Azov Anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus maeoticus (Engraulidae) under the Sea of Azov Salinization in 2014–2018

Journal of Ichthyology - The paper considers the effect of the Sea of Azov salinization on the food supply to anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus maeoticus as the level of salinity was rising from 12.7...     

The activation of the decapping enzyme DCP2 by DCP1 occurs on the EDC4 scaffold and involves a conserved loop in DCP1

The removal of the 5′-cap structure by the decapping enzyme DCP2 and its coactivator DCP1 shuts down translation and exposes the mRNA to 5′-to-3′ exonucleolytic degradation by XRN1. Although yeast DCP1 and DCP2 directly interact, an additional factor, EDC4, promotes DCP1–DCP2 association in metazoan. Here, we elucidate how the human proteins interact to assemble an active decapping complex and how decapped mRNAs are handed over to XRN1. We show that EDC4 serves as a scaffold for complex assembly, providing binding sites for DCP1, DCP2 and XRN1. DCP2 and XRN1 bind simultaneously to the EDC4 C-terminal domain through short linear motifs (SLiMs). Additionally, DCP1 and DCP2 form direct but weak interactions that are facilitated by EDC4. Mutational and functional studies indicate that the docking of DCP1 and DCP2 on the EDC4 scaffold is a critical step for mRNA decapping in vivo. They also revealed a crucial role for a conserved asparagine–arginine containing loop (the NR-loop) in the DCP1 EVH1 domain in DCP2 activation. Our data indicate that DCP2 activation by DCP1 occurs preferentially on the EDC4 scaffold, which may serve to couple DCP2 activation by DCP1 with 5′-to-3′ mRNA degradation by XRN1 in human cells.     

Relationships within theRugopharynx delta species complex (Nematoda: Strongyloidea) from Australian marsupials inferred from allozyme electrophoretic data

Relationships between the strongyloid nematodesRugopharynx delta, R. zeta, R. omega, R. longibursaris, R. mawsonae andR. sigma, all from macropodid marsupials, were investigated using allozyme data. The phylogenetic trees derived from the electrophoretic data set were congruent with those of the hosts and were consistent with the hypothesis that the species complex originated in pademelons of the genusThylogale and diversified in rock-wallabies (Petrogale spp.) and scrub wallabies of the subgenusNotamacropus. Host switching is evident only between closely related macropodid taxa.     

Effects of intranasally administered substance P in parkinsonian syndrome]

The effect of intranasal substance P injection on parkinsonian syndrome and the generator of pathologically enhanced excitation (GPEE) in caudate nuclei (CN) was investigated. MPTP or reserpine administration in old rats induced oligokinesia, rigidity and tremor followed by the high amplitude slow and rapid waves in both CN. The bilateral intranasal injection of substance P (25 micrograms/kg) resulted in an increase in motor activity and almost completely abolished the rigidity and tremor. The reduction of extrapyramidal symptoms was considered as a result of the inhibition of GPEE in CN. The possibility of substance P entry from nasal cavity into the brain was discussed. The changes of the substance P balance in nigrostriatal system was suggested to be on of the pathogenetic links of parkinsonian syndrome.     

An Inducible DamID System for Profiling Interactions of Nuclear Lamina Protein Component Lamin B1 with Chromosomes in Mouse Cells

At the level of DNA organization into chromatin, there are mechanisms that define gene expression profiles in specialized cell types. Genes within chromatin regions that are located at the nuclear periphery are generally expressed at lower levels; however, the nature of this phenomenon remains unclear. These parts of chromatin interact with nuclear lamina proteins like Lamin B1 and, therefore, can be identified in a given cell type by chromatin profiling of these proteins. In this study, we created and tested a Dam Identification (DamID) system induced by Cre recombinase using Lamin B1 and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. This inducible system will help to generate genome-wide profiles of chromatin proteins in given cell types and tissues with no need to dissect tissues from organs or separate cells from tissues, which is achieved by using specific regulatory DNA elements and due to the high sensitivity of the method.     

Quantification of short term signaling by the epidermal growth factor receptor.

During the past decade, our knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in growth factor signaling has proliferated almost explosively. However, the kinetics and control of information transfer through signaling networks remain poorly understood. This paper combines experimental kinetic analysis and computational modeling of the short term pattern of cellular responses to epidermal growth factor (EGF) in isolated hepatocytes. The experimental data show transient tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) and transient or sustained response patterns in multiple signaling proteins targeted by EGFR. Transient responses exhibit pronounced maxima, reached within 15-30 s of EGF stimulation and followed by a decline to relatively low (quasi-steady-state) levels. In contrast to earlier suggestions, we demonstrate that the experimentally observed transients can be accounted for without requiring receptor-mediated activation of specific tyrosine phosphatases, following EGF stimulation. The kinetic model predicts how the cellular response is controlled by the relative levels and activity states of signaling proteins and under what conditions activation patterns are transient or sustained. EGFR signaling patterns appear to be robust with respect to variations in many elemental rate constants within the range of experimentally measured values. On the other hand, we specify which changes in the kinetic scheme, rate constants, and total amounts of molecular factors involved are incompatible with the experimentally observed kinetics of signal transfer. Quantitation of signaling network responses to growth factors allows us to assess how cells process information controlling their growth and differentiation.     

Neutral alpha-mannosidase in human B- and T-lymphoid cells]

The presence of neutral alpha-mannosidase activity in normal and pathological lymphoid cells has been demonstrated. The specific activities of the enzyme in different cell types were similar with the exception of B-cells from B-CLL patients when it was a little higher. The activity of acid alpha-mannosidase was also determined in these lymphoid cells. The neutral to acid alpha-mannosidase activity ratio was different in B- and T-cells: in the former neutral alpha-mannosidase activity prevailed, whereas in the latter the predominance of acid alpha-mannosidase activity was apparent. Neutral alpha-mannosidases from pathological B- and T-cells were partially purified and their properties were investigated. In both cell types the enzyme was localized in the cytosol, was very labile and could be stabilized with Mn2+ and dithiothreitol. The enzyme was activated by Co2+ and inhibited by Zn2+ and EDTA. Swainsonine inhibited the B-cell neutral alpha-mannosidase somewhat more strongly in comparison with the T-cell enzyme.     

The combined action of microwave radiation and hydrogen peroxide on the viability and ultrastructure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells

The comparative study of the action of microwave radiation and hydrogen peroxide, as well as their combined action, on the viability and ultrastructure of P. aeruginosa cells has been made. The combined use of microwave radiation and hydrogen peroxide has been shown to decrease the viability of P. aeruginosa 1.5-2 times in comparison with the isolated action of each factor. The electron microscopic study of the ultrastructure of cells have shown the deterioration of the surface structures, nuclear and ribosomal apparatus of the cells under the isolated action of each of the above-mentioned factors or under their combined action. The morphological picture of these changes has proved to be different. The maximum changes in the ultrastructure of P. aeruginosa cells have been registered after the combined action of these bactericidal factors.