Differentiation-Dependent Decline of DNA Synthetic Activities in Naegleria gruberi

SYNOPSIS. DNA of Naegleria gruberi strain NEG, grown in axenic culture, forms a band at a density of 1.6912 in CsCl gradient and has a GC content of 31.8%. Incorporation of [³H]thymidine into DNA is much reduced in differentiating Naegleria immediately after the stimulation to transforms, primarily because of the reduction in thymidine uptake by differentiating cells. In addition, there is a marked decrease in the rate of incorporation of [³H]thymidine and [³H]uracil into DNA at from 45 to 60 min after the stimulation for differentiation. This decrease in the rate of precursor incorporation into DNA appears to be due to the differentiation-dependent cessation of nuclear DNA synthesis. The differentiated phenotype (the flagellate) emerges at ∼ 70 min after the stimulation, and over 90% of the population differentiates within the next 30 min. Synthesis of mitochondrial DNA is detectable until 190 min after the stimulation. Since the S phase of Naegleria lasts ∼ 180 min, some cells in the population must cease synthesizing nuclear DNA in the middle of the S phase.     

Ultrastructure of Cysts of Naegleria spp: A Comparative Study*

SYNOPSIS. Ultrastructure of cysts of Naegleria gruberi, Naegleria fowleri, and Naegleria jadini was compared by transmission electron microscopy. Pores in the cyst wall were observed in all 3 species. In N. gruberi they were surrounded by a collar and sealed with a relatively large mucoid plug; no such collar was seen around the pores in the other 2 species, in which the plug was smaller than that in N. gruberi. An electron-dense plaque serving as an additional pore closure was present in all 3 species. In N. gruberi, the cyst wall consisted of an inner thick and an outer thin layer; however, only the inner component was present in cysts of N. fowleri and N. jadini, which had a smooth appearance. At the ultrastructural level, excystment of N. fowleri involved digestion of the mucoid plug and emergence of the trophozoite through the pore. Some digestion of the cyst wall also appeared to take place during excystment.     

Nutritional Study of Three Strains of Naegleria gruberi*

Naegleria gruberi strains cloned from amebas isolated from a Vero cell culture (“TS”), a sewer drainage ditch (“PD”), and an established laboratory line (“S”) were morphologically identical except for differences in size and flagellate transforming ability. Cultivation on a Trypticase-yeast extract-glucose medium (“TYG”) fortified with autoclaved E. coli resulted in increased cell size of 2 strains. Differences also were noted in growth rates and optimal growth temperatures. The autoclaved E. coli in TYG medium was replaceable with serum only for strains TS and PD. A basal salts medium + autoclaved E. coli supported growth of all 3 strains, but the basal salts medium + serum would not support growth of any of the strains.     

Preparation and Properties of Mitochondria from Naegleria gruberi*

Whole cell respiration rates were measured polarographically for Naegleria gruberi during growth in agitated cultures. Log growth phase amebae consumed 80 ng atoms O/min/mg cell protein. At stationary phase, respiration rate decreased 4–fold. Intact mitochondria were isolated from N. gruberi and their oxidative and phosphorylative capacities were studied polarographically. As with the mammalian system, the mitochondria oxidized succinate and NAD-linked substrates, but unlike rat liver mitochondria, those from the protozoan rapidly oxidized citrate and NADH. The rates of substrate oxidation were ADP-dependent, with ADP:O ratios equalling ? 2.8 for NAD-linked substrates and ? 2.2 for succinate. The respiratory control ratios. 2 to 4 for 11 substrates, were dependent on Pi, Mg²⁺, and serum albumin. Potassium cyanide, azide, malonale, and rotenone inhibited electron transport the same way as that of the mammalian system: however, amytal inhibited both glutamate and succinate respiration. Pentachlorophenol, DNP, and bilirubin uncoupled oxidation from phosphorylation. Difference spectra of oxidized and dithionite-reduced mitochondria had distinct absorption bands of flavins and of c-, b-, and α-type cytochromes.     

Cell Size,Macromolecular Composition,and O2 Consumption During Agitated Cultivation of Naegleria gruberi*

SYNOPSIS. Cell size, macromolecular composition, carbohydrate utilization patterns, and O₂ concentrations were measured throughout the growth stages of Naegleria gruberi in agitated cultures in a complex medium. Biphasic logarithmic growth occurred during the initial 83 hr of growth and the mean generation time was 7.0 hr and 19 hr during initial and secondary log growth stages, respectively. The maximum yield was 5 × 10* amebaeJml. The pH rose rapidly (1 pH unit) during the secondary log growth phase (52-83 hr) and continued into the stationary growth phase (83-120 hr). Dry weight, total protein, carbohydrate, and RNA per ameba increased just before the secondary log growth phase. RNA increased 31% to 35% per ameba at the end of each phase of log growth. DNA increased ～ 2-fold throughout the different growth phases. Average cell size increased 90% during biphasic log growth then decreased during stationary phase. O₂ tension decreased from 100% to 18% of saturation during the biphasic growth phase, then increased during stationary growth to near 100% saturation. Glucose and total carbohydrate assays showed little utilization of those substrates throughout the growth stages. Naegleria gruberi presumably has a predominantly aerobic metabolism, also its metabolism may change during the different growth phases.     

Cellular and Environmental Variables Determining Numbers of Flagella in Temperature-shocked Naegleria*

SYNOPSIS Naegleria gruberi amebae normally transform into biflagellated cells. When subjected to high temperatures during flagellate differentiation, populations develop an average of 4–5 flagella/flagellate. Attempts to maximize this phenomenon by altering cellular and environmental variables revealed that: (a) few Naegleria isolates become multiflagellated: strain NB-1 gives the greatest response to heat shocks: (b) temperature is the most critical variable: highest numbers of flagella are obtained only if cells are temperature-shocked at precisely 38.2 ± 0.1 C, then returned to 19–22 C to complete differentiation; (c) although pH alone does not affect numbers of flagella. a pH optimum of 5.5–7.0 exists for temperature-shocked cells; and (d) single cells in microdrops become multiflagellated, but the population response is density-dependent. Optimal conditions are described for growing, washing, and transforming amebae to generate reproducibly highest numbers of flagella.     

Cessation of Nuclear DNA Synthesis in Differentiating Naegleria*

SYNOPSIS. DNA synthesis during growth and differentiation in Naegleria gruberi strain NEG populations has been studied. Autoradiography of cells labeled with [³H]thymidine revealed that grains are concentrated over the nuclei in logarithmically growing populations of cells, whereas in differentiating cells, grains are scattered over the cytoplasm; i.e. no significant nuclear labeling is detectable. It was established by MAK chromatographic analysis that [³H]thymidine is incorporated into double-stranded DNA in Naegleria and that the actual amount of incorporation in the logarithmically growing populations of cells is 20 times greater than that in differentiating cells. These results suggest that nuclear DNA synthesis is reduced markedly soon after the initiation of differentiation, while cytoplasmic DNA synthesis continues. It was established from cell cycle analysis that the approximate intervals of G₁, S, G₂, and M phases were 180, 183, 90, and 28 min, respectively. Hence, the reduction in the nuclear DNA synthesis in differentiating cells is not due to the inhibition of initiation of DNA replication, but rather to the termination of the DNA replicating process. Thus DNA synthesis is curtailed in the presence of RNA and protein synthesis which are required for differentiation.     

Naegleria fowleri: functional expression of the Nfa1 protein in transfected Naegleria gruberi by promoter modification

To establish a transient transfection system in a Naegleria, we constructed three nfa1-pEGFP-N1 vectors by the promoter replacement and insertion of a nfa1 gene and transfected the DNAs into Naegleria gruberi using a lipid reagent. The transfection efficiency and usefulness of the three modified vectors were estimated by identifying the expressions of the EGFP and Nfa1 protein from N. gruberi. After transfection, the Nfa1 protein was functionally expressed on pseudopodia of N. gruberi. The strong GFP fluorescence was observed in N. gruberi transfected with the actin-nfa1-pEGFP-N1 vector, of which the CMV promoter region in the expression vector was replaced with the actin 5' UTR region. Additionally, when transgenic N. gruberi trophozoites were co-cultured with CHO target cells, the Nfa1 protein was also located on cytoplasm and pseudopodia, especially on a food cup that was formed in contact with target cells as it shown in pathogenic N. fowleri.     

生物科学中一个崭露头角的领域：高静压力研究

通过介绍高静压力作用于生物大分子的机制,提出一些有关高压力生物学的基本概念。此外,还介绍了高静压力在研究蛋白质构象,蛋白质－蛋白质、蛋白质－核酸、蛋白质－配基等相互作用,酶活性的调制以及在生物技术中的应用,表明高压力是一很好的研究手段。     

超高静压在琥珀酸生产菌株选育中的应用

采用超高静压对一株产琥珀酸放线杆菌A3进行诱变育种, 进一步提高其生产性能。考察了压力、变压速度、生长期对菌株致死率的影响。在压力为200 MPa, 50 MPa/min变压速度的诱变条件下对稳定期菌株进行诱变, 筛选到一株突变菌株产琥珀酸放线杆菌B19, 琥珀酸产量达到 32.2 g/L, 比出发菌株A3提高了17.9%, 代谢副产物乙酸的产量降低了11.5%, 经过6次传代表明突变菌株具有稳定的遗传特性。     

超高静压在琥珀酸生产菌株选育中的应用

采用超高静压对一株产琥珀酸放线杆菌A3进行诱变育种,进一步提高其生产性能.考察了压力、变压速度、生长期对菌株致死率的影响.在压力为200 MPa,50 MPa/min变压速度的诱变条件下对稳定期菌株进行诱变,筛选到一株突变菌株产琥珀酸放线杆菌B19,琥珀酸产量达到32.2 g/L,比出发菌株A3提高了17.9%,代谢副产物乙酸的产量降低了11.5%,经过6次传代表明突变菌株具有稳定的遗传特性.     

Evaluation of membrane-bound black bodies in trophozoites and cysts of Naegleria spp

Various Naegleria strains were examined to determine the possible origin and significance of membrane-bound black bodies that were found in all exponentially growing cell populations. The bodies, 40–80 nm in diameter, were distributed randomly in the cytoplasm of Naegleria with ultrastructural features typical of trophozoites. No evidence was obtained that the contents of the black bodies were synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and packaged by membranous components, which could be a primitive “Golgi complex” in these amoebae. Examination of cells in various stages of encystment indicated that at least some of the cyst wall material was synthesized and packaged by the rough ER. After condensation into amorphous granules in the cisternae, the cyst wall material appeared in vesicles of the rough ER; these were frequently seen in close proximity to the cell membrane in the vicinity of developing cyst wall. Amorphous granules (～100 nm in diameter), which had variable densities and did not appear to be membrane bound, were seen in the cytoplasm of encysting cells. The substance of these granules also seemed to be incorporated into the cyst wall. The membrane-bound black bodies appeared to be destroyed in lysosomal elements during encystment. The membrane-bound black bodies were concluded to be characteristic of trophozoites and unrelated to encytment of Naegleria.     

Effects of trifluralin on growth and differentiation of the amoebo-flagellate Naegleria

Abstract The microtubule-disrupting herbicide trifluralin (TFL) inhibits growth and flagellate transformation of the amoebo-flagellates Naegleria fowleri and N. gruberi . Growth is less sensitive than is flagellar transformation to TFL: 50 μM reversibly arrests growth while 10 μM irreversibly blocks transformation. Naegleria shows a high sensitivity to TFL like trypanosomatids and unlike the low sensitivity to mammals. TFL is potentially useful for the study of flagellate transformation especially since colchicine does not effect Naegleria . It is conceivable that TFL may be useful in the treatment of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by N. fowleri .     

超高静压协同中温对凝结芽孢杆菌芽孢灭活动力学规律的研究

研究了超高静压协同中温对凝结芽孢杆菌芽孢在磷酸缓冲液和牛奶(经超高温灭菌)中灭活的动力学规律,并对超高静压的升压过程及相应的灭活效果进行了研究.结果表明,升压过程对凝结芽孢杆菌芽孢灭活的影响不能忽略,且随压力增加这种效果越强,最高使其下降1.77个数量级;凝结芽孢杆菌芽孢在牛奶中比在磷酸缓冲液中有更高的抗性;在3种拟合模型(线性、Weibull和Log-logistic模型)中,线性模型不适合模拟这些存活曲线,而Log-logistic模型能更好地模拟这些存活曲线,其次是Weibull模型.     

超高静压协同中温对凝结芽孢杆菌芽孢灭活动力学规律的研究

研究了超高静压协同中温对凝结芽孢杆菌芽孢在磷酸缓冲液和牛奶(经超高温灭菌)中灭活的动力学规律, 并对超高静压的升压过程及相应的灭活效果进行了研究。结果表明, 升压过程对凝结芽孢杆菌芽孢灭活的影响不能忽略, 且随压力增加这种效果越强, 最高使其下降1.77个数量级; 凝结芽孢杆菌芽孢在牛奶中比在磷酸缓冲液中有更高的抗性; 在3种拟合模型(线性、Weibull和Log-logistic模型)中, 线性模型不适合模拟这些存活曲线, 而Log-logistic模型能更好地模拟这些存活曲线, 其次是Weibull模型。     

Ameboflagellate transformation I. Possible initiation of the ameba-to-flagellate transformation of Naegleria gruberi (NB-1) by divalent cation influx

The hypothesis that the ameba-to-flagellate transformation (AFT) of Naegleria gruberi (NB-1) requires Ca²⁺ and/or Mg²⁺ was tested with divalent cation blockers and competitors. Several compounds were found to decrease the rate and magnitude of the AFT as well as increasing the time of enflagellation onset. The compounds include: the chloride salts of lanthanum, cobalt, and manganese; C-600; and EDTA. These results suggest that the AFT requires the influx of Ca²⁺ and/or Mg²⁺.Supported by NIH Training Grant 5-T01-N505670     

高压力对限制性内切酶活性的影响

以质粒ｐＳＰＯＲＴ１为底物研究了高压力对Ⅱ型限制性内切酶ＨｉｎｄⅢ和ＸｂａⅠ反应的影响。高压力未引起两酶底物碱基特异性的改变,但二者反应活力均随压力升高而逐渐下降,ＸｂａⅠ对高压力更敏感。引起ＨｉｎｄⅢ和ＸｂａⅠ限制性内切酶活性完全丧失的压力分别为２００和１８０ＭＰａ,半失活压力分别为１３０和７５ＭＰａ。