Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Merger

On September 14, 2015 at 09:50:45 UTC the two detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory simultaneously observed a transient gravitational-wave signal. The signal sweeps upwards in frequency from 35 to 250 Hz with a peak gravitational-wave strain of 1.0×10(-21). It matches the waveform predicted by general relativity for the inspiral and merger of a pair of black holes and the ringdown of the resulting single black hole. The signal was observed with a matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 24 and a false alarm rate estimated to be less than 1 event per 203,000 years, equivalent to a significance greater than 5.1σ. The source lies at a luminosity distance of 410(-180)(+160)  Mpc corresponding to a redshift z=0.09(-0.04)(+0.03). In the source frame, the initial black hole masses are 36(-4)(+5)M⊙ and 29(-4)(+4)M⊙, and the final black hole mass is 62(-4)(+4)M⊙, with 3.0(-0.5)(+0.5)M⊙c(2) radiated in gravitational waves. All uncertainties define 90% credible intervals. These observations demonstrate the existence of binary stellar-mass black hole systems. This is the first direct detection of gravitational waves and the first observation of a binary black hole merger.

GW170817: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Neutron Star Inspiral

On August 17, 2017 at 12∶41:04 UTC the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo gravitational-wave detectors made their first observation of a binary neutron star inspiral. The signal, GW170817, was detected with a combined signal-to-noise ratio of 32.4 and a false-alarm-rate estimate of less than one per 8.0×10^{4}  years. We infer the component masses of the binary to be between 0.86 and 2.26  M_{⊙}, in agreement with masses of known neutron stars. Restricting the component spins to the range inferred in binary neutron stars, we find the component masses to be in the range 1.17-1.60  M_{⊙}, with the total mass of the system 2.74_{-0.01}^{+0.04}M_{⊙}. The source was localized within a sky region of 28  deg^{2} (90% probability) and had a luminosity distance of 40_{-14}^{+8}  Mpc, the closest and most precisely localized gravitational-wave signal yet. The association with the γ-ray burst GRB 170817A, detected by Fermi-GBM 1.7 s after the coalescence, corroborates the hypothesis of a neutron star merger and provides the first direct evidence of a link between these mergers and short γ-ray bursts. Subsequent identification of transient counterparts across the electromagnetic spectrum in the same location further supports the interpretation of this event as a neutron star merger. This unprecedented joint gravitational and electromagnetic observation provides insight into astrophysics, dense matter, gravitation, and cosmology.

Impaired endochondral ossification and angiogenesis in mice deficient in membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase I

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase I (MT1-MMP)-deficient mice were found to have severe defects in skeletal development and angiogenesis. The craniofacial, axial, and appendicular skeletons were severely affected, leading to a short and domed skull, marked deceleration of postnatal growth, and death by 3 wk of age. Shortening of bones is a consequence of decreased chondrocyte proliferation in the proliferative zone of the growth plates. Defective vascular invasion of cartilage leads to enlargement of hypertrophic zones of growth plates and delayed formation of secondary ossification centers in long bones. In an in vivo corneal angiogenesis assay, null mice did not have angiogenic response to implanted FGF-2, suggesting that the defect in angiogenesis is not restricted to cartilage alone. In tissues from null mice, activation of latent matrix metalloproteinase 2 was deficient, suggesting that MT1-MMP is essential for its activation in vivo.

Properties of HERG channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells studied at physiological temperature

We have established stably transfected HEK 293 cell lines expressing high levels of functional human ether-a go-go-related gene (HERG) channels. We used these cells to study biochemical characteristics of HERG protein, and to study electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of HERG channel current at 35 degrees C. HERG-transfected cells expressed an mRNA band at 4.0 kb. Western blot analysis showed two protein bands (155 and 135 kDa) slightly larger than the predicted molecular mass (127 kDa). Treatment with N-glycosidase F converted both bands to smaller molecular mass, suggesting that both are glycosylated, but at different levels. HERG current activated at voltages positive to -50 mV, maximum current was reached with depolarizing steps to -10 mV, and the current amplitude declined at more positive voltages, similar to HERG channel current expressed in other heterologous systems. Current density at 35 degrees C, compared with 23 degrees C, was increased by more than twofold to a maximum of 53.4 +/- 6.5 pA/pF. Activation, inactivation, recovery from inactivation, and deactivation kinetics were rapid at 35 degrees C, and more closely resemble values reported for the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (I(Kr)) at physiological temperatures. HERG channels were highly selective for K+. When we used an action potential clamp technique, HERG current activation began shortly after the upstroke of the action potential waveform. HERG current increased during repolarization to reach a maximum amplitude during phases 2 and 3 of the cardiac action potential. HERG contributed current throughout the return of the membrane to the resting potential, and deactivation of HERG current could participate in phase 4 depolarization. HERG current was blocked by low concentrations of E-4031 (IC50 7.7 nM), a value close to that reported for I(Kr) in native cardiac myocytes. Our data support the postulate that HERG encodes a major constituent of I(Kr) and suggest that at physiological temperatures HERG contributes current throughout most of the action potential and into the postrepolarization period.

CED-1 is a transmembrane receptor that mediates cell corpse engulfment in C. elegans

We cloned the C. elegans gene ced-1, which is required for the engulfment of cells undergoing programmed cell death. ced-1 encodes a transmembrane protein similar to human SREC (Scavenger Receptor from Endothelial Cells). We showed that ced-1 is expressed in and functions in engulfing cells. The CED-1 protein localizes to cell membranes and clusters around neighboring cell corpses. CED-1 failed to cluster around cell corpses in mutants defective in the engulfment gene ced-7. Motifs in the intracellular domain of CED-1 known to interact with PTB and SH2 domains were necessary for engulfment but not for clustering. Our results indicate that CED-1 is a cell surface phagocytic receptor that recognizes cell corpses. We suggest that the ABC transporter CED-7 promotes cell corpse recognition by CED-1, possibly by exposing a phospholipid ligand on the surfaces of cell corpses.

A controlled study of adenoviral-vector-mediated gene transfer in the nasal epithelium of patients with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis is a monogenic disease that deranges multiple systems of ion transport in the airways, culminating in chronic infection and destruction of the lung. The introduction of a normal copy of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene into the airway epithelium through gene transfer is an attractive approach to correcting the underlying defects in patients with cystic fibrosis. We tested the feasibility of gene therapy using adenoviral vectors in the nasal epithelium of such patients.

METHODS

An adenoviral vector containing the normal CFTR complementary DNA in four logarithmically increasing doses (estimated multiplicity of infection, 1, 10, 100, and 1000), or vehicle alone, was administered in a randomized, blinded fashion to the nasal epithelium of 12 patients with cystic fibrosis. Gene transfer was quantitated by molecular techniques that detected the expression of CFTR messenger RNA and by functional measurements of transepithelial potential differences (PDs) to assess abnormalities of ion transport specific to cystic fibrosis. The safety of this treatment was monitored by nasal lavage and biopsy to assess inflammation and vector replication.

RESULTS

The adenoviral vector was detected in nasal-lavage fluid by culture, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or both in a dose-dependent fashion for up to eight days after vector administration. There was molecular evidence of gene transfer by reverse-transcriptase PCR assays or in situ hybridization in five of six patients treated at the two highest doses. However, the percentage of epithelial cells transfected by the vector was very low (< 1 percent), and measurement of PD across the epithelium revealed no significant restoration of chloride transport or normalization of sodium transport. At the lower doses of vector, there were no toxic effects. However, at the highest dose there was mucosal inflammation in two of three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with cystic fibrosis, adenoviral-vector-mediated transfer of the CFTR gene did not correct functional defects in nasal epithelium, and local inflammatory responses limited the dose of adenovirus that could be administered to overcome the inefficiency of gene transfer.

The smallest known non-avian theropod dinosaur

Non-avian dinosaurs are mostly medium to large-sized animals, and to date all known mature specimens are larger than the most primitive bird, Archaeopteryx. Here we report on a new dromaeosaurid dinosaur, Microraptor zhaoianus gen. et sp. nov., from the Early Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of Liaoning, China. This is the first mature non-avian dinosaur to be found that is smaller than Archaeopteryx, and it eliminates the size disparity between the earliest birds and their closest non-avian theropod relatives. The more bird-like teeth, the Rahonavis-like ischium and the small number of caudal vertebrae of Microraptor are unique among dromaeosaurids and improve our understanding of the morphological transition to birds. The nearly completely articulated foot shows features, such as distally positioned digit I, slender and recurved pedal claws, and elongated penultimate phalanges, that are comparable to those of arboreal birds. The discovery of these in non-avian theropods provides new insights for studying the palaeoecology of some bird-like theropod dinosaurs.

The DNA replication and damage checkpoint pathways induce transcription by inhibition of the Crt1 repressor

We have identified the yeast CRT1 gene as an effector of the DNA damage and replication checkpoint pathway. CRT1 encodes a DNA-binding protein that recruits the general repressors Ssn6 and Tup1 to the promoters of damage-inducible genes. Derepression of the Crt1 regulon suppresses the lethality of mec1 and rad53 null alleles and is essential for cell viability during replicative stress. In response to DNA damage and replication blocks, Crt1 becomes hyperphosphorylated and no longer binds DNA, resulting in transcriptional induction. CRT1 is autoregulated and is itself induced by DNA damage, indicating the existence of a negative feedback pathway that facilitates return to the repressed state after elimination of damage. The inhibition of an autoregulatory repressor in response to DNA damage is a strategy conserved throughout prokaryotic and eukaryotic evolution.

The SAD1/RAD53 protein kinase controls multiple checkpoints and DNA damage-induced transcription in yeast

Inhibition of DNA synthesis prevents mitotic entry through the action of the S-phase checkpoint. We have isolated S-phase arrest-defective (sad) mutants that show lethality in the presence of the DNA synthesis inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU). Several of these mutants show phenotypes consistent with inappropriate mitotic entry in the presence of unreplicated DNA, indicating a defect in the S-phase checkpoint. sad1 mutants are additionally defective for the G1 and G2 DNA damage checkpoints, and for DNA damage-induced transcription of RNR2 and RNR3. The transcriptional response to DNA damage requires activation of the Dun1 protein kinase. Activation of Dun1 in response to replication blocks or DNA damage is blocked in sad1 mutants. The HU sensitivity of sad1 mutants is suppressed by mutations in CKS1, a subunit of the p34CDC28 kinase, further establishing a link between cell cycle progression and lethality. sad1 mutants are allelic to rad53, a radiation-sensitive mutant. SAD1 encodes an essential protein kinase. The observation that SAD1 controls three distinct checkpoints suggests a common mechanism for cell cycle arrest at these points. Together, these observations implicate protein phosphorylation in the cellular response to DNA damage and replication blocks.

The protein Aly links pre-messenger-RNA splicing to nuclear export in metazoans

In metazoans, most pre-messenger RNAs contain introns that are removed by splicing. The spliced mRNAs are then exported to the cytoplasm. Recent studies showed that splicing promotes efficient mRNA export, but the mechanism for coupling these two processes is not known. Here we show that Aly, the metazoan homologue of the yeast mRNA export factor Yralp (ref. 2), is recruited to messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complexes generated by splicing. In contrast, Aly does not associate with mRNPs assembled on identical mRNAs that already have no introns or with heterogenous nuclear RNP (hnRNP) complexes. Aly is recruited during spliceosome assembly, and then becomes tightly associated with the spliced mRNP. Aly shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and excess recombinant Aly increases both the rate and efficiency of mRNA export in vivo. Consistent with its splicing-dependent recruitment, Aly co-localizes with splicing factors in the nucleus. We conclude that splicing is required for efficient mRNA export as a result of coupling between the splicing and the mRNA export machineries.

Mobile and immobile calcium buffers in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

1. The calcium binding capacity (kappa S) of bovine chromaffin cells preloaded with fura-2 was measured during nystatin-perforated-patch recordings. 2. Subsequently, the perforated patch was ruptured to obtain a whole-cell recording situation, and the time course of kappa S was monitored during periods of up to one hour. 3. No rapid change (within 10-20 s) of kappa S was observed upon transition to whole-cell recording, as would be expected, if highly mobile organic anions contributed significantly to calcium buffering. However, approximately half of the cells investigated displayed a drop in kappa S within 2-5 min, indicative of the loss of soluble Ca2+ binding proteins in the range of 7-20 kDa. 4. The average Ca2+ binding capacity (differential ratio of bound calcium over free calcium) was 9 +/- 7 (mean +/- S.E.M.) for the poorly mobile component and 31 +/- 10 for the fixed component. It was concluded that a contribution of 7 from highly mobile buffer would have been detected, if present. Thus, this value can be considered as an upper bound to highly mobile Ca2+ buffer. 5. Both mobile and fixed calcium binding capacity appeared to have relatively low Ca2+ affinity, since kappa S did not change in the range of Ca2+ concentrations between 0.1 and 3 microM. 6. It was found that cellular autofluorescence and contributions to fluorescence of non-hydrolysed or compartmentalized dye contribute a serious error in estimation of kappa S. 'Balanced loading', a degree of fura-2 loading such that the calcium binding capacity of fura-2 equals cellular calcium binding capacity, minimizes these errors. Also, changes in kappa S at the transition from perforated-patch to whole-cell recording can be most faithfully recorded for similar degrees of loading in both situations. 7. Nystatin was found unable to make pores from inside of the plasma membrane of chromaffin cells. With careful preparation and storage the diluted nystatin solution maintained its high activity of membrane perforation for more than one week. 8. An equation for the effective diffusion constant for total cytoplasmic calcium, D'Ca, was derived, which takes into account fixed buffer and poorly mobile buffer as determined, as well as calcium bound to fura-2 and some highly mobile buffers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

PEGylated PLGA nanoparticles as protein carriers: synthesis, preparation and biodistribution in rats

The aim of the present work was to assess the merits of PEGylated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA) nanoparticles as protein and peptide drugs (PPD) carriers. PEG-PLGA copolymer, which could be used to prepare the stealth nanoparticles or long-circulating nanoparticles, was synthesized with methoxypolyethyleneglycol (MePEG) and PLGA. The structure of PEG-PLGA was confirmed with (1)H NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, and molecular weight was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Bovine serum albumin (BSA), chosen as model protein, was encapsulated within the stealth nanoparticles with the double emulsion method. The particles were characterized in terms of size, zeta potential and in vitro release of the protein. The biological fate of the BSA-loaded nanoparticles following intravenous administration was determined over 24 h in rats. The experimental results showed that PEG-PLGA could be obtained by ring-opening polymerization of lactide and glycolide in the presence of MePEG. (1)H NMR and FTIR spectrum were consistent with the structure of PEG-PLGA copolymer. Molecular weight determined by GPC was 50800. The stealth nanoparticles loading BSA could be prepared by the double emulsion technique. The entrapment efficiency was 48.6%, particle size about 200 nm and zeta potential -16.1 mV. BSA release from the stealth nanoparticles showed an initial burst release and then sustained release. PEG-PLGA nanoparticles could extend half-life of BSA from 13.6 min of loaded in PLGA nanoparticles to 4.5 h and obviously change the protein biodistribution in rats compared with that of PLGA nanoparticles. Thus, PEG-PLGA nanoparticles could be an effective carrier for PPD delivery.

Differential effect of steady versus oscillating flow on bone cells

Loading induced fluid flow has recently been proposed as an important biophysical signal in bone mechanotransduction. Fluid flow resulting from activities which load the skeleton such as standing, locomotion, or postural muscle activity are predicted to be dynamic in nature and include a relatively small static component. However, in vitro fluid flow experiments with bone cells to date have been conducted using steady or pulsing flow profiles only. In this study we exposed osteoblast-like hFOB 1.19 cells (immortalized human fetal osteoblasts) to precisely controlled dynamic fluid flow profiles of saline supplemented with 2% fetal bovine serum while monitoring intracellular calcium concentration with the fluorescent dye fura-2. Applied flows included steady flow resulting in a wall shear stress of 2 N m(-2), oscillating flow (+/-2 Nm(-2)), and pulsing flow (0 to 2 N m(-2)). The dynamic flows were applied with sinusoidal profiles of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 Hz. We found that oscillating flow was a much less potent stimulator of bone cells than either steady or pulsing flow. Furthermore, a decrease in responsiveness with increasing frequency was observed for the dynamic flows. In both cases a reduction in responsiveness coincides with a reduction in the net fluid transport of the flow profile. Thus. these findings support the hypothesis that the response of bone cells to fluid flow is dependent on chemotransport effects.

Fractional calcium currents through recombinant GluR channels of the NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptor subtypes

1. Simultaneous fluorescence and whole-cell current measurements using the calcium indicator dye fura-2 were made in HEK 293 cells expressing recombinant glutamate receptor (GluR) channels, and fractional Ca2+ currents (the proportion of whole-cell current carried by Ca2+; Pf) were determined. 2. Cells expressing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) channels showed glutamate activated Ca2+ inflow in the voltage range -60 to 40 mV in normal extracellular solution. Ca2+ inflow decreased in a voltage-dependent manner at membrane potentials more negative than -30 mV due to Mg2+ block. Voltage dependence of block at negative potentials was stronger in cells expressing the NR1-NR2A as compared with cells expressing NR1-NR2C subunits. 3. Fractional Ca2+ currents through NMDARs were independent of extracellular Mg2+ and varied between 8.2% (NR1-NR2C subunits) and 11% (NR1-NR2A subunits) in normal extracellular solution (1.8 mM Ca2+) at -60 mV membrane potential. Pf values increased with increasing [Ca2+]o in the range of 0.5-10mM [Ca2+]o in a saturating fashion. 4. In cells expressing alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate receptor (AMPAR) subunits which were unedited at the Q/R site of the putative transmembrane segment TM2 (Q-form), or in cells coexpressing unedited and edited subunits (R-form), the glutamate-evoked Ca2+ inflow increased from 20 to -80 mV in an almost linear way. 5. Fractional Ca2+ currents through AMPAR channels depended on subunit composition. Pf values of Q-form homomeric channels at -60 mV and 1.8 mM [Ca2+]o were between 3.2 and 3.9%. They were slightly voltage dependent and increased with [Ca2+]o in the range 1.8-10mM. Pf values in cells co-expressing Q- and R-form subunits were almost one order of magnitude smaller (0.54%). 6. Relative concentrations of Q-form and R-form GluR-B subunit-specific cDNAs used for cell transfection determined the expression of functionally different heteromeric AMPARS. Pf decreased with increasing relative concentration of R-form encoding CDNAs from 3.4 to 1.4%, demonstrating that editing of the Q/R site of GluR-B subunits decreases Ca2+ inflow through heteromeric AMPARs. 7. Cells expressing the GluR-6 subunit of the kainate receptor (KAR) family were characterized by Pf values which depended on the editing in the TM1 and TM2 segments. Pf values were largest for the Q-form (1.55-2.0%) and lowest for R-form channels (< 0.2%), suggesting that Q/R site editing also decreases Ca2+ inflow through KAR channels. Cells co-expressing both subunit forms showed an intermediate value (0.58%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

DNA polymerase epsilon links the DNA replication machinery to the S phase checkpoint

Inhibition of DNA synthesis induces transcription of DNA damage-inducible genes and prevents mitotic entry through the action of the S phase checkpoint. We have isolated a mutant, dun2, defective for both of these responses. DUN2 is identical to POL2, encoding DNA polymerase epsilon (pol epsilon). Unlike sad1 mutants defective for multiple cell cycle checkpoints, pol2 mutants are defective only for the S phase checkpoint and the activation of DUN1 kinase necessary for the transcriptional response to damage. Interallelic complementation and mutation analysis indicate that pol epsilon contains two separable essential domains, an N-terminal polymerase domain and a C-terminal checkpoint domain unique to epsilon polymerases. We propose that DNA pol epsilon acts as a sensor of DNA replication that coordinates the transcriptional and cell cycle responses to replication blocks.

A novel mutation in the cystic fibrosis gene in patients with pulmonary disease but normal sweat chloride concentrations

BACKGROUND

Many patients with chronic pulmonary disease similar to that seen in cystic fibrosis have normal (or nondiagnostic) sweat chloride values. It has been difficult to make the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in these patients because no associated mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene has been identified.

METHODS

We evaluated 23 patients with pulmonary disease characteristic of cystic fibrosis but with sweat chloride concentrations in the normal range. Mutations in the CFTR gene were sought by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction-amplified nasal epithelial messenger RNA and by testing the functioning of affected epithelium.

RESULTS

A cytidine phosphate guanosine dinucleotide C-to-T point mutation in intron 19 of the CFTR gene, termed 3849 + 10 kb C to T, was identified in 13 patients from eight unrelated families. This mutation was found in patients from three different ethnic groups with three different extended haplotypes. The mutation leads to the creation of a partially active splice site in intron 19 and to the insertion into most CFTR transcripts of a new 84-base-pair "exon," containing an in-frame stop codon, between exons 19 and 20. Normally spliced transcripts were also detected at a level approximately 8 percent of that found in normal subjects. This mutation is associated with abnormal nasal epithelial and sweat acinar epithelial function.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified a point mutation in intron 19 of CFTR and abnormal epithelial function in patients who have cystic fibrosis-like lung disease but normal sweat chloride values. The identification of this mutation indicates that this syndrome is a form of cystic fibrosis. Screening for the mutation should prove diagnostically useful in this population of patients.

Pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA export linked by direct interactions between UAP56 and Aly

Recent studies indicate that splicing of pre-messenger RNA and export of mRNA are normally coupled in vivo. During splicing, the conserved mRNA export factor Aly is recruited to the spliced mRNA-protein complex (mRNP), which targets the mRNA for export. At present, it is not known how Aly is recruited to the spliced mRNP. Here we show that the conserved DEAD-box helicase UAP56, which functions during spliceosome assembly, interacts directly and highly specifically with Aly. Moreover, UAP56 is present together with Aly in the spliced mRNP. Significantly, excess UAP56 is a potent dominant negative inhibitor of mRNA export. Excess UAP56 also inhibits the recruitment of Aly to the spliced mRNP. Furthermore, a mutation in Aly that blocks its interaction with UAP56 prevents recruitment of Aly to the spliced mRNP. These data suggest that the splicing factor UAP56 functions in coupling the splicing and export machineries by recruiting Aly to the spliced mRNP.

DUN1 encodes a protein kinase that controls the DNA damage response in yeast

DNA damage induces the expression of many genes proposed to enhance DNA repair capacities. We investigated the mechanism by which DNA damage induces transcription of RNR3, a subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. Five complementation groups of DNA-damage uninducible (dun) mutants were identified. Each is sensitive to DNA damage. dun1 mutants are also defective for RNR1 and RNR2 induction but are proficient for induction of other genes, defining the existence of at least two distinct DNA damage induction pathways. DUN1 encodes a nuclear protein kinase that is also a phosphoprotein. Phosphorylation of Dun1 increases in response to DNA damage in a Dun1-dependent manner, suggesting an increase in autophosphorylation activity. These results establish the existence of a eukaryotic SOS response regulated by protein phosphorylation.

Mechanism of block and identification of the verapamil binding domain to HERG potassium channels

Calcium channel antagonists have diverse effects on cardiac electrophysiology. We studied the effects of verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine on HERG K+ channels that encode IKr in native heart cells. In our experiments, verapamil caused high-affinity block of HERG current (IC50=143.0 nmol/L), a value close to those reported for verapamil block of L-type Ca2+ channels, whereas diltiazem weakly blocked HERG current (IC50=17.3 micromol/L), and nifedipine did not block HERG current. Verapamil block of HERG channels was use and frequency dependent, and verapamil unbound from HERG channels at voltages near the normal cardiac cell resting potential or with drug washout. Block of HERG current by verapamil was reduced by lowering pHO, which decreases the proportion of drug in the membrane-permeable neutral form. N-methyl-verapamil, a membrane-impermeable, permanently charged verapamil analogue, blocked HERG channels only when applied intracellularly. Verapamil antagonized dofetilide block of HERG channels, which suggests that they may share a common binding site. The C-type inactivation-deficient mutations, Ser620Thr and Ser631Ala, reduced verapamil block, which is consistent with a role for C-type inactivation in high-affinity drug block, although the Ser620Thr mutation decreased verapamil block 20-fold more than the Ser631Ala mutation. Our findings suggest that verapamil enters the cell membrane in the neutral form to act at a site within the pore accessible from the intracellular side of the cell membrane, possibly involving the serine at position 620. Thus, verapamil shares high-affinity HERG channel blocking properties with other class III antiarrhythmic drugs, and this may contribute to its antiarrhythmic mechanism.

GW151226: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a 22-Solar-Mass Binary Black Hole Coalescence

We report the observation of a gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of two stellar-mass black holes. The signal, GW151226, was observed by the twin detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) on December 26, 2015 at 03:38:53 UTC. The signal was initially identified within 70 s by an online matched-filter search targeting binary coalescences. Subsequent off-line analyses recovered GW151226 with a network signal-to-noise ratio of 13 and a significance greater than 5σ. The signal persisted in the LIGO frequency band for approximately 1 s, increasing in frequency and amplitude over about 55 cycles from 35 to 450 Hz, and reached a peak gravitational strain of 3.4_{-0.9}^{+0.7}×10^{-22}. The inferred source-frame initial black hole masses are 14.2_{-3.7}^{+8.3}M_{⊙} and 7.5_{-2.3}^{+2.3}M_{⊙}, and the final black hole mass is 20.8_{-1.7}^{+6.1}M_{⊙}. We find that at least one of the component black holes has spin greater than 0.2. This source is located at a luminosity distance of 440_{-190}^{+180}  Mpc corresponding to a redshift of 0.09_{-0.04}^{+0.03}. All uncertainties define a 90% credible interval. This second gravitational-wave observation provides improved constraints on stellar populations and on deviations from general relativity.

HERG channel dysfunction in human long QT syndrome. Intracellular transport and functional defects

Mutations in HERG are associated with human chromosome 7-linked congenital long QT (LQT-2) syndrome. We used electrophysiological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical methods to study the molecular mechanisms of HERG channel dysfunction caused by LQT-2 mutations. Wild type HERG and LQT-2 mutations were studied by stable and transient expression in HEK 293 cells. We found that some mutations (Y611H and V822M) caused defects in biosynthetic processing of HERG channels with the protein retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Other mutations (I593R and G628S) were processed similarly to wild type HERG protein, but these mutations did not produce functional channels. In contrast, the T474I mutation expressed HERG current but with altered gating properties. These findings suggest that the loss of HERG channel function in LQT-2 mutations is caused by multiple mechanisms including abnormal channel processing, the generation of nonfunctional channels, and altered channel gating.

Function of Escherichia coli MsbA, an essential ABC family transporter, in lipid A and phospholipid biosynthesis

The Escherichia coli msbA gene, first identified as a multicopy suppressor of htrB mutations, has been proposed to transport nascent core-lipid A molecules across the inner membrane (Polissi, A., and Georgopoulos, C. (1996) Mol. Microbiol. 20, 1221-1233). msbA is an essential E. coli gene with high sequence similarity to mammalian Mdr proteins and certain types of bacterial ABC transporters. htrB is required for growth above 32 degreesC and encodes the lauroyltransferase that acts after Kdo addition during lipid A biosynthesis (Clementz, T., Bednarski, J., and Raetz, C. R. H. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 12095-12102). By using a quantitative new 32Pi labeling technique, we demonstrate that hexa-acylated species of lipid A predominate in the outer membranes of wild type E. coli labeled for several generations at 42 degreesC. In contrast, in htrB mutants shifted to 42 degreesC for 3 h, tetra-acylated lipid A species and glycerophospholipids accumulate in the inner membrane. Extra copies of the cloned msbA gene restore the ability of htrB mutants to grow at 42 degreesC, but they do not increase the extent of lipid A acylation. However, a significant fraction of the tetra-acylated lipid A species that accumulate in htrB mutants are transported to the outer membrane in the presence of extra copies of msbA. E. coli strains in which msbA synthesis is selectively shut off at 42 degreesC accumulate hexa-acylated lipid A and glycerophospholipids in their inner membranes. Our results support the view that MsbA plays a role in lipid A and possibly glycerophospholipid transport. The tetra-acylated lipid A precursors that accumulate in htrB mutants may not be transported as efficiently by MsbA as are penta- or hexa-acylated lipid A species.

Pulmonary epithelial sodium-channel dysfunction and excess airway liquid in pseudohypoaldosteronism

BACKGROUND

Active sodium absorption is the dominant mechanism of ion transport in airway epithelium, but its role in pulmonary physiology and airway host defense is unknown. To address this question, we studied the function of airway epithelial cells and determined the frequency of pulmonary symptoms in patients with systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism, a salt-losing disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the genes for the epithelial sodium channel.

METHODS

In nine patients 1.5 to 22 years of age who had systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism, we tested for mutations in the genes for the epithelial sodium channel, estimated the rate of sodium transport in the airway, determined the volume and ion composition of airway surface liquid, reviewed clinical features, collected laboratory data pertinent to pulmonary function, and, in three adults, measured mucociliary clearance.

RESULTS

The patients with systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism had loss-of-function mutations in the genes for the epithelial sodium-channel subunits, no sodium absorption from airway surfaces, and a volume of airway surface liquid that was more than twice the normal value. The mean (+/-SE) mucociliary transport rate was higher in the 3 adult patients than in 12 normal subjects (2.0+/-0.7 vs. 0.5+/-0.3 percent per minute, P=0.009). Young patients (those five years of age or less) all had recurrent episodes of chest congestion, coughing, and wheezing, but no airway infections with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Older patients (those more than five years of age) had less frequent respiratory symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism fail to absorb liquid from airway surfaces; the result is an increased volume of liquid in the airways. These results demonstrate that sodium transport has a role in regulating the volume of liquid on airway surfaces.

Oxygen-bridged dinuclear ruthenium amine complex specifically inhibits Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria in vitro and in situ in single cardiac myocytes

Ruthenium red is a well known inhibitor of Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria in vitro. However, its utility as an inhibitor of Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria in vivo or in situ in intact cells is limited because of its inhibitory effects on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel and other cellular processes. We have synthesized a ruthenium derivative and found it to be an oxygen-bridged dinuclear ruthenium amine complex. It has the same chemical structure as Ru360 reported previously (Emerson, J., Clarke, M. J., Ying, W-L., and Sanadi, D. R. (1993) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 115, 11799-11805). Ru360 has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of Ca2+-stimulated respiration of liver mitochondria in vitro. However, the specificity of Ru360 on Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria in vitro or in intact cells has not been determined. The present study reports in detail the potency, the effectiveness, and the mechanism of inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake by Ru360 and its specificity in vitro in isolated mitochondria and in situ in isolated cardiac myocytes. Ru360 was more potent (IC50 = 0.184 nM) than ruthenium red (IC50 = 6.85 nM) in inhibiting Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria. 103Ru360 was found to bind to isolated mitochondria with high affinity (Kd = 0.34 nM, Bmax = 80 fmol/mg of mitochondrial protein). The IC50 of 103Ru360 for the inhibition of Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria was also 0.2 nM, indicating that saturation of a specific binding site is responsible for the inhibition of Ca2+ uptake. Ru360, as high as 10 microM, produced no effect on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake or release, sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchange, actomyosin ATPase activity, L-type Ca2+ channel current, cytosolic Ca2+ transients, or cell shortening. 103Ru360 was taken up by isolated myocytes in a time-dependent biphasic manner. Ru360 (10 microM) applied outside intact voltage-clamped ventricular myocytes prevented Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria in situ where the cells were progressively loaded with Ca2+ via sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchange by depolarization to +110 mV. We conclude that Ru360 specifically blocks Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria and can be used in intact cells.