Short-Sequence DNA Repeats in Prokaryotic Genomes

Short-sequence DNA repeat (SSR) loci can be identified in all eukaryotic and many prokaryotic genomes. These loci harbor short or long stretches of repeated nucleotide sequence motifs. DNA sequence motifs in a single locus can be identical and/or heterogeneous. SSRs are encountered in many different branches of the prokaryote kingdom. They are found in genes encoding products as diverse as microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules and specific bacterial virulence factors such as lipopolysaccharide-modifying enzymes or adhesins. SSRs enable genetic and consequently phenotypic flexibility. SSRs function at various levels of gene expression regulation. Variations in the number of repeat units per locus or changes in the nature of the individual repeat sequences may result from recombination processes or polymerase inadequacy such as slipped-strand mispairing (SSM), either alone or in combination with DNA repair deficiencies. These rather complex phenomena can occur with relative ease, with SSM approaching a frequency of 10⁻⁴ per bacterial cell division and allowing high-frequency genetic switching. Bacteria use this random strategy to adapt their genetic repertoire in response to selective environmental pressure. SSR-mediated variation has important implications for bacterial pathogenesis and evolutionary fitness. Molecular analysis of changes in SSRs allows epidemiological studies on the spread of pathogenic bacteria. The occurrence, evolution and function of SSRs, and the molecular methods used to analyze them are discussed in the context of responsiveness to environmental factors, bacterial pathogenicity, epidemiology, and the availability of full-genome sequences for increasing numbers of microorganisms, especially those that are medically relevant.     

Analysis of the whole CFTR coding regions and splice junctions in azoospermic men with congenital bilateral aplasia of epididymis or vas deferens

Several recent studies have demonstrated the presence of mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene in healthy males with infertility caused by congenital absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), previously recognized as an idiopathic genetic condition distinct from CF. In order to document further the genetic commonality of these two disorders, we undertook a double screening of the entire coding and flanking sequences of the CFTR gene, by using single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis in 12 unrelated infertile men with abnormalities of the vas deferens and/or epididymis. This strategy allowed us to identify 11 DNA sequence alterations considered as CF-causing mutations and several variations. Despite this double analysis, only two patients out of eight with CBAVD could be demonstrated as compound heterozygotes for CF mutations.     

Biogeochemistry of calcium in a broad-leaved forest ecosystem

This study of the biogeochemical cycle of Ca has been carried out in an oak-hornbeam forest ecosystem on a soil derived from the alteration of Famennian (upper Devonian) shales. The physical nature of the geologic substrate made it possible to use the watershed-ecosystem approach by monitoring the loss of Ca by streamflow. Input of hydrogen ions and Ca from rain were average as well as that of mineral nitrogen of which 50% was ammonium-N. Modelling the biogeochemical cycle of Ca in this ecosystem proved to be difficult owing to the heterogeneity of the geologic substrate.The cationic denudation occured mostly with bicarbonate ion as a carrier of the base cations towards the streamflow. Seasonal effects on streamwater cationic composition were in relation to maximal soil respiration occuring in the autumn. In addition to this effect, the electrolyte concentration of streamwater was determined by rain and by changes in concentration of the soil solution either by evapotranspiration or by freezing. In spite of widely fluctuating values of flow rate, the concentration of the streamflow remained constant within a factor of two or at the most three. The mechanism underlying this buffering action of the soil on the concentration of the solution flowing through it, was shown to be related to ion-exchange processes.     

Effect of long-term muscle paralysis on human single fiber mechanics.

This study compared human muscles following long-term reduced neuromuscular activity to those with normal functioning regarding single fiber properties. Biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis of 5 individuals with chronic (>3 yr) spinal cord injury (SCI) and 10 able-bodied controls (CTRL). Chemically skinned fibers were tested for active and passive mechanical characteristics and subsequently classified according to myosin heavy chain (MHC) content. SCI individuals had smaller proportions of type I (11 +/- 7 vs. 34 +/- 5%) and IIa fibers (11 +/- 6 vs. 31 +/- 5%), whereas type IIx fibers were more frequent (40 +/- 13 vs. 7 +/- 3%) compared with CTRL subjects (P < 0.05). Cross-sectional area and peak force were similar in both groups for all fiber types. Unloaded shortening velocity of fibers from paralyzed muscles was higher in type IIa, IIa/IIx, and IIx fibers (26, 65, and 47%, respectively; P < 0.01). Consequently, absolute peak power was greater in type IIa (46%; P < 0.05) and IIa/IIx fibers (118%; P < 0.01) of the SCI group, whereas normalized peak power was higher in type IIa/IIx fibers (71%; P < 0.001). Ca(2+) sensitivity and passive fiber characteristics were not different between the two groups in any fiber type. Composite values (average value across all fibers analyzed within each study participant) showed similar results for cross-sectional area and peak force, whereas maximal contraction velocity and fiber power were more than 100% greater in SCI individuals. These data illustrate that contractile performance is preserved or even higher in the remaining fibers of human muscles following reduced neuromuscular activity.     

Presence of SERCA and calcineurin during fetal development of porcine skeletal muscle.

Mechanisms involved in skeletal myofiber differentiation during fetal development of large animals are poorly understood. Studies in small animals suggest that the calcineurin (Cn) pathway is involved in myofiber differentiation. Neural activity is a prerequisite for Cn activity, implying maintenance of sustained low intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations. To study the role of Cn in fetal myofiber differentiation, we monitored the temporal and spatial distribution of Cn subunits, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA), phospholamban (PLB), and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in relation to ingrowing nerves in porcine semitendinosus muscle (m. semitendinosus) at 55 and 75 days of gestation (dg) and at term. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed the presence of Cn subunits and SERCA isoforms at all analyzed stages. Cn distribution was not fiber-type specific, but expression became more prominent at term. At 75 dg, differential SERCA2 expression was accompanied by perinuclear PLB in primary fibers. SERCA1 was expressed in all fiber types at all stages. No specific MyHC isoform distribution was seen in relation to neuromuscular contacts, although neuromuscular contacts were present. From these results we speculate that in porcine m. semitendinosus differential SERCA2 expression precedes differential Cn expression. The question whether the Cn pathway is involved in prenatal myofiber differentiation needs further studies.     

Etude cytochimique et ultrastructurale de l'ovocyte d'Eisenia foetida (Sav.)

Résumé On a étudié dans ce travail la cytochimie et l'ultrastructure de l'ovocyte d'Eisenia foetida au cours de sa croissance et de la vitellogenèse. Le matériel vitellin consiste en quelques granules protéiques, de petites particules de glycogène et de nombreux globules lipidiques de trois types. Les globules de type -a- sont sphériques, homogènes et faits de triglycérides. Les globules de type -b- sont de formes diverses, principalement phospholipidiques et semblent provenir du chondriome. Les globules de type -c- sont des systèmes lamellaires, quelquefois très grands, qui se développent dans l'ovocyte mûr.

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Cytochemistry and ultrastructure of the oocyte of Eisenia foetida

Summary The cytochemistry and fine structure of the oocyte of Eisenia foetida (Sav.) during its growth and vitellogenesis are studied. The yolk material consists in a few proteinic granules, small particles of glycogen and numerous fat bodies of three types. Fat bodies -a- are spherical, homogenous and made of triglycerides. Fat bodies -b- are variable in shape, mainly phospholipidic, and seem to originate from mitochondria. Fat bodies -c- are lamellar complexes, sometimes very large, that develop in mature oocyte.

     

Emploi d'une suceuse hydraulique transformée pour les prélèvements quantitatifs dans les substrats meubles infralittoraux

Résumé 1. Cette communication a pour but de montrer l'avantage de la «suceuse hydraulique» deBrett (1964) par rapport à une benne de type classique.2. Voici les rultats globaux obtenus pour 4 stations différentes prospectées simultanement à la benne et à la «suceuse hydraulique». (a) Station Prado 1: Biomasse à la benne «Orange-Peel» 1,3 g/m², à la «suceuse hydraulique» 4,6 g/m². (b) Station Bandol: Biomasse à la benne «Orange-Peel» 0,5 g/m², à la «suceuse hydraulique» 5,7 g/m². (c) Station Vernon: Biomasse à la benne «Orange-Peel» 0,7 g/m², à la «suceuse hydraulique» 6,5 g/m². (d) Station Prado 2: Biomasse à la benne «Orange-Peel» 3,4 g/m², à la «suceuse hydraulique» 8,7 g/m². Les biomasses sont exprimées en poids sec d'animaux décalcifiés en gramme par métre carré.

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Use of a transformed hydraulic dredge for quantitative sampling in the loose infralittoral substrate

Brett (1964) has constructed a new apparatus for sampling macrofauna of the marine benthos. This apparatus is derived from the gold sucker employed byScuba divers for underwater work. It was used from 1965 for research on the productivity of some sand bottom communities (Venus gallina community ofPetersen). Some improvements have been made to obtain a good quantitative sampler. A comparison has been made between the biomasses obtained with an Orange-Peel grab and the hydraulic aspirator ofBrett, respectively; advantages and disadvantages are discussed.