The cationic amphipathic alpha-helix of HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) binds to nucleic acids,permeabilizes membranes,and efficiently transfects cells

Viral protein R (Vpr) is a small protein of 96 amino acids that is conserved among the lentiviruses human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus. We recently sought to determine whether the karyophilic properties of Vpr, as well as its ability to bind nucleic acids, could be used to deliver DNA into cells. We have found that the C-terminal domain of Vpr-(52-96) is able to efficiently transfect various cell lines. Here, we show that the shortest active sequence for gene transfer corresponds to the domain that adopts a alpha-helix conformation. DNA binding studies and permeabilization assays performed on cells demonstrated that the peptides that are efficient in transfection condense plasmid DNA and are membranolytic. Electron microscopy studies and transfection experiments performed in the presence of inhibitors of the endocytic processes indicated that the major entry pathway of Vpr-DNA complexes is through endocytosis. Taken together, the results show that the cationic C-terminal alpha-helix of Vpr has DNA-condensing as well as membrane-destabilizing capabilities, both properties that are indispensable for efficient DNA transfection.     

Identification and quantification of free radicals during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

There is general agreement that free radicals are involved in reperfusion injury. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy can be considered as the more suitable technique to directly measure and characterize free radical generation during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. There are essentially two approaches used in the detection of unstable reactive species: freezing technique and spin traps. The detection of secondary free radicals or ascorbyl free radicals during reperfusion might provide an index of oxidative stress. Spin trapping can also characterize nitric oxide. EPR spectroscopy can provide important data regarding redox state and free radical metabolism but ideally, the spin traps must not interfere with cell or organism function.     

SR-BI does not require raft/caveola localisation for cholesteryl ester selective uptake in the human adrenal cell line NCI-H295R

Class B type I scavenger receptor (SR-BI) mediates the selective uptake of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-derived cholesteryl esters (HDL-CE) in steroidogenic cells and hepatocytes. SR-BI is enriched in the caveolae of some cell types, genetically modified or not, and these domains have already been shown to constitute primary acceptors for HDL-CE. Nevertheless, the fate of caveola-free cell types has not yet been discussed.NCI-H295R, a human adrenal cell line, highly active in HDL-CE uptake via SR-BI, does not display any morphologically defined caveolae and expresses caveolin at a very low level. Using two different fractionation protocols, we have shown, in this cell type, that SR-BI is homogeneously distributed along the plasma membrane and consists principally of a non-raft membrane-associated pool. Raft destabilisation and caveolin-1 displacement from plasma membrane did not modify the SR-BI-mediated HDL-CE selective uptake. Moreover, the induction of SR-BI expression that is associated with increased CE selective uptake was not associated with any modification in caveolin-1 expression or any raft-targeting mechanism of SR-BI in NCI-H295R.In conclusion, we provide evidence that SR-BI does not require raft/caveola localisation to be implicated in CE selective uptake either in basal or in induced conditions.     

Role of the pleckstrin homology domain in intersectin-L Dbl homology domain activation of Cdc42 and signaling

Intersectin-long (ITSN-L) contains the invariant Dbl homology (DH) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domain structure characteristic of the majority of Dbl family proteins. This strict domain topography suggests that the PH domain serves an essential, conserved function in the regulation of the intrinsic guanine nucleotide exchange activity of the DH domain. We evaluated the role of the PH domain in regulating the DH domain function of ITSN-L. Surprisingly, we found that the PH domain was dispensable for guanine nucleotide exchange activity on Cdc42 in vitro, yet the PH domain enhanced the ability of the DH domain to activate Cdc42 signaling in vivo. PH domains can interact with phosphoinositide substrates and products of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). However, PI3K activation did not modulate ITSN-L DH domain function in vivo.     

Telomeric transgenes and trans-silencing in Drosophila

Autonomous P elements, inserted in heterochromatic telomeric associated sequences (TAS) at the X chromosome telomere (site 1A) have strong P element regulatory properties that include repression of P-induced hybrid-dysgenesis and of P-lacZ expression in the germline. P-lacZ insertions or defective P elements at 1A in TAS can also repress in trans a euchromatic P-lacZ in the germline. This property has been called a trans-silencing effect (TSE). It requires some sequence-homology between the telomeric insertion and the euchromatic transgene. When repression is partial, variegating lacZ expression is observed, suggesting a chromatin-based component. TSE is observed only when the silencer transgenes are maternally inherited and occurs only in the female germline. We have evidence that this silencing also works in the presence of homologous non-P element sequences suggesting that homology-dependent silencing could be a general phenomenon in the female germline; such a system might have been subsequently adopted by the P element family, allowing its own repression.     

Two-partner secretion in Gram-negative bacteria: a thrifty, specific pathway for large virulence proteins

A collection of large virulence exoproteins, including Ca2+-independent cytolysins, an iron acquisition protein and several adhesins, are secreted by the two-partner secretion (TPS) pathway in various Gram-negative bacteria. The hallmarks of the TPS pathway are the presence of an N-proximal module called the 'secretion domain' in the exoproteins that we have named the TpsA family, and the channel-forming beta-barrel transporter proteins we refer to as the TpsB family. The genes for cognate exoprotein and transporter protein are usually organized in an operon. Specific secretion signals are present in a highly conserved region of the secretion domain of TpsAs. TpsBs probably serve as specific receptors of the TpsA secretion signals and as channels for the translocation of the exoproteins across the outer membrane. A subfamily of transporters also mediates activation of their cognate cytolysins upon secretion. The exoproteins are synthesized as precursors with an N-terminal cleavable signal peptide, and a subset of them carries an extended signal peptide of unknown function. According to our current model, the exoproteins are probably translocated across the cytoplasmic membrane in a Sec-dependent fashion, and their signal peptide is probably processed by a LepB-type signal peptidase. The N-proximal secretion domain directs the exoproteins towards their transporters early, so that translocation across both membranes is coupled. The exoproteins transit through the periplasm in an extended conformation and fold progressively at the cell surface before eventually being released into the extracellular milieu. Several adhesins also undergo extensive proteolytic processing upon secretion. The genes of many new TpsAs and TpsBs are found in recently sequenced genomes, suggesting that the TPS pathway is widespread.     

A genetic analysis of neural progenitor differentiation

Genetic mechanisms regulating CNS progenitor function and differentiation are not well understood. We have used microarrays derived from a representational difference analysis (RDA) subtraction in a heterogeneous stem cell culture system to systematically study the gene expression patterns of CNS progenitors. This analysis identified both known and novel genes enriched in progenitor cultures. In situ hybridization in a subset of clones demonstrated that many of these genes were expressed preferentially in germinal zones, some showing distinct ventricular or subventricular zone labeling. Several genes were also enriched in hematopoietic stem cells, suggesting an overlap of gene expression in neural and hematopoietic progenitors. This combination of methods demonstrates the power of using custom microarrays derived from RDA-subtracted libraries for both gene discovery and gene expression analysis in the central nervous system.     

Mandibuloacral dysplasia is caused by a mutation in LMNA-encoding lamin A/C

Mandibuloacral dysplasia (MAD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by postnatal growth retardation, craniofacial anomalies, skeletal malformations, and mottled cutaneous pigmentation. The LMNA gene encoding two nuclear envelope proteins (lamins A and C [lamin A/C]) maps to chromosome 1q21 and has been associated with five distinct pathologies, including Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy, a condition that is characterized by subcutaneous fat loss and is invariably associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. Since patients with MAD frequently have partial lipodystrophy and insulin resistance, we hypothesized that the disease may be caused by mutations in the LMNA gene. We analyzed five consanguineous Italian families and demonstrated linkage of MAD to chromosome 1q21, by use of homozygosity mapping. We then sequenced the LMNA gene and identified a homozygous missense mutation (R527H) that was shared by all affected patients. Patient skin fibroblasts showed nuclei that presented abnormal lamin A/C distribution and a dysmorphic envelope, thus demonstrating the pathogenic effect of the R527H LMNA mutation.