Identification of a common molecular basis for combined 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency in two Mennonite families

Summary During the course of studies to characterize mutations of the CYP17 gene that cause the 17-hydroxylase-deficient form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia we have discovered two ostensibly unrelated Mennonite families in which affected individuals are homozygous for the same mutation. The defect is a four-base duplication in exon 8 of the CYP17 gene, which alters the reading frame encoding the C-terminal 26 animo acids of cytochrome P450₁₇.     

Catabolite repression of the synthesis of inducible polygalacturonase and pectinesterase byAspergillus niger sp.

Several recent reports have described large numbers of monoclonal antibodies that cross-react with toxins A and B ofClostridium difficile; this suggests that the toxins share major epitopes. Our results show that monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against other antigens bind nonspecifically to both toxins. Therefore, we believe that the cross-reacting MAb bind by this manner and not by a true immune reaction.     

Interferon inhibits the accumulation of glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA in oligodendrocytes and C6 cells

We investigated the effect of rat interferon-/ (IFN) on the expression of glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (E.C.1.1.1.8; GPDH), in both C6 cells and pure cultures of oligodendrocytes. IFNs are naturally produced inhibitors of cell growth that can also affect differentiated cell functions. GPDH is a biochemical marker for oligodendrocytes and is known to be developmentally regulated and steroid inducible. GPDH activity is induced by hydrocortisone (HC) 3.5 fold in C6 cells and 5 fold in oligodendrocytes compared to untreated cultures. A pretreatment of these cells with 75 U/ml of rat IFN-/ resulted in an inhibition of the HC induction of GPDH enzymatic activity by 50% and 40% in C6 cells and oligodendrocytes respectively. We also found that IFN impaired the accumulation of GPDH mRNA in both cell types. These results demonstrate that IFNs are capable of modifying the cellular response to hormones in cells of neuroepithelial origin, and suggest the possibility that IFNs may be able to influence the development and function of the brain.Special issue dedicated to Dr. Paola S. Timiras     

Structure of the bovine eye lens gamma s-crystallin gene (formerly beta s)

The organization of a number of crystallin genes has already been resolved. One of the remaining genes of which the structure was hitherto unknown is the gamma s gene (formerly beta s). We determined the complete sequence of the bovine gamma s-crystallin-coding gene, apart from the middle region of the first intron. Since it contains three exons and two introns, we conclude that the former beta s, also at the gene level is gamma-crystallin-like. However, it is located on chromosome 3, in contrast to other gamma genes which occur in tandem on the human chromosome 2.     

Detection and identification of FaeC as a minor component of K88 fibriilae of Escherichia coli

A tribrid gene containing ompF, faeC, and lacZ sequences was constructed by subcloning a large central segment of the K88ab gene encoding the fibrillar subunit-like protein FaeC into the open reading frame expression vector pORF2. The resulting tribrid protein was isolated and used to raise antibodies against the FaeC protein. These antibodies were then used for the detection and subcellular localization of the FaeC protein in Escherichia coli harbouring the K88ab-encoding plasmid pFM205 or mutant derivatives. Immunoblotting of subcellular fractions and of purified fibrillae, and agglutination experiments using whole cells revealed that the FaeC protein is present in the periplasm and as a minor component in the K88ab fibrillae. FaeC was also detected in purified K88ac and K88ad fibrillae. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the presence of FaeC in K88ab fibrillae, particularly at the tips of the longer fibrillae.     

Mechanism of L-glutamate transport in membrane vesicles from Bacillus stearothermophilus.

In the presence of electrochemical energy, several branched-chain neutral and acidic amino acids were found to accumulate in membrane vesicles of Bacillus stearothermophilus. The membrane vesicles contained a stereo-specific transport system for the acidic amino acids L-glutamate and L-aspartate, which could not translocate their respective amines, L-glutamine and L-asparagine. The transport system was thermostable (Ti = 70 degrees C) and showed highest activities at elevated temperatures (60 to 65 degrees C). The membrane potential or pH gradient could act as the driving force for L-glutamate uptake, which indicated that the transport process of L-glutamate is electrogenic and that protons are involved in the translocation process. The electrogenic character implies that the anionic L-glutamate is cotransported with at least two monovalent cations. To determine the mechanistic stoichiometry of L-glutamate transport and the nature of the cotranslocated cations, the relationship between the components of the proton motive force and the chemical gradient of L-glutamate was investigated at different external pH values in the absence and presence of ionophores. In the presence of either a membrane potential or a pH gradient, the chemical gradient of L-glutamate was equivalent to that specific gradient at different pH values. These results cannot be explained by cotransport of L-glutamate with two protons, assuming thermodynamic equilibrium between the driving force for uptake and the chemical gradient of the substrate. To determine the character of the cotranslocated cations, L-glutamate uptake was monitored with artificial gradients. It was established that either the membrane potential, pH gradient, or chemical gradient of sodium ions could act as the driving force for L-glutamate uptake, which indicated that L-glutamate most likely is cotranslocated in symport with one proton and on sodium ion.     

The acquisition of increased insulin-responsive hexose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes correlates with expression of a novel transporter gene

The expression of two genes encoding facilitated glucose transporter proteins was studied during the differentiation of the 3T3-L1 fibroblastic cell line into adipocytes. The mRNA encoding the widely expressed HepG2/brain glucose transporter (GTI) is detectable in fibroblasts and its abundance remains unchanged during differentiation. On the other hand, the mRNA encoding a glucose transporter protein (GTIII) localized exclusively to muscle and adipose tissue is undetectable in fibroblasts but present in adipocytes. GTIII mRNA is first expressed three days after differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells has begun. Similarly, it is not until 3 days following the initiation of differentiation that GTIII protein can be detected, as assayed either by Western immunoblot or indirect immunofluorescence. The latter technique localizes GTIII predominantly to the perinuclear region of the adipocyte. The appearance of GTIII in developing fat cells correlates temporally with the acquisition of an increased stimulation of hexose uptake by maximal concentrations of insulin. These data support the concept that the marked increase in hexose transport in adipocytes in response to insulin is dependent on the expression in these cells of a specific, hormone-regulatable transport protein.