X2-C)2 and a basic region in the N-terminal DNA-binding domain recognized in other PARP are conserved. Downstream of the basic region, another cysteine-rich motif (C-X2-C-X13-C-X9-C), a putative zinc-finger, was found to be well conserved in the PARP of Sarcophaga, Drosophila and human. A leucine-zipper motif (L-X6-L-X6-L-X6-L) which was found in the auto-modification domain of Drosophila PARP, is disrupted in the Sarcophaga enzyme: the second leucine is replaced by proline, and the third leucine by valine. Full-length cDNA for Sarcophaga PARP was cloned into an expression plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli. A lysate of E. coli cells containing expressed protein reacted with antibody against Sarcophaga PARP, and PARP activity was detected. Thus, we conclude that isolated cDNA encodes a functional Sarcophaga PARP cDNA.