Molecular and cellular events during the germination of conidia of Sporothrix schenckii

Hyaline, non pigmented microconidia of Sporothrix schenckii were harvested and allowed to form germ tubes in a basal medium with glucose at pH 4.0 and 25 °C. These conditions supported only the development of the mycelial form of Sporothrix schenckii in a reproducible, synchronized manner which allowed further analysis of the early cellular events ocurring during the germination of the conidia. The relationship between macromolecular synthesis (DNA, RNA and protein synthesis) and nuclear division, hyphal growth and septum formation were established. Following inoculation, protein synthesis was observed after 10 minutes followed by RNA synthesis, after 1 h and DNA synthesis after 2 h. The first nuclear division was observed during the 9 to 12 h interval after inoculation. Germ tube formation slightly preceeded nuclear division and was first evidenced 9 h after the induction of germination but was not completed until 12 h after inoculation. Septation was first observed in the germ tubes 0.25 m from the mother cell-germ tube function 9 h after induction of germination.     

Effects of caffeine,cyclic 3′, 5′ adenosine monophosphate and cyclic 3′, 5′ guanosine monophosphate in the development of the mycelial form of Sporothrix schenckii

The kinetics of the development of the mycelial form of Sporothrix schenckii from yeast cells and conidia in a minimal basal medium with glucose at pH 4.0 and 25 °C were established. Germ tube formation was used as the index of germination for both yeast cells and conidia. Yeast cells were first observed to develop germ tubes after 3 h of incubation, reaching 92±5%, after 12 h of incubation. Germ tubes were first detected in conidia after 9 h of incubation, and 12 h after inoculation 92±6% of the conidia had germ tubes. After 24 h of incubation, fully developed, sporulating mycelia were observed from both yeast cells and conidia. A delay in germ tube formation from yeast cells was observed when But₂cAMP(10 mM) and But₂cGMP (10 mM) were added to the medium. Also the addition of caffeine, a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor, inhibited the yeast to mycelial transition. Conidial germination into the mycelial form was also inhibited when cAMP, But₂cAMP and caffeine were added to the medium. These results suggest the possible involvement of cyclic nucleotides in the control of dimorphism in S. schenckii.     

Molecular and cellular events during the yeast to mycelium transition in Sporothrix schenckii

Unbudded singlets from exponentially growing yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii were harvested, selected by filtration and allowed to form germ tubes in a basal medium with glucose at pH 4.0 and 25 degrees C. These conditions supported only the development of the mycelial form of S. schenckii in a reproducible manner which allowed further analysis of the early cellular events occurring during the yeast-to-mycelium transition. The relationship between macromolecular synthesis (DNA and RNA synthesis) and nuclear division, hyphal growth and septum formation were investigated during germ tube formation. RNA synthesis started 0 to 3 h after the induction of germ tube formation, followed by DNA synthesis and the first nuclear division, which took place between 3 and 6 h. Germ tube formation followed nuclear division and was first evidenced 6 h after the induction of germ tube formation, but was not completed until 12 h after inoculation. Septation was first observed in these germ tubes at the mother cell-germ tube junction 6 h after induction. Addition of hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis, to the medium, also inhibited nuclear division and germ tube growth, suggesting that these processes in S. schenckii are dependent upon DNA synthesis.     

Inhibition of nucleic acids synthesis in Chlorella by 2,4-dinitrophenol a unique concentration effect on DNA synthesis

Nucleic acids and protein synthesis in synchronously growing Chlorella cells were inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol. RNA and protein synthesis decreased gradually from about 100% at 0.1 mM to almost 0% at 10 mM dinitrophenol. DNA synthesis was strongly inhibited at 0.5 mM but less at 1 mM concentration of the inhibitor. Beyond 1 mM the inhibitory effect increased again. A transient exposure to 0.5 and 10 mM dinitrophenol was fully reversible and cell division after the inhibition proceeded normally except for a slight delay.Abbreviation DNP 2,4-dinitrophenol     

Differential deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis during microcycle conidiation in Neurospora crassa

In conidia of Neurospora crassa germinating at 25°C, DNA synthesis measured by incorporation of tritiated adenosine reaches a maximum soon after the outgrowth of the germ tube (6–7h after inoculation). In conidia heat-treated at 46°C (for 15h), a maximum of incorporation of the DNA precursor occurs already 1h after inoculation, then the incorporation progressively declines until the end of the heat-shock. When such conidia are shifted to 25°C, a maximum of DNA synthesis occurs during the development of the presumptive conidiophore as at the outgrowth of normal germ tubes. This wave of DNA synthesis is followed by a second maximum of DNA synthesis, occurring only in the microcyclized cultures, when the premature differentiation of proconidia takes place. Prevention of this second wave of DNA synthesis with hydroxyurea or 5-fluorodeoxyuridine respectively reduces or fully inhibits such induced conidial differentiation.     

Toxicity of methylglyoxal towards rat enterocytes and colonocytes.

Effect of methylglyoxal, a bacterial metabolic product, on protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis in rat enterocytes and colonocytes was investigated. Results showed that 1 mM methylglyoxal inhibited protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis to the extent of 65-85, 65-80, and 10-20 per cent, respectively, in villus and crypt cells and colonocytes. The inhibitory pattern was similar in these various cell types. The inhibitory effect on protein and DNA synthesis was more marked than that on RNA synthesis. Inclusion of thiol compounds up to 4 mM concentration did not protect the cells from the inhibitory effect of methylglyoxal. No alteration in the level of cellular reduced glutathione and glyoxalase enzyme activity was observed when cells were incubated with 2 mM methylglyoxal. These results suggest that the antiproliferative action of methylglyoxal on eukaryotic cells may be through the inhibition of macromolecular synthesis.     

Benomyl tolerance in Verticillium dahliae

In Verticillium dahliae isolates (‘wild type’) obtained prior to the advent of benzimidazole fungicides, growth of germ tubes and extension of mycelium were typically inhibited by benomyl at 0–3 ppm and 0.5-1.0 ppm respectively. Culture of such isolates in the presence of increasing concentrations of benomyl resulted in the selection of variants able to grow at 12.0 ppm. Conidia, and mycelium grown for 24 b, were each more sensitive to inhibition by benomyl than mycelium grown for 48 h. Mycelium of both wild-type and selected variants was still viable after treatment with 20 ppm benomyl in a nutrient medium for 112 days. Long-term treatments at 20 ppm caused the enlargement of mycelial cells and conidia, thickening of the cell walls and formation of large spherical inclusions apparently comprising or containing lipids.     

Adaptation to cycloheximide of macromolecular synthesis in Tetrahymena

Cycloheximide (CHI) at 10 ng/ml partially inhibited protein synthesis in exponential cultures of Tetrahymena Sp. At 20 ng/ml or greater, inhibition was complete. When protein synthesis was inhibited to any extent, cell division ceased immediately. In all instances where measured, synthesis of RNA and DNA also ceased. After a period of delay, cellular functions reinitiated in the order: (i) protein synthesis, (ii) DNA synthesis and, (iii) RNA synthesis and cell division. The delay in cell division was divided into three phases of: I, zero; II, low; and, III, fully recovered rates of exponential protein synthesis. The length of the three phases increased with increasing concentration of CHI Prior growth of cells for one generation in the presence of 7.5 ng/ml CHI (facilitation) eliminated phase I and slightly decreased phases II and III following subsequent challenge with an inhibitory concentration of CHI. Facilitation for six generations further decreased phases II and III. Protein synthesis and cell division were not inhibited during facilitation In the culture, succinate dehydrogenase activity did not increase during the delay but increased normally at the onset of division. In contrast, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity continued to increase for an hour after inhibition of protein synthesis, was constant for a period and did not increase again until an hour after reinitiatoin of cell division and RNA synthesis Inhibition of division of all cells was immediate and reinitiation of synthesis and cell division was non-synchronous.     

The mode of inhibition of the biosynthesis of phenylalanine ammonia lyase by its product cinnamic acid in aging potato parenchyma tissue

Excised potato parenchyma tissue upon aging in air and light, showed synthesis of RNA, as assessed by the incorporation of [₃H]-uridine, reaching a maximum in 18 h. The increase in RNA synthesis was in parallel with the increase in phenylalanine ammonia lyase synthesis. The treatment of the tissue, initially with actinomycin D at 15 μg/g tissue, or with trans-cinnamate at 3·5 mM, caused 65% and 50% inhibition of RNA synthesis, respectively. The inhibition was reduced to 20% by delaying the treatment of trans-cinnamate to the ninth hour. A comparative study on the nuclear fractions, isolated from trans-cinnamate treated and untreated aged parenchyma tissues showed that trans-cinnamate treatment inhibited thein vitro RNA synthesis by 38%. Studies on thein vivo synthesis of PAL and other proteins showed that trans-cinnamate treatment mainly impaired thede novo synthesis of PAL. The total RNA, isolated from trans-cinnamate treated parenchyma, was 66% less efficient in the translation of PAL, in cell free wheat germ protein synthesizing system. The translation product, purified by affinity chroma tography on phenylalanine conjugated sepharose-4B was found to be homogeneous and showed a single radioactive peak corresponding to protein band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.     

Effects of Fusarium moniliforme culture extracts and fumonisin B1 on DNA,RNA and protein synthesis by baby hamster kidney cells

Baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21) were exposed to culture filtrates of 4 Fusarium moniliforme isolates containing varying levels of fumonisin B1 (FMB1) and the effects upon RNA, DNA and protein synthesis were monitored. Cells were also grown on medium amended with FMB1 only for comparison. After 24 h incubation FMB1 (100 μg/100 ml medium) reduced protein synthesis by 4% and by 18% after 48 h. Culture filtrates containing the highest levels of FMB1 also caused the greatest inhibition in protein synthesis after 24 h but after 48 h protein synthesis levels were the same as controls even though the FMB1 level was 360 μg/100 ml. Only FMB1 reduced DNA synthesis, by 8% after 24 h but after 48 h DNA levels had increased by 40 % over controls. The culture filtrates containing the highest levels of FMB1 (360 μg/100 ml) reduced DNA synthesis more than 50% after 24 h and 48 h. Culture filtrates containing lesser amounts of FMB1 in some instances stimulated DNA synthesis and inhibited it in others. There was also no correlation in the level of FMB1 with the inhibition of RNA synthesis by BHK cells. It appears that metabolites other than fumonisin produced by F. moniliforme in culture can affect and both stimulate and inhibit RNA, DNA and protein synthesis by BHK cells. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The pattern of protein and nucleic acid synthesis in germinating spores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Summary Synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA is measured by incorporation of labelled precursors at different times during germination of Phycomyces spores.RNA and protein synthesis increases immediately after activation. DNa synthesis begins at a later stage (± 8 h) of germination when germ tubes are already present. Nuclear division occurs earlier in germination (±4–5 h) and is accompanied by a decrease in RNA synthesis. It can be concluded that at least most of the dormant spores are in the G2 phase of the cell cycle.Analysis of ribosomal RNA after pulse-chase labelling shows only three labelled compounds: a precursor molecule (2.25×10⁶ daltons) and the two mature ribosomal RNA compounds (1.4×10⁶ and 0.7×10⁶ daltons). This suggests that the two rRNAs are formed directly from the precursor molecule. Cycloheximide totally blocks the transformation of the ribosomal precursor molecule into mature rRNA.     

Biochemical aspects on the germination of conidiospores of Aspergillus niger

Summary Biochemical events occurring in synchronously germinating spores of Aspergillus niger strain 1617 were investigated. The spores were found to require l-proline (or l-alanine), glucose and phosphate for the complete germination. The germination process in the above synthetic medium could be divided into three phases: endogenous swelling, exogenous swelling and sprouting. The first swelling phase was not influenced by the severe environmental factors so far tested, while the second phase was found to be affected by them, especially the CO₂ concentration. Rates of increase in cellular substances and in consumption of environmental substances changed markedly after germ tubes sprouted. The first cellular synthesis thus far detected was nucleic acid synthesis in the exogenous swelling phase. At the end of this phase accumulation of free amino acids, mainly glutamic acid and alanine, was observed. Protein synthesis then followed. A conspicuous increase in O₂-uptake commenced in parallel with the active synthesis of protein, when germ tubes began to sprout.During the course of germination a shift of metabolic pattern from that of the spore to the mycelium was indicated by the ratios of total nitrogen/dry weight, RNA/DNA, oxygen consumed/glucose consumed, and oxygen consumed/total nitrogen taken at various time intervals.Rosalie B. Hite Post-doctoral Fellow of the University of Texas.     

Aspirin inhibits human coronary artery endothelial cell proliferation by upregulation of p53

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) is effective in the primary and secondary prevention of vascular events. This effect is mediated in large part by platelet inhibition; however, non-platelet-mediated effects may also be relevant in the overall efficacy of ASA. We determined the effect of ASA on the synthesis of DNA and total proteins in cultured human coronary endothelial cells (HCAECs). Fourth generation HCAECs were cultured and treated with ASA and rate of synthesis of DNA and total proteins was determined by incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [3H]proline, respectively. ASA inhibited DNA synthesis by 50% at a concentration of 1mM and protein synthesis by 50% at a concentration of 2mM. The inhibitory effect of ASA was observed as early as 2h after treatment of HCAECs. The inhibition of DNA and protein synthesis could be reversed within 24h after removal of the drug from the culture medium. Indomethacin also inhibited DNA and protein synthesis. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of p53 protein was increased after treatment of the cells with ASA. These observations indicate that ASA decreases endothelial cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest mediated by enhanced p53 expression. Arrest of endothelial proliferation and activation may be an important mechanism of the beneficial effect of ASA in acute coronary syndromes.     

苜蓿假盘菌侵染苜蓿叶片的细胞学研究

采用微分干涉相差显微镜、扫描和透射电镜技术系统研究了苜蓿假盘菌Pseudopeziza medicaginis在苜蓿叶片的侵染过程及超微结构特征。结果表明,接种4h后,子囊孢子萌发产生芽管;12h后,芽管以直接侵入的方式进入表皮细胞形成侵染菌丝;24h后,表皮细胞中侵染菌丝向相邻表皮细胞扩展,同时侵入到叶肉细胞以胞内生长方式扩展;接种72h后,侵染菌丝在表皮细胞下的叶肉组织中形成初始菌落;第5d后,菌丝扩展至整个叶片组织,大量菌丝聚集形成子座组织,并进一步形成子囊盘与子囊。病菌菌丝在侵入寄主细胞初期,并不穿透寄主质膜与原生质,而是被其所包围。但随着菌丝进一步扩展,叶片组织发生了一系列的病理变化,其中包括叶肉细胞肿胀、细胞质消解、叶绿体等细胞器解体以及寄主细胞坏死塌陷,并最终在叶表面产生典型的褐斑病症状。     

苜蓿假盘菌侵染苜蓿叶片的细胞学研究

采用微分干涉相差显微镜、扫描和透射电镜技术系统研究了苜蓿假盘菌Pseudopeziza medicaginis在苜蓿叶片的侵染过程及超微结构特征。结果表明,接种4h后,子囊孢子萌发产生芽管;12h后,芽管以直接侵入的方式进入表皮细胞形成侵染菌丝;24h后,表皮细胞中侵染菌丝向相邻表皮细胞扩展,同时侵入到叶肉细胞以胞内生长方式扩展;接种72h后,侵染菌丝在表皮细胞下的叶肉组织中形成初始菌落;第5d后,菌丝扩展至整个叶片组织,大量菌丝聚集形成子座组织,并进一步形成子囊盘与子囊。病菌菌丝在侵入寄主细胞初期,并不     

Autoradiographic detection of HPRT variants of human lymphocytes resistant to RNA synthesis inhibition

The feasibility of using RNA synthesis in freshly isolated, human peripheral blood lymphocytes to detect 6-thioguanine (TG)- and 8-azaguanine (AG)-resistant variants in an autoradiographic assay similar to that of Strauss and Albertini (1979) has been evaluated. In phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cultures RNA synthesis and HPRT activity began well in advance of DNA synthesis and increased in parallel during the first 44 h of culture. Introduction of TG or AG with PHA at the beginning of culture completely inhibited DNA synthesis during the first 44 h and reduced RNA synthesis to low levels within 24 h. When TG or AG was added after cells had been in culture for 38 h, DNA synthesis was reduced quickly while RNA synthesis was inhibited more slowly. An autoradiographic assay is described in which freshly isolated lymphocytes are cultured with PHA for 24 h, with or without TG or AG, then labeled with [3H]uridine for 1 h. TG-resistant and AG-resistant variant frequencies for 2 normal individuals and a Lesch-Nyhan individual were determined with this assay. The variant frequencies for the normal individuals ranged from 0.46 to 10.6 X 10(-5) depending upon the selective conditions used. All the Lesch-Nyhan cells were resistant to 0.2 microM-2 mM AG; some were sensitive to 0.2 mM TG and most were sensitive to 2.0 mM TG.     

Mechanism of Action of Showdomycin

Among the syntheses of DNA, RNA and protein in Escherichia coli cells, the DNA synthesis was found to be preferentially inhibited at lower concentrations of showdomycin. At such lower concentrations of this antibiotic, serious decreases in the synthesis of deoxycytidine phosphates and in de novo synthesis of deoxythymidine phosphates were found in parallel with the decrease in the synthesis of DNA, although the syntheses of other pyrimidine nucleotides were not significantly diminished. The salvage synthesis of deoxythymidine phosphates was very resistant to this antibiotic. The inhibitory action of this antibiotic on DNA synthesis could be reversed by the concomitant addition of a thiol compound or a nucleoside. When a nucleoside was added after the completion of the inhibition by showdomycin, the recovery of the DNA synthesis from the inhibition was detected only after the recovery of the syntheses of pyrimidine ribotides, pyrimidine deoxyribotides and RNA have become distinct.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF LYMPHOCYTE TRANSFORMATION INDUCED BY ZINC IONS

Lymphocyte cultures from all normal human adults are stimulated by zinc ions to increase DNA and RNA synthesis and undergo blast transformation. Optimal stimulation occurs at 0.1 mM Zn⁺⁺. Examination of the effects of other divalent cations reveals that 0.01 mM Hg⁺⁺ also stimulates lymphocyte DNA synthesis. Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ do not affect DNA synthesis in this culture system, while Mn⁺⁺, Co⁺⁺, Cd⁺⁺, Cu⁺⁺, and Ni⁺⁺ at concentrations of 10^-7–10^-3 M are inhibitory. DNA and RNA synthesis and blast transformation begin to increase after cultures are incubated for 2–3 days with Zn⁺⁺ and these processes reach a maximum rate after 6 days. The increase in Zn⁺⁺-stimulated lymphocyte DNA synthesis is prevented by rendering cells incapable of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis with actinomycin D or by blocking protein synthesis with cycloheximide or puromycin. Zn⁺⁺-stimulated DNA synthesis is also partially inhibited by 5'-AMP and chloramphenicol. Zn⁺⁺ must be present for the entire 6-day culture period to produce maximum stimulation of DNA synthesis. In contrast to its ability to independently stimulate DNA synthesis, 0.1 mM Zn⁺⁺ inhibits DNA synthesis in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes and L1210 lymphoblasts.     

Inhibition of DNA synthesis in permeabilized L cells by novobiocin

Novobiocin was equipotent in inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis in cultured mouse L cells. It also suppressed in vitro DNA and RNA synthesis in permeabilized L cells and nuclei; 50 percent inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis was obtained by 1 mM and 20 mM novobiocin, respectively. ATP antagonized the effect of novobiocin. Nalidixic acid had a weak inhibitory effect on in vitro DNA synthesis; 10 mM nalidixic acid showed 60 percent inhibition. ATP did not antagonize nalidixic acid. The inhibitory effect of novobiocin exceeded that of aphidicolin. These findings suggest a participation of a gyrase- and/or type II topoisomerase-like enzyme in the DNA replication machinery in L cells.     

Reversible inhibition of RNA synthesis and irreversible inhibition of protein synthesis by D-galactosamine in isolated mouse hepatocytes

Summary The inhibition of RNA synthesis of isolated mouse liver parenchymal cells caused by 10 mM D-galactosamine was reversible, while the inhibition of protein synthesis remained unaltered after the removal of galactosamine. 10^–5 M epinephrine and 10^–7 M glucagon have been shown to decrease aminoglycogen formation and thus to reduce the inhibitory effect of galactosamine on protein synthesis (11). However, these hormones did not decrease the inhibition of RNA synthesis. 10 mM D-galactosamine did not effect the nucleoside and amino acid incorporation of isolated non-parenchymal mouse liver cells. The predominant role of aminoglycogen in the inhibition of protein synthesis in galactosamine induced liver injury is discussed.