Structural localization of the sequence alpha 235-242 of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Two monoclonal antibodies (mAb 254 and 255) were obtained against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the sequence 235-242 of the alpha-subunit of Torpedo acetylcholine receptor. These mAbs could bind to receptor in native membrane vesicles only when these vesicles were permeabilized, suggesting that the sequence alpha 235-242 is exposed on the cytoplasmic surface of the receptor. Further evidence for the cytoplasmic localization of this sequence was partial competition for binding between these mAbs and mAbs previously demonstrated to bind to the cytoplasmic part of the receptor. A model is proposed which accounts for all the experimental data obtained thus far on the transmembrane orientation of the subunit polypeptide chains.     

Interleukin-2-induced decrease in the buoyant density of cytotoxic cells and its relationship with proliferation

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is known to induce an augmentation of natural killer activity. In the present study we have used discontinuous Percoll density gradients to investigate the changes in the buoyant density of killer effector cells generated in response to IL-2. In all systems examined (mouse and rat spleen cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells), the cytolytic effectors generated in response to IL-2 have markedly lower buoyant densities compared to fresh natural killer cells. Our results also suggest that if a single layer of 44.2% (v/v) Percoll is used, almost all IL-2-induced cytolytic activity can be enriched in the cells which float on this layer whereas the heavier cells from the pellet are devoid of cytotoxic activity. The contribution of proliferative activity to (a) the generation of cytotoxicity and (b) the decrease in the buoyant density of the IL-2-induced killer cells was also studied in the mouse system. Natural killer levels in mouse spleen cells treated with mitomycin C could be significantly augmented by IL-2. Moreover, the effector cells generated in control as well as mitomycin-C-treated spleen cells in response to IL-2 had the same low buoyant densities. These results indicate that proliferation is not a prerequisite for the activation of killer activity and a reduction in buoyant density in response to IL-2.     

Effects of Soil Salinity and Growth Regulators on Germination and Seedling Metabolism of Wheat

Germination studies were carried out with the wheat varieties NP823, Karchia, Sonora 63, Sonora 64, Mayo 64 and Lerma Rojo in artificially salinized soil maintained at EC_e 2, 8, 12 and 16 mmhos/cm at 25°C. Early seedling growth and metabolism of variety NP 823 was studied in salt solutions alone and with addition of the growth regulators GA₃ and Cycocel (2-chloroethyl trimethylammonium chloride). Soil salinity both depressed and delayed the germination. Among the varieties tested NP 823 and Karchia were relatively less susceptible to salt injury while Lerma Rojo exhibited a maximum susceptibility. Salt supply also brought about a reduction in the early seedling growth, the release of reducing sugar and the amylase activity. The adverse effect on amylase activity was not mediated through the synthesis of enzyme protein but by an inhibition of the enzyme activity. Exogenous supply of GA₃ counteracted the adverse effect of salt on amylase activity and the release of reducing sugar but not on the early seedling growth.     

Plasmodium falciparum RuvB1 is an active DNA helicase and translocates in the 5′–3′ direction

RuvB family of protein contains two similar kinds of proteins i.e. RuvB1 and RuvB2 from yeast to human. These proteins belong to the AAA + class of proteins and are critical components of several multiprotein complexes involved in diverse cellular activities. There are two RuvB proteins annotated in the Plasmodium database but the identification of the third protein recently by our lab has raised the question why Plasmodium falciparum contains three RuvB proteins instead of two. Hence the biochemical characterizations of these proteins have become essential to understand the role of these proteins in the malaria parasite. Recently we have reported the characterization of the recombinant PfRuvB3, which contains ATPase activity but lacks DNA helicase activity. In the present study we report the phylogenetic analysis and detailed biochemical characterization of one of the other RuvB homologue RuvB1 from P. falciparum. PfRuvB1 shows considerable homology with human as well as yeast RuvB1 and contains Walker motif A and Walker motif B. The activity analysis of this protein revealed that PfRuvB1 is an ATPase and this activity increased significantly in the presence of ss-DNA. PfRuvB1 also contains DNA helicase activity and translocates preferentially in 5′ to 3′ direction. In vivo investigation of PfRuvB1 revealed that it is constitutively expressed during all the stages of intraerythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum and localizes mainly to the nucleus. These studies will make important contribution in understanding the role of RuvB protein in P. falciparum.     

Plant proteomics in India and Nepal: current status and challenges ahead

Plant proteomics has made tremendous contributions in understanding the complex processes of plant biology. Here, its current status in India and Nepal is discussed. Gel-based proteomics is predominantly utilized on crops and non-crops to analyze majorly abiotic (49 %) and biotic (18 %) stress, development (11 %) and post-translational modifications (7 %). Rice is the most explored system (36 %) with major focus on abiotic mainly dehydration (36 %) stress. In spite of expensive proteomics setup and scarcity of trained workforce, output in form of publications is encouraging. To boost plant proteomics in India and Nepal, researchers have discussed ground level issues among themselves and with the International Plant Proteomics Organization (INPPO) to act in priority on concerns like food security. Active collaboration may help in translating this knowledge to fruitful applications.