Selective biodegradation of S and N heterocycles by a recombinant Rhodococcus erythropolis strain containing carbazole dioxygenase

The carbazole dioxygenase genes were introduced into a dibenzothiophene degrader. The recombinant Rhodococcus erythropolis SN8 was capable of efficiently degrading dibenzothiophene and carbazole simultaneously. SN8 could also degrade various alkylated derivatives of carbazole and dibenzothiophene in FS4800 crude oil by just a one-step bioprocess.     

Selective Biodegradation of S and N Heterocycles by a Recombinant Rhodococcus erythropolis Strain Containing Carbazole Dioxygenase

The carbazole dioxygenase genes were introduced into a dibenzothiophene degrader. The recombinant Rhodococcus erythropolis SN8 was capable of efficiently degrading dibenzothiophene and carbazole simultaneously. SN8 could also degrade various alkylated derivatives of carbazole and dibenzothiophene in FS4800 crude oil by just a one-step bioprocess.     

Derivation of an F-Merogenote and a φ80 High-Frequency Transducing Phage Carrying the Histidine Operon of Salmonella

An F' factor, FS400, carrying the his operon, the gnd gene, and the rfb gene cluster of Salmonella typhimurium was isolated. FS400 was introduced into an Escherichia coli strain having a lengthy deletion of the his gene region. From this strain, Hfr derivatives were isolated which had the F' factor integrated in the tonB locus near the attachment site of phi80. One of the Hfr strains was lysogenized with a heat-inducible, h mutant of phi80, and from this strain a high-frequency transducing phage carrying the his genes and the gnd gene of Salmonella was isolated.     

Stimulation of ribosomal frameshifting by RNA G-quadruplex structures

Guanine-rich sequences can fold into four-stranded structures of stacked guanine-tetrads, so-called G-quadruplexes (G4). These unique motifs have been extensively studied on the DNA level; however, exploration of the biological roles of G4s at the RNA level is just emerging. Here we show that G4 RNA when introduced within coding regions are capable of stimulating −1 ribosomal frameshifting (−1 FS) in vitro and in cultured cells. Systematic manipulation of the loop length between each G-tract revealed that the −1 FS efficiency positively correlates with G4 stability. Addition of a G4-stabilizing ligand, PhenDC3, resulted in higher −1 FS. Further, we demonstrated that the G4s can stimulate +1 FS and stop codon readthrough as well. These results suggest a potentially novel translational gene regulation mechanism mediated by G4 RNA.     

Modes of operation and variable stoichiometry of the furosemide- sensitive Na and K fluxes in human red cells

We report in this paper different modes of Na and K transport in human red cells, which can be inhibited by furosemide in the presence of ouabain. Experimental evidence is provided for inward and outward coupled transport of Na and K, Ki/Ko and Nai/Nao exchange, and uncoupled Na or K efflux. The outward cotransport of Na and K was defined as the furosemide-sensitive (FS) component of Na and K effluxes into choline medium and as the Cl-dependent or cis-stimulated component of the ouabain-resistant (OR) Na and K effluxes. Inward cotransport of Na and K was defined by the stimulation by external Na (Nao) of the K influx and the stimulation by external K (Ko) of the Na influx in the presence of ouabain. Both effects were FS and Cl dependent. Experimental evidence for an FS Ki/Ko exchange pathway of the Na/K cotransport was provided by (a) the stimulation by external K of FS K influx and efflux, and (b) the stimulation by internal Na or K of FS K influx in the absence of external Na. Evidence for an FS Nai/Nao exchange pathway was provided by the stimulation of FS Na influx by internal Na from a K-free medium (130 mM NaCl). This pathway was four to six times smaller than the Ki/Ko exchange. In cells containing only Na or K, incubated in media containing only Na or K, respectively, there was FS efflux of the cation without simultaneous inward transport (FS uncoupled Na and K efflux). The stoichiometric ratio of FS outward cotransport of Na and K into choline medium varied with the ratio of Nai-to-Ki concentrations, and when Nai/Ki was close to 1, the ratio of FS outward Na to K flux was also 1. In choline media, FS Na efflux was inhibited by external K (noncompetitively), whereas FS k efflux was stimulated. The stimulation of FS K efflux was due to the stimulation by Ko of the Ki/Ko exchange pathway. Thus, the stoichiometry of FS Na and K effluxes also varied in the presence of external K. A minimal model for a reaction scheme of FS Na and K transport accounts for cis stimulation, trans inhibition, and trans stimulation, and for variable stoichiometry of the FS cation fluxes.     

基于保留指数的GC-MS分析毛蕊花挥发性成分

采用水蒸气蒸馏法采集毛蕊花中的挥发性成分,气相色谱/质谱联用技术(GC-MS)结合保留指数对其进行分析鉴定,共鉴定出38种主要的挥发性成分,含量较高的组分分别为柠檬烯26.57%、茴香酮24.81%、桉叶素7.24%、石竹烯氧化物5.91%和蒎烯4.72%。GC-MS结合保留指数对毛蕊花挥发性成分进行定性分析,使定性结果更为准确。     

Immunopharmacological Approach to Forssman Shock

Forssman shock (FS) following the intravenous injection of antisheep erythrocyte antibody into guinea pigs resulted in fatal systemic shock with marked decrease in CH₅₀ values of complement, leucocyte, and platelet counts, and a prolongation of blood coagulation time. In addition, there was an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, and decreases in both esterase activity and fibrinogen levels were noted. F(ab′)₂ of antisheep erythrocyte IgG antibody was not capable of eliciting FS. Cobra venom factor showed a fairly potent inhibition of FS. Leukopenia induced by cytosine arabinoside given intraperitoneally for 5 days had no effect on FS. Colchicine, which decreased the leucocyte count, did not inhibit fatal systemic shock. Administration of heparin or trasyrol did not prevent FS. The present findings demonstrate that FS is inhibited by anticomplementary agents but not by drugs which affect leucocyte and platelet counts, the coagulation system or serum proteases.     

Transport and Metabolism of a Sucrose Analog (1'-Fluorosucrose) into Zea mays L. Endosperm without Invertase Hydrolysis

1′-Fluorosucrose (FS), a sucrose analog resistant to hydrolysis by invertase, was transported from husk leaves into maize (Zea mays L., Pioneer Hybrid 3320) kernels with the same magnitude and kinetics as sucrose. ¹⁴C-Label from [¹⁴C]FS and [¹⁴C]sucrose in separate experiments was distributed similarly between the pedicel, endosperm, and embryo with time. FS passed through maternal tissue and was absorbed intact into the endosperm where it was metabolized and used in synthesis of sucrose and methanol-chloroform-water insolubles. Accumulation of [¹⁴C] sucrose from supplied [¹⁴C]glucosyl-FS indicated that the glucose moiety from the breakdown of sucrose (here FS), which normally occurs in the process of starch synthesis in maize endosperm, was available to the pool of substrates for resynthesis of sucrose. Uptake of FS into maize endosperm without hydrolysis suggests that despite the presence of invertase in maternal tissues and the hydrolysis of a large percentage of sucrose unloaded from the phloem, hexoses are not specifically needed for uptake into maize endosperm.     

Levels of direct-acting mutagens, total N-nitroso compounds in nitrosated fermented fish products, consumed in a high-risk area for gastric cancer in southern China.

A high gastric cancer mortality in Fujian province (Peoples Republic of China) has been associated with the consumption of certain salted fermented fish products such as fish sauce (FS). We have investigated the levels and nature of N-nitroso compounds (NOC) and genotoxins present, before and after nitrosation, in 49 FS samples collected from villages in this high-risk area, pooled into six samples. The concentrations of total NOC before nitrosation ranged from 0.2 to 16 mumoles/l, and after nitrosation at pH 2 and pH 7, they rose by up to 4800- and 100-fold, respectively. In nitrosated samples, 40-50% of total NOC was not extractable into organic solvents; volatile N nitrosamines accounted for 1-2% and N-nitrosamino acids for 8-16% of total NOC. None of the FS samples exhibited genotoxic activity, but after nitrosation all were weakly active in the SOS chromotest. The highest SOS-inducing potency was observed with nitrosated ethyl acetate extracts of most samples. The formation of methylating agents was measured by incubation of nitrosated FS with DNA and subsequent analysis of 7-methylguanine adduct. 2 of the 6 nitrosated FS samples caused a slight increase in DNA methylation. 1 pooled home-made FS sample (the only one tested) contained tumour promoter-like substances, as measured by expression of certain EBV genes in Raji cells. HPLC fractionation of ethyl acetate extracts of FS samples allowed identification of three UV-absorbing peaks that, upon nitrosation, produced direct-acting genotoxins. This genotoxicity was partly ascribed to the formation of nitrite-derived arene diazonium cations that were characterized by a coupling reaction with N-ethyl-1-naphthylamine and thin-layer chromatography.     

Characterization of febrile seizures and febrile seizure susceptibility in mouse inbred strains

Febrile seizures (FS) are the most prevalent seizures in children. Although FS are largely benign, complex FS increase the risk to develop temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Studies in rat models for FS have provided information about functional changes in the hippocampus after complex FS. However, our knowledge about the genes and pathways involved in the causes and consequences of FS is still limited. To enable molecular, genetic and knockout studies, we developed and characterized an FS model in mice and used it as a phenotypic screen to analyze FS susceptibility. Hyperthermia was induced by warm air in 10- to 14-day-old mice and induced FS in all animals. Under the conditions used, seizure-induced behavior in mice and rats was similar. In adulthood, treated mice showed increased hippocampal Ih current and seizure susceptibility, characteristics also seen after FS in rats. Of the seven genetically diverse mouse strains screened for FS susceptibility, C57BL/6J mice were among the most susceptible, whereas A/J mice were among the most resistant. Strains genetically similar to C57BL/6J also showed a susceptible phenotype. Our phenotypic data suggest that complex genetics underlie FS susceptibility and show that the C57BL/6J strain is highly susceptible to FS. As this strain has been described as resistant to convulsants, our data indicate that susceptibility genes for FS and convulsants are distinct. Insight into the mechanisms underlying seizure susceptibility and FS may help to identify markers for the early diagnosis of children at risk for complex FS and TLE and may provide new leads for treatment.     

Characterization in vitro and in vivo of resistance to ionophores in a strain of Eimeria tenella.

A field isolate of Eimeria tenella (FS139) was propagated several times in chickens medicated with 200 ppm of dietary monensin. In a laboratory test with 2-wk-old-chickens, the strain was resistant to monensin, salinomycin, and lasalocid given at double use level and was resistant to narasin and maduramicin at the normal use level. In comparison, a laboratory strain (WIS) was controlled by the normal use level of each product. When free WIS sporozoites were treated in vitro with 1.0 microgram/ml of monensin for 0.5 or 4.0 hr at 41 C and inoculated into primary cultures of chicken kidney cells the invasion was reduced by 35.6% or 96.3%, but invasion of FS139 sporozoites was increased by 18.5% by 0.5 hr treatment and was about the same as controls after 2 hr of treatment. Few sporozoites from the WIS strain developed into schizonts, but numerous sporozoites from the FS139 strain developed into normal first and second generation schizonts. The structure of free WIS sporozoites was distorted after 3 hr of treatment with 2.5 micrograms/ml of monensin at 41 C, as observed by light and scanning electron microscopy, whereas there was no change in structure of most treated FS139 sporozoites.     

Cloning and developmental analysis of murid spermatid-specific thioredoxin-2 (SPTRX-2), a novel sperm fibrous sheath protein and autoantigen

Thioredoxins compose a growing family of proteins that participate in different cellular processes via redox-mediated reactions. We report here the cloning, developmental expression, and location of murid Sptrx-2. Mouse and rat SPTRX-2 proteins display a high homology to their human ortholog in the thioredoxin and NDP kinase domains, and the coding genes are located at syntenic positions. Northern blotting and in situ hybridization confirmed the testis-specific expression of murine Sptrx-2 mRNA, mostly in round spermatids. Immunohistochemical analysis of the 19 steps of rat spermiogenesis showed that SPTRX-2 expression becomes prominent in the cytoplasmic lobe of step 15-18 spermatids and diminishes in step 19 just before spermiation. However, in the spermatid tail, SPTRX-2 immunoreactivity increased from step 15 to 19 and was confined to the principal piece. By immunogold electron microscopy, SPTRX-2 was first detected scattered throughout the cytoplasm of the axoneme in step 14-15 spermatids, but began to be incorporated by step 16 into the fibrous sheath (FS). During steps 17-18, the labeling increased over the ribs and columns of the assembled FS. It peaked in step 19 and remained in the FS of epididymal spermatozoa. Immunoblots of isolated FS obtained from spermatozoa confirmed that SPTRX-2 is an integral component of the FS and a post-obstruction autoantigen in vasectomized rats. Our data indicate that SPTRX-2 incorporation into the FS lags well behind FS assembly, suggesting it is required during the final stages of sperm tail maturation in the testis and/or epididymis, where extensive disulfide bonding of FS proteins occurs.     

Relationships between carbon allocation and partitioning of soil respiration across world mature forests

Partitioning of soil CO₂ flux (FS) into autotrophic and heterotrophic components depends on how the plant carbon is allocated above- vs. belowground and how the belowground carbon is allocated for respiration and production of roots and their microbial associations. Data of litterfall (FA), root respiration (FR), and FS of world old-growth or mature forests (≥45 ages) were compiled, and the relationship between carbon allocation above- vs. belowground (indexed as the FA/FS ratio) and FS partitioning (indexed as the FR/FS ratio) was examined. The FA/FS ratio ranged from 0.08 to 0.64 and was positively correlated with mean annual air temperature and mean annual precipitation. The ratio increased from boreal to temperate to tropical forests, and was higher in broadleaved forests than in coniferous forests. Site-specific belowground carbon use efficiency (BCUE, root production per unit carbon used by roots and microbial associations) varied from 0.10 to 0.87, contrasting with the common assumption of a constant BCUE. Site-specific FR/FS ranged from 0.09 to 0.71 and increased with FS due to a decrease in BCUE. Deciduousness had a significant effect on the FR/FS ratios, with FR/FS ratios greater in deciduous forests than in evergreen forests. Methods of separating root respiration from soil heterotrophic respiration had a significant effect on estimated FR/FS. The estimated FR/FS ratio was negatively related to the FA/FS ratio, indicating that factors favouring carbon allocation belowground over aboveground will increase the autotrophic contribution to total soil respiration. The relatively low explaining power (r ² = 0.270) of this relationship resulted from deviations from assumptions of constant BCUE and a near steady-state belowground pools.     

重组人FS315C末端蛋白表达及其抗体制备

构建FS315C末端肽原核表达载体pGEX-FS315C,表达重组人卵泡抑素315(FS315)C末端肽,制备抗FS315C末端抗体。实验结果显示,重组pGEX-FS315C表达质粒在E.coli BL21中高表达GST-FS315C融合蛋白,采用亲和层析与电泳纯化GST-FS315C免疫家兔,获得抗FS315C末端抗体,Western blot检测显示该抗体只与FS315结合,而与FS288无交叉反应。ELISA检测显示抗FS315C末端抗体与FS315特异结合,而与FS288、inhibin及activin A等蛋白均无交叉反应。利用该抗体进行的免疫组化染色显示巨噬细胞FS表达阳性,与以往报道一致。实验采用重组GST-FS315C免疫家兔,成功地制备了抗FS315C末端特异抗体。     

Correct assembly of iron-sulfur cluster FS0 into Escherichia coli dimethyl sulfoxide reductase (DmsABC) is a prerequisite for molybdenum cofactor insertion

The FS0 [4Fe-4S] cluster of the catalytic subunit (DmsA) of Escherichia coli dimethyl sulfoxide reductase (DmsABC) plays a key role in the electron transfer relay. We have now established an additional role for the cluster in directing molybdenum cofactor assembly during enzyme maturation. EPR spectroscopy indicates that FS0 has a high spin ground state (S = 3/2) in its reduced form, resulting in an EPR spectrum with a peak at g ～ 5.0. The cluster is predicted to be in close proximity to the molybdo-bis(pyranopterin guanine dinucleotide) (Mo-bisPGD) cofactor, which provides the site of dimethyl sulfoxide reduction. Comparison with nitrate reductase A (NarGHI) indicates that a sequence of residues ((18)CTVNC(22)) plays a role in both FS0 and Mo-bisPGD coordination. A DmsA(ΔN21) mutant prevented Mo-bisPGD binding and resulted in a degenerate [3Fe-4S] cluster form of FS0 being assembled. DmsA belongs to the Type II subclass of Mo-bisPGD-containing catalytic subunits that is distinguished from the Type I subclass by having three rather than two residues between the first two Cys residues coordinating FS0 and a conserved Arg residue rather than a Lys residue following the fourth cluster coordinating Cys. We introduced a Type I Cys group into DmsA in two stages. We changed its sequence from (18)C(A)TVNC(B)GSRC(C)P(27) to (18)C(A)TYC(B)GVGC(C)G(26) (similar to that of formate dehydrogenase (FdnG)) and demonstrated that this eliminated both Mo-bisPGD binding and EPR-detectable FS0. We then combined this change with a DmsA(R61K) mutation and demonstrated that this additional change partially rescued Mo-bisPGD insertion.     

Morphological features and inheritance of Foliaceous Stipules of primary leaves in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The presence of connate foliaceous stipules of primary leaves and their inheritance in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotype EC394736 is reported for the first time. METHODS: The development of foliaceous stipules (FS) and their persistence were examined throughout the growth and developmental stages of the plants of the genotype EC394736. The shape, size, colour, texture and other parameters were examined in the field during the period 15-50 d after sowing. The area of FS was measured using image analysis software. The inheritance of FS was studied by making a cross between the genotype EC394763 with rudimentary stipules (RS) and the genotype EC394736, which has connate foliaceous stipules of primary leaves. The presence or absence of FS in plants of the F1, F2 and F3 generations was recorded. KEY RESULTS: The stipules developed along with the primary leaves in the genotype EC394736. One stipule of each primary leaf fused with the adjacent stipule of the other primary leaf forming a foliaceous structure. These stipules persisted on the plants for >50 d, even after the primary leaves had withered off. The F1 plants showed an absence of FS indicating the rudimentary stipules to be dominant over foliaceous stipules. The F2 segregation into 15 (RS) : 1 (FS) indicated that duplicate recessive genes controlled the presence of the FS. This was confirmed from the segregation pattern in the F3 generation. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of FS is a unique feature in cowpea genotype EC394736 and duplicate recessive genes govern it. The FS can be used as a morphological marker for identification of cowpea varieties.     

INHIBITION OF FERTILIZATION IN FUCUS (PHAEOPHYCEAE) BY A MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THAT BINDS TO DOMAINS ON THE EGG CELL SURFACE1

Fertilization in the brown alga Fucus serratus L. involves interactions between sperm and eggs and in species-specific. Recent results with monoclonal antibodies(MAbs FS4 and FS5) that recognize glycoproteins on the Fucus egg cell surface have shown that different sets of glycoproteins are organized into distinct domains. Thus, regions on the egg surface are FS4⁺FS5^? and FS4^?FS5⁺, and some smaller regions are FS4⁺FS⁺. To determine functional differences between these domains, MAbs FS4 and FS5 were included in a fertilization assay, Purified FS5 antibody, which is an immunoglobulin class M (IgM), inhibited fertilization, whereas FS4 IgM had no effect, Fragment antigen-binding fragment, which suggests that the effects were not due to steric hindrance by large IgM molecules or to cross-linking of receptors. FS5 inhibited fertilization in both F. serratus and F. vesiculosus; therefore, its effect was not species-specific, Thus we show that there is functional heterogeneity of the Fucus egg cell surface and compare our results to previous reports on inhibitory effects of lectins, Overall, the evidence suggests that there may be two levels of interaction between gametes in Fucus involoving nonspecific and species-specific binding.     

Flaxseed alone or in combination with tamoxifen inhibits MCF-7 breast tumor growth in ovariectomized athymic mice with high circulating levels of estrogen

Flaxseed (FS) is rich in mammalian lignan precursors and alpha-linolenic acid, which have been suggested as having anticancer effects. Previous studies have shown that 10% FS inhibits the growth of human estrogen-dependent breast cancer (MCF-7) in athymic mice, and it enhances the inhibitory effect of tamoxifen (TAM). This study determined whether the effect of FS, alone or in combination with TAM, is dose dependent, and it explored the potential mechanism of action. Ovariectomized athymic mice with estradiol (E2) supplementation (1.7 mg/pellet, 60-day release) and established MCF-7 tumors were treated with basal diet control (0FS), 5% FS (5FS), 10% FS (10FS), and TAM (TAM/ 0FS; 5 mg/pellet, 60-day release), alone or in combination (TAM/ 5FS and TAM/10FS) for 8 weeks. Compared with control, 5FS and 10FS significantly inhibited tumor growth by 26% and 38%, respectively. TAM/0FS had an effect similar to the 10FS. TAM/ 5FS and TAM/10FS, respectively, induced significant 48% and 43% reductions in tumor size compared with 0FS, and 18% and 10% reductions compared with TAM/0FS. The relative uterine weight was significantly lower in all TAM groups compared with the control. The reduction of tumor growth resulted from decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis. TAM/ 5FS caused a significantly higher expression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) compared with 5FS and TAM/0FS, whereas TAM/10FS had a higher ERalpha than 10FS and TAM/0FS. Compared with the control, progesterone receptor (PgR) expression was significantly reduced in all treatment groups, but insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) expression was reduced only by 10FS, TAM/5FS and TAM/10FS. Tumor cell proliferation was significantly positively associated with expression of PgR and IGF-1 and negatively associated with apoptosis and ERalpha. Apoptosis was only associated with ERalpha. In conclusion, FS inhibited MCF-7 tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced the inhibitory effect of TAM due to the modulation of ER and growth factor signal transduction pathways.     

绵羊Follistatin基因表达及其结构域的功能分析

为研究羊Follistatin基因的功能,提取了绵羊卵巢总RNA,通过RT-PCR方法获得羊Follistatin cDNA的完整开放阅读框 (1 038 bp)。去除信号肽序列后与原核表达载体pET41a连接,构建重组表达质粒pFSsig?,经大肠杆菌诱导表达获得FS sig?蛋白 (66 kDa)。通过RT-PCR克隆了包含N端和结构域1的Follistatin突变体 (FS N+D1),将FS N+D1片段插入慢病毒载体 (pLEX-MCS) 构建了pFS-N+D1慢病毒重组表达质粒。在293T细胞中进行慢病毒的包装,再感染绵羊肌肉原代细胞,得到稳定表达FS N+D1的肌肉细胞系,通过细胞生长曲线结果显示稳定表达FS N+D1的肌肉细胞明显比正常肌肉细胞增殖快,且差异极显著 (P＜0.01),表明绵羊FS N+D1结构域有促进肌肉细胞生长的功能。