The O18 antigens (lipopolysaccharides) of Escherichia coli. Structural characterization of the O18A, O18A1, O18B and O18B1-specific polysaccharides.

The O-specific polysaccharide moieties (PS) of the O18A, O18A1, O18B, and O18B1 antigens (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) consist of L-rhamnose (Rha), N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, D-galactose, and D-glucose in different molar ratios. By using chemical fragmentation, methylation, as well as one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, the structures of these polysaccharides were found to be [formula: see text] In O18A-PS and O18A1-PS x = 2, whereas in O18B-PS and in O18B11-PS x = 3. In all four polysaccharides alpha-D-Galp (residue D) is substituted at O-3. This substituent L (residue E) is beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1 in O18A-PS and O18A1-PS and it is alpha-D-Glcp-(1 in O18B-PS and O18B1-PS. Whereas there is no further substituent on the main chain of the O18A and O18B polysaccharides, in O18A1-PS and O18B1-PS the alpha-D-GlcpNAc residue A is substituted with alpha-Glcp-(1 (residue F), which is linked to O-6 in O18A1-PS and to O-4 in O18B1-PS. These results show that the O18 antigen comprises a group of four related LPS (O18A and O18B, with their glucosylated forms O18A1 and O18B1). The results are discussed with respect to epitope definition and biochemical implications.     

18-substituted steroids. part 4. a chemical synthesis of 3α, 18, 21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one 18 → 20-hemiacetal (18-hydroxy-tetrahydro-doc)

3α, 18, 21-Trihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one 18 → 20-hemiacetal (18-hydroxy-tetrahydro-DOC) has been prepared from 3α-acetoxy-5β-pregnan-20-one by reduction to the 20β-alcohol, application of the ‘hypoiodite’ reaction [Pb(OAc)₄-I₂-hv] with subsequent steps leading to the 18-hydroxy-20-ketone (as hemiacetal), and C-21 acetoxylation [Pb(OAc)₄] followed by hydrolysis.     

Interleukin-18.

Interleukin (IL)-18 is a newly discovered cytokine, structurally similar to IL-1, with profound effects on T-cell activation. This short review summarizes the present knowledge on IL-18, to give an insight into the future perspectives for its possible use as vaccine adjuvant. Formerly called interferon (IFN) gamma inducing factor (IGIF), IL-18 is the new name of a novel cytokine that plays an important role in the T-cell-helper type 1 (Th1) response, primarily by its ability to induce IFNgamma production in T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Mice deficient in IL-18 have suppressed IFNgamma production despite the presence of IL-12 IL-18 is related to the IL-1 family in terms of structure, receptor family, and function. In terms of structure, IL-18 and IL-1beta share primary amino acid sequences of the so-called "signature sequence" motif and are similarly folded as all-beta pleated sheet molecules. Also similar to IL-1beta, IL-18 is synthesized as a biologically inactive precursor molecule lacking a signal peptide which requires cleavage into an active, mature molecule by the intracellular cysteine protease called IL-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE, also called caspase-1). The activity of mature IL-18 is closely related to that of IL-1. IL-18 induces gene expression and synthesis of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-1, Fas ligand, and several chemokines. The activity of IL-18 is via an IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) complex. This IL-18R complex is made up of a binding chain termed IL-18Ralpha, a member of the IL-1 receptor family previously identified as the IL-1 receptor-related protein (IL-1Rrp), and a signaling chain, also a member of the IL-1R family. The IL-18R complex recruits the IL-1R-activating kinase (IRAK) and TNFR-associated factor-6 (TRAF-6) which phosphorylates nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB)-inducing kinase (NIK) with subsequent activation of NFkappaB. Thus on the basis of primary structure, three-dimensional structure, receptor family, signal transduction pathways and biological effects, IL-18 appears to be a new member of the IL-1 family. Similar to IL-1, IL-18 participates in both innate and acquired immunity.     

18p deletion syndrome with a 45, XY, t (14; 18) (p11;q11.2), -18, karyotype.

A dysmorphic male child of 8 months age presented with microphthalmia, micrognathia, hypertelorism, wide anterior fontanelles, large forehead, short neck, prominent ears, macrotestis and delayed developmental milestones. The patient presented with generalised seizures hydrocephalaus and Coarctation of aorta (Pre subclavian). He also had mild hypocalcaemia with normal renal function. Cytogenetic study revealed 18p(-) picture due to translocation between 14 p & 18q. Since the spectrum of clinical expression is similar to that is seen in 18p(-) syndrome it is suggested that not only whole of 18p but part of chromosome no. 18 proximal to 18 q 11.2 may also be involved in this phenotype.     

Transmission of ring chromosome 18 46,XX/46,XX,r(18) mosaicism in a mother and ring chromosome 18 syndrome in her son.

Inheritance of ring chromosomes is reported infrequently. The authors report on a phenotypically and mentally normal mother with ring chromosome 18 mosaic with a normal cell line and her polymalformed son with non-mosaic 46,XY,r(18) karyotype.     

kin-18, a C. elegans protein kinase involved in feeding.

TAO1 and TAO2 are recently described protein kinases whose initial characterization has placed them at the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase kinase (MEKK) level of stress-responsive MAPK pathways. Because their physiological roles have not been identified, we sought to study their C. elegans homolog to learn more about their functions. kin-18 encodes a previously uncharacterized protein in C. elegans whose catalytic domain shares over 60% identity with TAO1 and TAO2. We demonstrate that KIN-18 is a protein of 120 kDa whose promoter is active in the pharynx and intestine of C. elegans. To learn more about TAO/KIN-18 function, we studied how expression of constitutively active forms of TAO1 or KIN-18 would affect the physiology of intact worms. Strains of C. elegans expressing active forms of TAO1 or KIN-18 exhibit altered pharyngeal electrophysiology as measured by electropharyngeogram. These worms grow more slowly and lay fewer eggs, phenotypes that could result from reduced feeding. We have also identified a C. elegans gene that encodes a protein kinase similar to mammalian MAPK/ERK Kinase (MEK) 4 whose promoter is active in the pharynx. It is phosphorylated by TAO1 in vitro and physically interacts with TAO1.     

Characterization of a Borna disease virus glycoprotein, gp18.

Borna disease virus is a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus that causes neurologic disease in a wide variety of animal hosts. Here we describe identification and characterization of the first glycoprotein in this viral system. The 18-kDa glycoprotein, gp18, has been purified from infected rat brain. Isolation and microsequencing of this protein allowed identification of a 16.2-kDa open reading frame in the viral antigenome. Lectin binding and endoglycosidase sensitivity assays indicate that gp18 is an unusual N-linked glycoprotein.