Opioid Receptors of Neuroblastoma Cells Are in Two Domains of the Plasma Membrane that Differ in Content of G Proteins

Opioid receptors of NG 108-15 cell membranes are distributed in two membrane fractions sedimenting at 20,000 g (P2) and 200,000 g(P3). The number of receptors is identical in P2 and P3, but in P2 all sites are present in one high-affinity state (2 nM), whereas in P3 60% of these receptors display lower affinity (150 nM). Upon addition of GTP or pretreatment with pertussis toxin, 80% of the sites exist in low affinity in both P2 and P3. Therefore, the effect of GTP and pertussis toxin on agonist binding appears to be smaller in P2 than in P3. In contrast, sodium inhibits agonist binding in P2 and P3 to the same extent and with identical potency. Opioid-mediated stimulation of GTPase is much greater in P2 than in P3, whereas inhibition of adenylate cyclase does not differ in the two fractions. Using site-specific antibodies and pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation, we found that the amount of G proteins in P3 is only 30-50% of that in P2. Treatment of intact cells with the hydrophilic protein-modifying agent sulfosuccinimido-biotin results in biotinylation of proteins from both fractions and in a similar reduction of opioid binding in P2 and P3. Likewise, exposure of intact cells to the alkylating opioid antagonist, chlornaltrexamine, produces identical degrees of receptor inactivation in P2 and P3. The rate of in vivo pertussis toxin-mediated modification of G proteins is not different in the two fractions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Periodicities in coding and noncoding regions of the genes

Gene population statistical studies of protein coding genes and introns have identified two types of periodicities on the purine/pyrimidine alphabet: (i) the modulo 3 periodicity or coding periodicity (periodicity P3) in protein coding genes of eukaryotes, prokaryotes, viruses, chloroplasts, mitochondria, plasmids and in introns of viruses and mitochondria, and (ii) the modulo 2 periodicity (periodicity P2) in the eukaryotic introns. The periodicity study is herein extended to the 5' and 3' regions of eukaryotes, prokaryotes and viruses and shows: (i) the periodicity P3 in the 5' and 3' regions of eukaryotes. Therefore, these observations suggest a unitary and dynamic concept for the genes as for a given genome, the 5' and 3' regions have the genetic information for protein coding genes and for introns: (1) In the eukaryotic genome, the 5' (P2 and P3) and 3' (P2 and P3) regions have the information for protein coding genes (P3) and for introns (P2). The intensity of P3 is high in 5' regions and weak in 3' regions, while the intensity of P2 is weak in 5' regions and high in 3' regions. (2) In the prokaryotic genome, the 5' (P3) and 3' (P3) regions have the information for protein coding genes (P3). (3) In the viral genome, the 5' (P3) and 3' (P3) regions have the information for protein coding genes (P3) and for introns (P3). The absence of P2 in viral introns (in opposition to eukaryotic introns) may be related to the absence of P2 in 5' and 3' regions of viruses.     

Characterization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-stimulated calcium release from rat cerebellar microsomal fractions. Comparison with [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding.

The abilities of D-myo-inositol phosphates (InsPs) to promote Ca2+ release and to compete for D-myo-[3H]-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [( 3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3) binding were examined with microsomal preparations from rat cerebellum. Of the seven InsPs examined, only Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(2,4,5)P3 and Ins(4,5)P2 stimulated the release of Ca2+. Ca2+ release was maximal in 4-6 s and was followed by a rapid re-accumulation of Ca2+ into the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive compartment after Ins(1,4,5)P3, but not after Ins(2,4,5)P3 or Ins(4,5)P2. Ca2+ re-accumulation after Ins(1,4,5)P3 was also faster than after pulse additions of Ca2+, and coincided with the metabolism of [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3. These data suggest that Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release and the accompanying decrease in intraluminal Ca2+ stimulate the Ca2+ pump associated with the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive compartment. That this effect was observed only after Ins(1,4,5)P3 may reflect differences in either the metabolic rates of the various InsPs or an effect of the Ins(1,4,5)P3 metabolite Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 to stimulate refilling of the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive store. InsP-induced Ca2+ release was concentration-dependent, with EC50 values (concn. giving half-maximal release) of 60, 800 and 6500 nM for Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(2,4,5)P3 and Ins(4,5)P2 respectively. Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(2,4,5)P3 and Ins(4,5)P2 also competed for [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding, with respective IC50 values (concn. giving 50% inhibition) of 100, 850 and 13,000 nM. Comparison of the EC50 and IC50 values yielded a significant correlation (r = 0.991). These data provide evidence of an association between the [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding site and the receptor mediating Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release.     

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,2-cyclic 4,5-trisphosphate are minor components of total mass of inositol trisphosphate in thrombin-stimulated platelets. Rapid formation of inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate

Stimulation of human platelets by thrombin leads to rises of both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4)P3) within 10 s. The mass of Ins(1,4,5)P3 was measured in platelet extracts after conversion to [3-32P]Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 with Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase and [gamma-32P]ATP. Basal levels were equivalent to 0.2 microM and rose to 1 microM within 10 s of stimulation by thrombin. The mass of Ins(1,3,4)P3 was more than 10-fold greater than that of Ins(1,4,5)P3 between 10 and 60 s of thrombin stimulation. These results indicate that the majority of InsP3 liberated by phospholipase C in stimulated platelets must be the non-cyclic Ins(1,4,5)P3 in order to allow rapid phosphorylation by Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase to Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and then dephosphorylation to Ins(1,3,4)P3 by 5-phosphomonoesterase. A significant proportion of the InsP3 extracted from thrombin-stimulated platelets under neutral conditions is resistant to Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase but susceptible after acid treatment, implying the presence of inositol 1,2-cyclic 4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,2cyc4,5)P3. The relative proportion of Ins(1,2cyc4,5)P3 increases with time. We suggest that such gradual accumulation is attributable to the relative insensitivity of this compound to hydrolytic and phosphorylating enzymes. Therefore, early Ca2+ mobilization in platelets is more likely to be effected by Ins(1,4,5)P3 than by Ins(1,2cyc4,5)P3.     

Interaction between the open reading frame III product and the coat protein is required for transmission of cauliflower mosaic virus by aphids

Transmission of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) by aphids requires two viral nonstructural proteins, the open reading frame (ORF) II and ORF III products (P2 and P3). An interaction between a C-terminal domain of P2 and an N-terminal domain of P3 is essential for transmission. Purified particles of CaMV are efficiently transmitted only if aphids, previously fed a P2-containing solution, are allowed to acquire a preincubated mixture of P3 and virions in a second feed, thus suggesting a direct interaction between P3 and coat protein. Herein we demonstrate that P3 directly interacts with purified viral particles and unassembled coat protein without the need for any other factor and that P3 mediates the association of P2 with purified virus particles. The interaction domain of P3 is located in its C-terminal half, downstream of the P3-P2 interaction domain but overlapping a region which binds nucleic acids. Mutagenesis of P3 which interferes with the interaction between P3 and virions is correlated with the loss of transmission by aphids. Taken together, our results demonstrate that P3 plays a crucial role in the formation of the CaMV transmissible complex by serving as a bridge between P2 and virus particles.     

The 5′-UTR intron of the midgut-specific BmAPN4 gene affects the level and location of expression in transgenic silkworms

Introns are important for regulating gene expression. BmAPN4, which has a 5′-UTR upstream intron (5UI), is specifically expressed in the entire silkworm midgut. In our previous study, the promoter region upstream of the 5UI of BmAPN4 was cloned and identified as the P3 promoter (P3P) with activity only in the anterior midgut. In this study, the sequence consisting of the P3P and the 5UI was cloned and named as P3P+5UI. A transgenic vector was constructed in which EGFP was controlled by P3P+5UI. Transgenic P3+5UI silkworms were generated by embryo microinjection. RT-PCR showed P3P+5UI activity throughout the larval stage. Intense green fluorescence was seen only in the entire midgut of P3+5UI silkworms and expression was confirmed by RT-PCR. qPCR revealed that expression of EGFP in the anterior midgut of P3+5UI silkworms was 64% higher than in P3 silkworms, indicating the 5UI sustained intron-mediated enhancement of gene expression. These results suggested that the BmAPN4 5UI affected the level and site of expression. The 5UI was cloned and added behind P2P, another specific promoter with activity only in the anterior midgut of silkworm, to construct the P2P+5UI and transgenic P2+5UI silkworms. Expression patterns were the same for P2P+5UI and P2P, suggesting that the 5UI of BmAPN4 did not affect P2P. This study found that the BmAPN4 5UI affected the amount and location of gene expression. Its influence appeared to be dependent on a specific promoter.     

The effects of inositol trisphosphates and inositol tetrakisphosphate on Ca2+ release and Cl- current pattern in the Xenopus laevis oocyte.

We report that Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 releases calcium from intracellular stores of intact Xenopus laevis oocytes, as indicated by two different techniques, Ca2(+)-sensitive microelectrodes and a fura-2 imaging system. Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 releases only 20% as much Ca2+ as the same amount of Ins(1,4,5)P3. This effect is not due to the conversion of the injected Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 to Ins(1,4,5)P3, which is known to release Ca2+, because the amount of [3H]Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 that is converted to Ins(1,4,5)P3 is extremely small, as determined using HPLC. Examination of the different current patterns induced by Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, when injected into voltage-clamped oocytes, provided further evidence that the Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 was not being converted back to Ins(1,4,5)P3. We investigated the effects of four compounds, three inositol trisphosphates (Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(2,4,5)P3, and Ins(1,3,4)P3), and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, on Cl- current conductance in order to examine (1) the possible role of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 in cell activation and (2) the relationships between intracellular Ca2+ and the activation of Cl- currents. Immature stage VI Xenopus laevis oocytes were voltage-clamped and injected with Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(2,4,5)P3, and Ins(1,3,4)P3. Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(2,4,5)P3 triggered Ca2(+)-dependent Cl- currents, but Ins(1,3,4)P3 did not trigger currents nor did it release intracellular Ca2+. Ins(2,4,5)P3 was fourfold less effective at inducing the immediate Cl- current pulse than Ins(1,4,5)P3. The Cl- current pattern was quite dependent on the amount of Ins(1,4,5)P3 injected into the oocyte. Low amounts of Ins(1,4,5)P3 triggered only an immediate single Cl- current pulse, whereas large amounts triggered the immediate single pulse, followed by a quiescent period, followed by oscillating Cl- currents. In contrast to the response of Ins(1,4,5)P3, injection of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 triggered only oscillating Cl- currents whose magnitude, but not pattern, was dependent on the amount injected into the cell. The currents generated by Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 resemble the oscillating Cl- currents triggered by large amounts of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(2,4,5)P3. Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, unlike Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(2,4,5)P3, rarely caused an immediate Cl- current pulse, but caused an immediate release of calcium. Therefore, we suggest that the oscillating currents are only indirectly dependent on calcium. These [Ca2+]i and conductance measurements suggest that both Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 have roles in intracellular Ca2+ regulation.     

Extracellular poly(hydroxyalkanoate) depolymerases and their inhibitor from Pseudomonas lemoignei.

Enzymatic degradation processes of microbial copolyesters, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate): P(3HB-co-3HV) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate): P(3HB-co-4HB), were studied by the weight loss (erosion) of copolyester films. These studies employed three extracellular depolymerases which degrade poly(3-hydroxybutyrate): P(3HB). Two enzymes were purified from the culture supernatant of Pseudomonas lemoignei and one from Alcaligenes faecalis T1. The rate of enzymatic degradation of microbial copolyester films with various compositions showed an almost similar tendency to three different P(3HB) depolymerases, and decreased in the following order: P(3HB-co-4HB) greater than P(3HB) greater than P(3HB-co-3HV). An inhibitory protein of P(3HB) depolymerases in the succinate culture medium of P. lemoignei was isolated and characterized. The molecular weight of P(3HB) depolymerase inhibitor was 35,000 as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. This inhibitor of a single polypeptide chain may reversibly bind the serine residues at the active site of P(3HB) depolymerase. This inhibitory protein was not induced in the culture medium when P. lemoignei was grown on P(3HB) as the sole carbon source.     

Mechanism of action of thrombin on fibrinogen: NMR evidence for a beta-bend at or near fibrinogen A alpha Gly(P5)-Gly(P4)

The following synthetic linear A alpha fibrinogen-like peptides were studied by NMR spectroscopy in aqueous solution: Ac-Asp(P10)-Phe(P9)-Leu-Ala-Glu-Gly(P5)-Gly(P4)-Gly(P3)-Val- Arg(P1)-Gly-(P1)-Pro-Arg(P3')-Val-NHCH3 (F-8), Ac-Phe-Leu-Ala-Glu-Gly-Gly(P4)-Gly(P3)-Val-Arg-Gly-Pro-NHCH3 (F-6), Ac-Leu-Ala-Glu-Gly-Gly(P4)-Gly(P3)-Val-Arg-Gly-Pro-NHCH3 (F-7), and Ac-Gly-Gly(P4)-Gly-(P3)-Val-Arg-Gly-Pro-NHCH3 (F-9). The temperature dependence of the amide proton chemical shift is smaller by approximately 22% for the Gly(P3) amide proton in F-9, F-6, and F-8 and is similarly smaller for the Gly(P4) amide proton in F-6 and F-8, but not F-9, relative to the other amide protons in these peptides. The exchange rates with solvent water for the Gly(P3) amide proton in each of these four peptides were determined by solvent spin saturation transfer experiments. The exchange rate constant for the Gly(P3) amide proton of F-8 was half that of the rate constant determined for this proton in F-9, F-7, and F-6. In conjunction with previously reported data for the rate of hydrolysis of the Arg(P1)-Gly(P1') bond by thrombin, these results suggest that there is a beta-bend at Gly(P5)-Gly(P4), possibly stabilized by salt links between Asp(P10) and Arg(P3') and between phosphorylated Ser(P14) and Arg(P7'), which brings Phe(P9) close to the hydrolyzable Arg-Gly bonds.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The role of PI3P phosphatases in the regulation of autophagy

Autophagy initiation is strictly dependent on phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) synthesis. PI3P production is under tight control of PI3Kinase, hVps34, in complex with Beclin-1. Mammalian cells express several PI3P phosphatases that belong to the myotubularin family. Even though some of them have been linked to serious human diseases, their cellular function is largely unknown. Two recent studies indicate that PI3P metabolism involved in autophagy initiation is further regulated by the PI3P phosphatases Jumpy and MTMR3. Additional pools of PI3P, upstream of mTOR and on the endocytic pathway, may modulate autophagy indirectly, suggesting that other PI3P phosphatases might be involved in this process. This review sums up our knowledge on PI3P phosphatases and discusses the recent progress on their role in autophagy.     

Synthetic D- and L-enantiomers of 2,2-difluoro-2-deoxy-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate interact differently with myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding proteins: identification of a potent small molecule 3-kinase inhibitor.

The ability of two enantiomeric fluoro-analogues of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] to mobilize intracellular Ca2+ stores in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells has been investigated. (-)-D-2,2-difluoro-2-deoxy-myo-Ins(1,4,5)P3 [D-2,2-F2-Ins(1,4,5)P3] was a full agonist [EC50 0.21 microM] and slightly less potent than D-Ins(1,4,5)P3 [EC50 0.13 microM]. (+)-L-2,2-F2Ins(1,4,5)P3 was a very poor agonist, confirming the stereospecificity of the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor. D-2,2-F2-Ins(1,4,5)P3 mobilized Ca2+ with broadly similar kinetics to Ins(1,4,5)P3 and was a substrate for Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase inhibiting Ins(1,4,5)P3 phosphorylation (apparent Ki = 10.2 microM) but was recognised less well than Ins(1,4,5)P3. L-2,2-F2-Ins(1,4,5)P3 was a potent competitive inhibitor of 3-kinase (Ki = 11.9 microM). Whereas D-2,2-F2-Ins(1,4,5)P3 was a good substrate for Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase, L-2,2-F2Ins(1,4,5)P3 was a relatively potent inhibitor (Ki = 19.0 microM).     

Differential stereoselectivity of D- and L-myo-inositol 1,2,4, 5-tetrakisphosphate binding to the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and 3-kinase

D- and L-myo-inositol 1,2,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins(1,2,4,5)P(4)) were investigated for their ability to bind to the D-myo-inositol 1, 4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P(3)) receptor in a bovine adrenal cortical membrane fraction, to mobilize intracellular Ca(2+) stores in Xenopus oocytes, and to bind to the rat brain Ins(1,4,5)P(3) 3-kinase overexpressed and purified in E. coli. In competitive binding experiments with the Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor, D-Ins(1,2,4, 5)P(4) effectively displaced [(3)H]Ins(1,4,5)P(3) in a concentration-dependent manner with a potency comparable to that of D-Ins(1,4,5)P(3), while L-Ins(1,2,4,5)P(4) was approximately 50-fold less effective than D-Ins(1,4,5)P(3) and D-Ins(1,2,4,5)P(4). The DL-Ins(1,2,4,5)P(4) racemate bound to the Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor with an apparent intermediate efficiency. Injection of D-Ins(1,2,4, 5)P(4) into oocytes evoked a chloride current dependent on intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization in which the agonists ranked in a similar order of potency as in the Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor binding. On the other hand, D-Ins(1,2,4,5)P(4) only inhibited the binding of [(3)H]Ins(1,4,5)P(3) to 3-kinase very weakly with a markedly reduced potency compared to D-Ins(1,4,5)P(3), indicating that D-Ins(1,2,4, 5)P(4) is not an effective competitor in the phosphorylation of [(3)H]-Ins(1,4,5)P(3) by 3-kinase. The results, therefore, clearly indicate that D-Ins(1,2,4,5)P(4) is as effective as D-Ins(1,4,5)P(3) in the binding to the receptor but not 3-kinase, and access of Ins(1, 2,4,5)P(4) over the Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor calls for stringent stereospecificity with D-Ins(1,2,4,5)P(4) being the active form in DL-Ins(1,2,4,5)P(4)-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization.     

Species-specific epitopes exist on the cytoplasmic amino-terminal domain of erythrocyte band 3 protein.

Monoclonal antibodies (P3-9H, P3-1F, P3-2H, P3-4A, and P3-4C) to human erythrocyte band 3 were produced using human erythrocyte membranes as the immunogen. All epitopes defined by these antibodies were found on the amino-terminal cytoplasmic domain of erythrocyte band 3. The antibodies crossreacted variously with erythrocyte band 3 of primates (chimpanzee, orangutan, Rhesus monkey, Japanese monkey, spider monkey, and capuchin monkey) in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. P3-9H did not crossreact with erythrocyte band 3 of any primate examined; P3-1F crossreacted only with that of chimpanzee; P3-2H crossreacted with erythrocyte band 3 of chimpanzee, spider monkey, and capuchin monkey; and P3-4A and P3-4C crossreacted with erythrocyte band 3 of all primates examined. These results suggest that evolutional changes in primates are accumulated in the amino-terminal cytoplasmic domain of band 3 and that species-specific epitopes exist on this domain.     

Modulation of human visuospatial attention analysis by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the line bisection performance

The general population shows physiologic biases in the line bisection performance for visuospatial attention, almost to the left known as pseudoneglect. Previous studies have shown that tDCS affects visuospatial attention in line bisection. This research applies tDCS over left posterior parietal cortice (P3) or right posterior parietal cortice (P4) to explore the effect on pseudoneglect. Subjects randomly were divided into five groups by stimulation distribution: (i) P3-anodal (P3A), (ii) P3-cathodal (P3C), (iii) P4-anodal (P4A), (iv) P4-cathodal (P4C), (v) sham. Participants respectively finished the post-tDCS line-bisection assignment (lines on the left/right side of the monitor (LL/LR), and lines in the center of the monitor (LC)) the same as the pre-tDCS task over the session (P3A, P3C, P4A, P4C and sham) tDCS condition. The principal findings were that P3A tDCS reduced the leftward shift in the horizontal line bisection task, as well as P4C tDCS reduced the leftward shift in LL. Sham stimulation as well as P3C and P4A stimulation didn’t have systematic improvements in the line bisection tasks. Therefore, an activation–orientation model of pseudoneglect is corroborated by these findings. Activation of intact structures in the rebalance of left and right parietal cortex might impose modulating effects on tDCS.     

Cauliflower mosaic virus ORF III product forms a tetramer in planta: its implication in viral DNA folding during encapsidation.

Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) open reading frame (ORF) III encodes a 15 kDa protein; the function of which is as yet unknown. This protein has non-sequence-specific DNA binding activity and is associated with viral particles, suggesting that the ORF III product (P3) is involved in the folding of CaMV DNA during encapsidation. In this study, we demonstrated that P3 forms a tetramer in CaMV-infected plants. A P3-related protein with an apparent molecular weight of 60 kDa was detected by Western blotting analysis using anti-P3 antiserum under non-reducing conditions, while only 15 kDa P3 was detected under reducing conditions. Analysis of P3 using viable mutants with a 27-bp insertion in either ORF III or IV revealed that the 60 kDa protein was a tetramer of P3. The P3 tetramer co-sedimented with viral coat protein in multiple fractions on sucrose gradient centrifugation, suggesting that P3 tetramer binds to mature and immature virions. These results strongly suggested that CaMV P3 forms a tetramer in planta and that disulfide bonds are involved in its formation and/or stabilization. The finding of P3 tetramer in planta suggested that viral DNA would be folded compactly by the interaction with multiple P3 molecules, which would form tetramers, while being packaged into the capsid shell.     

Characterization of recombinant human prolyl 3-hydroxylase isoenzyme 2, an enzyme modifying the basement membrane collagen IV

The single 3-hydroxyproline residue in the collagen I polypeptides is essential for proper fibril formation and bone development as its deficiency leads to recessive osteogenesis imperfecta. The vertebrate prolyl 3-hydroxylase (P3H) family consists of three members, P3H1 being responsible for the hydroxylation of collagen I. We expressed human P3H2 as an active recombinant protein in insect cells. Most of the recombinant polypeptide was insoluble, but small amounts were also present in the soluble fraction. P3H1 forms a complex with the cartilage-associated protein (CRTAP) that is required for prolyl 3-hydroxylation of fibrillar collagens. However, coexpression with CRTAP did not enhance the solubility or activity of the recombinant P3H2. A novel assay for P3H activity was developed based on that used for collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylases (C-P4H) and lysyl hydroxylases (LH). A large amount of P3H activity was found in the P3H2 samples with (Gly-Pro-4Hyp)5 as a substrate. The Km and Ki values of P3H2 for 2-oxoglutarate and its certain analogues resembled those of the LHs rather than the C-P4Hs. Unlike P3H1, P3H2 was strongly expressed in tissues rich in basement membranes, such as the kidney. P3H2 hydroxylated more effectively two synthetic peptides corresponding to sequences that are hydroxylated in collagen IV than a peptide corresponding to the 3-hydroxylation site in collagen I. These findings suggest that P3H2 is responsible for the hydroxylation of collagen IV, which has the highest 3-hydroxyproline content of all collagens. It is thus possible that P3H2 mutations may lead to a disease with changes in basement membranes.     

Microbiological Surveillance of Peritoneal Dialysis Associated Peritonitis: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of a Referral Center in GERMANY over 32 Years

Objectives

Peritonitis is one of the most important causes of treatment failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. This study describes changes in characteristics of causative organisms in PD-related peritonitis and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Methods

In this single center study we analyzed retrospective 487 susceptibility profiles of the peritoneal fluid cultures of 351 adult patients with peritonitis from 1979 to 2014 (divided into three time periods, P1-P3).

Results

Staphylococcus aureus decreased from P1 compared to P2 and P3 (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) occurred only in P3. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) increased in P3 over P1 and P2 (P <0.0001, respectively). In P2 and P3, vancomycin resistant enterococci were detected. The percentage of gram-negative organisms remained unchanged. Third generation cephalosporin resistant gram-negative rods (3GCR-GN) were found exclusively in P3. Cefazolin-susceptible gram-positive organisms decreased over the three decades (93% in P1, 75% in P2 and 58% in P3, P<0.01, P<0.05 and P<0.0001, respectively). Vancomycin susceptibility decreased and gentamicin susceptibility in gram-negatives was 94% in P1, 82% in P2 and 90% in P3. Ceftazidim susceptibility was 84% in P2 and 93% in P3.

Conclusions

Peritonitis caused by MSSA decreased, but peritonitis caused by MRSE increased. MRSA peritonitis is still rare. Peritonitis caused by 3GCR-GN is increasing. An initial antibiotic treatment protocol should be adopted for PD patients to provide continuous surveillance.     

Morphological and biochemical responses of selected germplasm of tobacco to soil inoculation with Pythium aphanidermatum

The effect of inoculation with Pythium aphanidermatum was studied on total phenol (TP), salicylic acid (SA), chlorophylls and carotenoid contents of leaves and plant growth characteristics of five tobacco cultivars, namely RK-10 P3, RK-12 P3, RK-13 P4, RK-18 P8 and RK-26 P3, to assess cultivar response at biochemical and morphological levels. Root rot measured at 0–5 scale was 2.66 on cv. RK-10 P3, followed by 2. 33 on cv. RK-18 P8, 1.33 on cv. RK-26 P3 and 1.0 on cv. RK-13 P4. The cv. RK-12 P3 did not develop measurable root rot. The rhizosphere population of root rot fungus increased over time, being highest on the cv. RK-10 P3 (P ≤ 0.001), followed by cvs. RK-18 P8, RK-26 P3, RK-13 P4 and RK-12 P3. Inoculation with the fungus resulted in 5% (cv. RK-10 P3), 10.3% (cv. RK-18 P8, P ≤ 0.05), 10.9% (cv. RK-26 P3, P ≤ 0.05), 16.4% (cv. RK-13 P4, P ≤ 0.01) and 41.5% (cv. RK-12 P3, P ≤ 0.001) increase in the TP content of leaves. SA concentration in tobacco leaves increased marginally (0.8%–3%) in cvs. RK-10 P3, RK-18 P8 and RK-26 P3, but considerably (16%–17%, P ≤ 0.01) in cv. RK-13 and RK-12 P3 in comparison to uninoculated plants. Total chlorophyll content of leaves in response to inoculation with P. aphanidermatum decreased by 27% and 23% in tobacco cvs. RK-10 P3 and RK-18 P8 (P ≤ 0.001) and 17.6 (P ≤ 0.01) and 10.6% (P ≤ 0.05) in cv. RK-26 P3 and RK-13 P4, respectively. Reduction in chlorophylls a and b was 20% and 15% in cv. RK-10 P3 and 20% and 11% in cv. RK-18 P8. Total carotenoid contents of tobacco leaves decreased significantly in cvs. RK-10 P3 and RK-18 P8 (P ≤ 0.05). Significant and greater decrease in plant growth variables was recorded in the cultivars in which increase in TP and SA was lower and decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoids was greater. This study has revealed that greater synthesis of TP and SA may provide resistance in tobacco plants against P. aphanidermatum. The cv. RK-12 P3, in which greatest increase in the SA (17%) and TP (41.5%) was recorded, did not exhibit a significant decrease in plant growth variables and leaf pigments (P ≤ 0.05).     

Separation of multiple isomers of inositol phosphates formed in GH3 cells.

A high-performance-liquid-chromatography (h.p.l.c.) separation was developed, which resolves isomers of inositol monophosphate (IP), inositol bisphosphate (IP2), and inositol trisphosphate (IP3) in a single run. In GH3 cells labelled with [3H]inositol, treated with Li+ and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), radiolabelled components identified as inositol 1-phosphate (I1P), inositol 2-phosphate (I2P), inositol 4-phosphate (I4P), inositol 1,4-bisphosphate [I(1,4)P2], inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate [I(1,3,4)P3] and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [I(1,4,5)P3] are present, as are multiple unidentified IP2 peaks. After TRH stimulation, both I1P and I4P increase, the increase in I4P preceding that of I1P; I(1,4)P2 and an unknown IP2 increase; and both I(1,3,4)P3 and I(1,4,5)P3 increase, the increase in I(1,4,5)P3 being rapid and transient, whereas the increase in I(1,3,4)P3 is slower and more sustained. The most rapidly appearing inositol phosphates produced after TRH stimulation are I(1,4)P2 and I(1,4,5)P3.