Thrombospondin is a substrate for blood coagulation factor XIIIa

Thrombospondin (TSP) is released from alpha granules of activated platelets, binds to platelet surfaces, and copolymerizes with fibrin. In the present experiments, we investigated the action of factor XIIIa (plasma transglutaminase) on TSP. Factor XIIIa catalyzed incorporation of [14C]putrescine into soluble TSP and ligation of TSP to itself and to fibrin intermediates. Proteolytic digestion of [14C]putrescine-labeled TSP with trypsin or thrombin yielded a labeled disulfide-bonded core of 90 or 120-130 kilodalton (kDa) subunits, labeled fragments of less than 10 kDa, and an unlabeled 30-kDa heparin-binding fragment, indicating the presence of multiple factor XIIIa reactive glutaminyl residues located in several domains of the molecule. TSP became ligated in fibrin clots formed from amidinated fibrinogen, i.e., fibrin that could not contribute lysyl residues to factor IIIa catalyzed cross-links. The disulfide-bonded core of TSP formed upon thrombin digestion copolymerized with fibrin as efficiently as intact TSP. However, a lower proportion of the disulfide-bonded core became ligated. These results indicate that TSP, both in clots and in solution, contributes glutaminyl and lysyl residues to factor XIIIa catalyzed ligation. Cross-linking may be important in stabilizing interactions among TSP, fibrinogen, or fibrin and other molecules in hemostatic plugs.     

Linkage of autosomal recessive lamellar ichthyosis to chromosome 14q.

We have mapped the locus for lamellar ichthyosis (LI), an autosomal recessive skin disease characterized by abnormal cornification of the epidermis. Analysis using both inbred and outbred families manifesting severe LI showed complete linkage to several markers within a 9.3-cM region on chromosome 14q11. Affected individuals in inbred families were also found to have striking homozygosity for markers in this region. Linkage-based genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis is now available for informative at-risk families. Several transcribed genes have been mapped to the chromosome 14 region containing the LI gene. The transglutaminase 1 gene (TGM1), which encodes one of the enzymes responsible for cross-linking epidermal proteins during formation of the stratum corneum, maps to this interval. The TGM1 locus was completely linked to LI (Z = 9.11), suggesting that TGM1 is a good candidate for further investigation of this disorder. The genes for four serine proteases also map to this region but are expressed only in hematopoietic or mast cells, making them less likely candidates.     

A new cloche design for elevating temperature in polar terrestrial ecosystems

A cloche design is described that is suitable for elevating temperature to simulate global warming in polar ecosystems. This cloche system was used in a manipulation experiment near Ny Ålesund, Spitsbergen, Svalbard. An average warming of 2.8 deg. C. was produced over a 60 day growing season, well within the range predicted by present climate models. The elevation effect is shown to be consistent over the diel cycle and throughout the short arctic summer season. Several advantages over previous designs of manipulation unit are highlighted.     

Factors limiting the distribution of Acyrthosiphon svalbardicum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Spitsbergen

The distribution of the high arctic aphid Acyrthosiphon svalbardicum was found to have a distinct limit in the Kongsfjorden area of Spitsbergen; the probability of site occupancy increased with distance from the fjord mouth and decreased with distance from the shore. Superimposed on this general distribution pattern, sites that cleared of snow early in the polar summer were more likely to be occupied by aphids. The phenology of the aphid was significantly affected by small changes in microclimate over distances of a few metres. The aphid only occurs in the warmer parts of the region, but laboratory cultures were successfully reared on plant material collected from colder regions that the aphid does not presently occupy. These observations suggest that the local distribution of A. svalbardicum is determined by summer thermal conditions. On a smaller scale, within patches where the aphids occurred, densities were higher on flowers and flowering shoots than on non-flowering shoots.